The Leaders Program

Junior Counselor Leadership Development
for Rising High School Seniors

The Leaders Program is a three or six week staff position for junior counselors who are rising high school seniors.

This program allows young people to obtain legitimate work experience, develop leadership qualities and skills, and be mentored intentionally. We offer an uplifting and intensive opportunity for rising seniors to connect with and learn from experienced mentors and coaches, industry veterans, inspiring speakers, and peers to deepen interpersonal relationships, build relevant experience and skills, and begin creating a network that will support them for many years. “Leaders” will experience hands-on learning, explore public speaking and present/lead camper discussions, interact with mentors, participate in peer-to-peer on-court coaching sessions, learn about careers in the sports industry, and be exposed to hiring processes.

Participants will begin the evolution from junior counselors to leaders, laying the foundation for working in the sports industry – if so desired – while they continue their journey to becoming college students and/or college athletes. Leaders also will dive deeper into topics impacting today’s high school students including mental health, diversity, racism, and more. Leaders Program graduates have the opportunity to apply to be future counselors and directors in Arrow Wood’s camp programs as they advance through college and beyond.

Future Leaders Apply Here.

What to Expect:

Daily responsibilities as a cabin counselor and assistant coach/activity specialist in partnership with older, more experienced staff
Development of coaching/teaching skills in the “Leader’s” selected core sport or specialty activity (e.g., sports marketing and media, outdoor adventure)
Leadership development and mentorship through formal orientation, team building activities, one-on-one and group mentoring, hands-on learning, training sessions, and speakers and panel discussions
Preparation for future employment through conversations on applying for jobs, building your network, what employers are looking for, resume development, mock interviews, etc.
Time and ability to play, practice, and continue working on your skills in your core sport(s) or specialty activities including access to our strength and conditioning coach
Downtime to use our athletic facilities for workouts/games with likeminded athletes
Lots of fun with Campers and Peers!

Key Takeaways:

Highly selective program geared toward sports-minded young adults
Provides genuine, referenceable work experience – facilitating resume building
Interaction with college athletes and coaches, as well as sports industry veterans
Exposure to and experience with coaching and working with children
Introduction to and the development of the qualities and skills needed for effective leadership
Entre into the Camp Arrow Wood community, lifelong friendships, and a network of individuals who are passionate about sports

Speaker Spotlight

Throughout the summer 'Leaders' will be exposed to business executives, coaches, athletes, and sports professionals. Leaders will have the opportunity to not only listen, but to ask questions and interact.

Rod Payne

The Captain
What it means to be the Captain? Former Super Bowl Champion, University of Michigan All-American

Born in Miami, Rod left sunny South Florida to enroll at the University of Michigan thousands of miles away from home. That journey ended up with him being captain of the Michigan football team in 1996, an honor he has called the greatest of his life.

Mike Rutenberg

The Coach
From Cornell to the NFL Linebackers Coach – NY Jets

Known for his infectious energy, Coach Rudy will offer his insights to future 'leaders' and enlighten Camp Arrow Wood on his journey from being a lightweight football player at Cornell, to a college stint in New Mexico, to a longtime NFL assistant.

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Apply for Leaders Program

Questions? Contact us here.