Leadership Program

Dates and Rates

Dates: Monday, June 9th through Friday, August 8th

Tuition: $2,900

Applications will be available October 15th, 2024.

In addition to the standard CampMinder Application, each candidate will be required to submit an essay portion as well as three references. All components of the application must be submitted by Monday, December 2nd, 2024 in order to be considered for the Leadership program.

Requirements:

Candidates must have completed at least one summer at Clearwater and be rising high school seniors. Candidates must also be available for the entire camp season (6/9/25-8/8/25).

An Overview of the Leadership Program

Responsibilities: Our Leadership program is much like an internship. The Leaderships live together in a cabin (with 1-2 leadership counselors) and take on many of the responsibilities and duties of a cabin and activity counselor (i.e. teaching activities and supervising cabins) as well as unique leadership responsibilities (i.e. sorting mail, distributing packages, assisting in the dining hall, assembling photobooks, compiling our camper publication, and planning and running mid-session activities for full session campers). We often say that our Leaderships are the engine that powers camp. Their tireless work behind the scenes is what keeps camp running smoothly.

Time off: Leaderships have one free period per day in which they can rest, read, write a letter, or spend time with fellow leaderships. They also receive one “early-off” each week in which they can leave camp as a group to go out for a meal, hang out in town, or see a movie. Additionally, Leaderships have one 24-hour period off at the beginning of second session where they can choose as a group what they would like to do in or out of camp to relax and have fun together.

Additional Information: Each week Leaderships participate in a seminar which is led by 1-2 staff members. We call these “Teas” and they typically are centered around a topic having to do with leadership, personal growth, or coming of age. Some past topics have included communication and confrontation, what it means to be a leader at camp, teaching techniques, preparing for college, and personal wellness. The weekly teas tend to be a highlight for leaderships and give them an opportunity to slow down and reflect during what can often feel like a very fast-paced summer. The teas also allow leaderships to process their experience in real time and think about how they can apply what they are learning at camp in the “outside world”.

The Leadership program is designed for anyone who has completed at least one summer as a camper at Clearwater. Unfortunately we are not able to consider applicants who are new to camp as the responsibilities require a knowledge of camp schedules, routines, and traditions.

Participants may request to receive service hours for their work throughout the summer which can be very valuable in the college application process.

Why Would You Recommend the Leadership Program?

Thoughts from our 2024 Leaderships

Participating in Leadership summer was one of the best decisions I have ever made. More than being able to spend two months alongside my best friends and building incredible memories together, I learned that I am a capable strong young woman that can help others through hardships and celebrate the good moments. I challenged myself in many different ways, by leading activities, trying new things, and watching cabins which was incredibly rewarding.

You grow so much over the summer and there were so many little moments that made me feel incredibly proud. It is the best way to spend your summer. There might be college opportunities, sports, or you might feel like seven weeks is too long. I will tell you that nothing will be able to replace Leadership summer. I grew so much, in ways that will last my entire life, not just another four years at college.

I would definitely recommend the leadership program to others. This was my favorite summer at Clearwater so far. I was able to see the impact I made on the campers and I will take the lessons I’ve learned this summer with me for the rest of my life. Additionally, I created such close bonds with my fellow leaderships that I will cherish forever.

I would 100% recommend the leadership program. This summer was the most rewarding, special, and fun year I’ve had at Clearwater and I think everyone should experience it. It made my bond with camp even stronger and had a profound impact on my life.