Our Teen Leadership Program is another true advantage Cybercamps Academy has over a typical computer camp. The TLP is a fantastic opportunity to learn leadership skills by helping others and leading beyond-the-software projects. This is the perfect program for those looking to improve themselves and have a great reference to list on a college application or a resume. But most importantly, the TLP teaches real-life skills that help youth throughout their lives.

Right up front, here are a few things you need to know about the Teen Leadership Program:

• As a Counselor-in-Training (CIT), you do not teach classes.
• This is an extremely intensive leadership program that keeps you focused on your own curriculum and tasks for over half of each day.
• CITs do not lead Subject Meetings or Special Interests Groups.
• As a CIT, you'll get a chance to practice your leadership skills during the time we spend each day playing outside recreation and games.
• CITs are considered participants in the Cybercamps Academy program.

With this understanding, we'd love for you to consider applying for the TLP program.

Before you are selected as a CIT, you will need to fill out an application which includes several essay questions. Once your application is accepted, you will interview for a spot in the Teen Leadership Program with the National CIT Coordinator. The CIT Coordinator is your guide for the summer. He or she receives your assignments and maintains frequent e-mail contact with you. The CIT Coordinator is also responsible for determining whether or not you have accomplished the TLP goals and are eligible to graduate from the program.

Some of the experiences and tasks you accomplish as a CIT include:

• Participate in weekly chat sessions with CITs from across the country.
• Work through the 25 leadership topics and associated activities.
• Write daily journal entries/ blogs.
• Create an online professional profile with a resume and letters of reference to use in college applications.
• Work on your own technology skills so you stay ahead of the curve.
• Practice group leadership by facilitating activities and games with other campers.
• Troubleshoot camper projects and offer one-on-one peer support.

Once you have completed three weeks of CIT training (including all your assignments), and when you have the approval of the CIT Coordinator and your Academy Director, you can graduate and become a Counselor Intern. An internship lasts for three weeks.

After you finish the internship, you are eligible to become a paid staff person. If you are over 18, you can become one of the full time staff. If you are only 17, you will be a Junior Counselor until you reach 18. Junior Counselor positions are only available to those who have come through the Teen Leadership Program. If you are 18, but have not yet had a year of college, you are not eligible to be on staff unless you have gone through the entire Teen Leadership Program.