The traditional Leaders in Training Weekend is a program for teens comprised of creative workshops, targeted self-reflection, and experiential education activities designed to teach leadership, team-building, and communication skills.

In 2007, Camp Leo launched the Leaders in Training (LIT) program, implementing a new approach to meeting the needs of teens with diabetes. All teens with diabetes currently in grades 9-12 are invited to attend. Participants are supported in learning leadership skills in a safe environment. The creative problem-solving, listening, and communication skills taught by the program can be used year-round by the participants to improve their interpersonal skills, academic performance, and community leadership.

The LIT program has three main goals:

1. To guide teens with diabetes in learning the value of service and developing the skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary to be strong leaders both at camp and in their communities at home.

2. To improve and increase the training level of our camp staff and leadership, creating a culture that values the friendship, physical and emotional safety, and the leadership qualities that we strive for at camp. We teach our young leaders to comport themselves as role models.

3. To help support teens as they transition to increased self-reliance in their diabetes management.

Our LIT program focuses on learning how to live independently and responsibly with diabetes. We seek to teach teens not only how to become leaders at camp, but also in their own communities, schools, and peer groups.

In most years, campers entering grades 10-12 who attend the LIT weekend in the spring are eligible to apply to be a Counselor in Training (CIT) for Summer Camp. Learn more about this position below.

Who are Leaders in Training (LITs)?

LITs are campers currently in 9th-12th grade who choose to attend the Leaders in Training Weekend in the Spring.

Who can become a Counselor in Training (CIT)?

To become a CIT you must be a person with diabetes and entering grades 10-12. This includes individuals who have come to camp in the past as well as those who are new to camp. To apply you must attend the Leadership Training Weekend and fill out an application. CITs will be selected from this pool of applicants and informed whether they were selected after LIT weekend. Participation in LIT weekend does not guarantee a CIT position. We make decisions based on the skills we see revealed and developed during LIT Weekend, and we try to make room at camp for as many CITs as possible. If you are not selected please remember that you can always attend high school camp or apply again the following year.

What do CITs do at camp?

CITs are partnered with a cabin, learning leadership techniques from the cabin counselors and medical staff. Becoming a CIT is a great way to give back to the Camp Leo community and begin your path to camp leadership!

Leaders in Training Weekend Fee

Over the past 30 years, Camp Leo has never turned away a camper due to financial constraints. Type 1 United is committed to continuing this legacy. This year, all program costs will experience an increase to better align with industry standards and better support the organization. This increased fee is still subsidized by generous donors and supporters such as the Lions Clubs. You can read more about the program costs by visiting our FAQ PAGE

We never want finances to be the reason a child misses camp. Financial assistance is available and we encourage you to apply for a campership. Partial and full scholarships are awarded based on financial need, which is calculated by family size and adjusted gross family income compared to federal poverty guidelines.

LIT Weekend

• Program Cost $525
• Partial Scholarship $365
• Full Scholarship $100