Teen Leaders

Teen Leader Information

• Per policy, Teen Leaders must be 14 on or before January 1 of the camping year. 

• Teen Leaders must go through an application and interview process. The application for each camping year will be posted as it becomes available. Typically, applications are due and the interviews occur before training begins in January.  Interviews typically last about 15-20 minutes and are held at the Extension Office or over Zoom.  

• Teen Leaders pay a reduced fee compared to Campers and CITs.  The Fee will be TBD for 2026. 

• In order to be considered qualified and ready for camp, Teen Leaders must have 24 hours of training prior to camp and complete the Test to Determine Readiness for Camp (TDRC).  Teen Leaders must go through training and take the test every year, regardless of prior service.  Training dates and accompanying information will be sent once finalized, with multiple opportunities to attend training.  Please make every effort to be available on those dates.  We understand that life happens and may be able to make some accommodations, but part of being responsible includes scheduling appropriately and notifying Extension personnel when you are unable to make the training.  Teen Leaders who miss too many training sessions run the risk of not being able to finish the program.

• Further, we ask that all Teen Leaders complete 2 hours of community service during their training, preferably with younger children so that you get practice prior to camp.  This can include volunteering with a 4-H Cloverbud Club, church youth group, a school group, babysitting free of charge, participation in other 4-H projects, etc.  If your school requires community service, we will also sign off on your participation in camp to satisfy those requirements.