For campers ready for what comes next
AICL Leadership Program
The Leadership Program gives older campers and young adults a way to practice collaboration, responsibility, creativity, and care in a real camp community.
Some participants are still campers. Some are preparing for staff roles. All of them are learning how to help make camp work for the people around them.
All Campers
Leadership skills can show up in regular camp classes through collaboration, group projects, problem-solving, and shared responsibility.
Leaders-in-Training
Campers ages 13+ can take leadership-focused classes that help them practice planning, communication, teamwork, and reflection.
Camp Apprentices
Post-high school participants up to age 20 can return in a mentored role that feels more like an internship than a camper experience.
Leadership at AICL is collaborative
At AICL, leadership does not mean being the loudest person in the room. It means noticing what a group needs, helping people feel included, trying ideas, solving problems, and learning from mistakes.
The Leadership Program gives campers and young adults age-appropriate ways to practice those skills while staying connected to the camp community.
Our 2025 Youth Leadership Director Noah Johnson presenting our very first class of Camp Apprentices.
Leaders-in-Training
For campers ages 13+
The Leaders-in-Training program is for campers who want to practice leadership while still participating in camp as campers.
Leadership Lab
Campers ages 13+ can take Leadership Lab to build collaborative leadership skills through projects, discussion, planning, and practice.
LIT: Ignite the Night
Rising juniors and seniors can enroll in LIT: Ignite the Night during Week 1 and/or Week 2. Participants help design and lead a Friday evening activity, learning what it takes to plan something that works for a whole camp community.
Camp Apprentices
For post-high school participants up to age 20
The Camp Apprentice program is for young adults who are ready for a role that is different from being a camper.
Camp Apprentices receive mentorship, join staff-facing conversations when appropriate, and practice the skills needed for future roles at AICL, other camps, classrooms, youth programs, or community spaces.
Available tracks
- Future Teacher
- Future Counselor
- Teacher/Counselor Combo Experience
Participants do not need to have attended AICL before. Adherence to AICL’s Code of Conduct if a former camper is required.
From a former Junior Counselor (nka Camp Apprentices)
"I really enjoyed being back at camp as a JC! It's like finally getting to get a glimpse behind the scenes of how camp functions and learning about how you can contribute to it. I loved being able to plan activities and come up with ideas for the week, and engaging with all of the campers is always a rewarding experience. It's exciting to finally be a"ble to see all of the love and effort that goes into making AICL the best it can be for everybody.
— Piper
Have questions that this page doesn't answer? Have feedback on this new version of our Leadership Program? Reach out to us at: info@appalachianinstitute.org.
