Our summer Leader In Training Program is designed for teens 13–15 years old who are interested in working with kids and learning what it takes to be a great camp counselor. The program teaches leadership and socialization skills through team building activities, and emphasizes the importance of being a responsible youth leader. 

What are the requirements to become an LIT?
Simple: 

1) Fill out the Leader In Training application. Download.

2) Write a brief paragraph telling us why you are a good candidate for the program.

3) Get a letter of recommendation from your school principal.

4) Send in, or drop off your application, written statement, and letter of recommendation:

Ron Lewis

Leader In Training Program

Des Plaines Park District

2222 Birch Street  Des Plaines, IL 60018

After your application is reviewed, you will be asked to interview for the program with the Lake Park Camp

Coordinator, Mr. Ron Lewis. If you are accepted into the program, you will be able to register as an LIT for either Camp Chickagami or Camp Opeka.  

Is there an LIT program fee?
Yes. 

If you are accepted as an LIT, there is a registration fee for each week you are in the program.  

Camp Chickagami is $57 per week. (Session 4 is $48. No camp on July 4.)
Camp Opeka is $36 per week. (Session 4 is $48. No camp on July 4.)

There is an additional cost if you would like to participate in an Adventure Camp overnight camping trip. Those trips are taken every other Friday.

Note: There is no LIT discount for participating in Camp Eagle’s Nest, August 2–4.

To download a PDF of the Leader In Training Application, Click Here.

If you have questions about our LIT program, please contact Ron Lewis at 847-391-5700 or via e-mail at RLewis@dpparks.org.