The Leadership Program
Community Service. Personal Resiliency. Kindred Mentorship. Shared Belonging.
Ages 16-17
Limited Spots! First Round Applications open 10/16/26 - 12/01/26
Get hands-on experience behind the scenes at Camp Ocean Pines. Teen Leaders help set up activities, help with evening programs, assist with meals, distribute camper mail, and more. They’ll also participate in leadership workshops to develop their own leadership style and traits.
Teen Program Leaders
Year 1 | Age 16
Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.)
Year 2 | Age 17
C.I.T.’s take the next step in their leadership journey by living in a cabin with campers and learning alongside cabin counselors. They’ll gain hands-on experience caring for campers, supporting cabin activities, and developing the skills needed to become a future counselor.
The Four Pillars of The Leadership Program
Community Service
Personal Resiliency
Kindred Mentorship
Shared Belonging
The Goals of the Four Pillars
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We believe in growth through service learning and being part of something bigger than ourselves.
Through the leadership program, teens will earn 40 hours of community service each week while serving at camp.
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By developing personal resiliency, we learn to navigate challenges, adapt to change, and persevere through setbacks. We recognize that how we respond to challenges shapes not only our own growth, but also the people and community around us.
We aim to grow leaders who can face adversity with courage, learn from their experiences, and continue moving forward while supporting and inspiring others.
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By welcoming others, celebrating our differences, and making space for everyone to contribute, we create a community where people feel seen, valued, and supported. We believe that belonging comes from knowing you have a place, a purpose, and people who are there to grow alongside you.
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The leadership program offers mentorship for teens and by teens. Teens are supported and guided by camp staff as they develop their leadership skills, while also having the opportunity to mentor and encourage younger campers. Through these relationships, teens learn that mentorship is a shared experience—growing through the guidance of others while helping the next generation grow alongside them.
“The teen leader program helped me find out what kind of leader I am and what kind of person I want to be in the world. At the same time, the program also helped me connect meaningfully with so many kids, and also with counselors who I looked up to and learned so much from.”
Tiered Payment Options:
Tiered pricing is a trust based system that allows you to pick the price that works for your family. We ask that you pay Tier 1 whenever possible to ensure camp prices stay affordable for families in need. Families that need additional assistance beyond tiered pricing can apply to receive financial aid which is supported by individual donations, organizations, and grants. You can find more on financial aid here.
Teen Program Leaders - Year 1
1 and 2 Week Sessions
Focused on the program side of camp, Teen Program Leaders work alongside camp leadership to support the daily programming and help create meaningful experiences for campers.
Teen Program Leaders will live in the camp yurts and assist with setting up and facilitating activities, evening programs, and other camp experiences. Through their role, they will gain hands-on experience in leadership, teamwork, and program planning while helping bring the camp experience to life for younger campers.
Eligibility: Teen Program Leaders must be 16 years of age. Prior camp attendance is recommended, but not required.
Session Dates
Session 1
June 13th - 18th, 2027
Session 2
June 20th - July 2nd, 2027
Session 3
July 4th - 9th, 2027
Session 4
July 11th - 23rd, 2027
Session 5+ 6
July 25th - August 6th, 2027
Pricing Tiers
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1 Week Session (Sessions 1 +3): $1,400
2 Week Session (Sessions 2, 4, 5+6): $2,600
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1 Week Session (Sessions 1 +3): $1,300
2 Week Session (Sessions 2, 4, 5+6): $2,500
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1 Week Session (Sessions 1 +3): $1,200
2 Week Session (Sessions 2, 4, 5+6): $2,400
Counselor in Training (C.I.T.’s) - Year 2
1 and 2 Week Sessions
Focused on camper care and cabin life, C.I.T.’s will live in cabin with campers and have an immersive experience learning from camp counselors.
After proper training, C.I.T.’s will take the lead on one camp activity option a day, leading options like field games, arts and crafts, and more! C.I.T.’s will always be supported by a camp staff member.
Eligibility: C.I.T.’s must be 17 years old and have completed one year of the teen leader program previously.
Session Dates
Session 1
June 13th - 18th, 2027
Session 2
June 20th - July 2nd, 2027
Session 3
July 4th - 9th, 2027
Session 4
July 11th - 23rd, 2027
Session 5+ 6
July 25th - August 6th, 2027
Pricing Tiers
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1 Week Session (Sessions 1 +3): $1,250
2 Week Session (Sessions 2, 4, 5+6): $2,300
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1 Week Session (Sessions 1 +3): $1,150
2 Week Session (Sessions 2, 4, 5+6): $2,200
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1 Week Session (Sessions 1 +3): $1,050
2 Week Session (Sessions 2, 4, 5+6): $2,100
Steps for Applying
Step One:
Decide if the program is right for you
Teens applying for The Leadership Program should be ready to let go of some of the camp magic for themselves in order to create that magic for others.
This might mean letting your cabin shower first, or stepping back so your camper can be the star of the evening program. Whatever it looks like, leadership means putting your campers first.
Step Two:
Fill out an application
First round applications open October 16th to December 1st, 2026
Second round applications open December 2nd to January 18th, 2027.
Additional spots may open in Spring 2027
Teens attending a Teen Adventure Trip or with a sibling in another program will have higher priority for a Leadership spot.
Step Three:
Interview and Register
First round applicants-invitation to interview: December 2nd, 2026
Application update: December 22nd, 2026
Second round applicants-invitation to interview: January 19th, 2027
Application update: February 9th, 2027
If selected, instructions to register will be sent to parents and caregivers.