TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM PROGRESSION

While each year introduces new leadership skills, all Teen Leadership Program experiences revolve around strong personal character, college readiness, respect for diversity, environmental awareness and fun. 

Year 1 – Leading Myself

Rising eighth graders begin the first year of the Wyman Teen Leadership Program with four weeks at summer camp, where they learn more about themselves and develop fundamental leadership skills while participating in outdoor adventure activities and experiencing the best of camp life.

During the school year, student/campers are involved in four Wyman school year experiences, volunteer 40 or more hours of community service, and carry out their personal leadership development plan for the year.

Year 2 – Leading Others

As our leaders-in-training are preparing for ninth grade, the second year of the program builds on the first and emphasizes ongoing relationship with staff and peers. During their four-week summer camp experience, participants use their newly discovered skills to plan and perform the 24 hour Theatre Challenge and begin providing leadership for camp activities. 

They are involved in at least four school year activities and begin initial planning for next summer's Wilderness Trek. Community service requirements are at least 40 hours and teens continue to progress and report on their personal leadership plan.

Year 3 – Expanding My Horizons

During the summer before tenth grade, participants are challenged to demonstrate their leadership skills as they finalize planning and preparation for the 14-day wilderness trek. The trek, which is a multifaceted backcountry trip, provides real challenges and unique experiences as campers make decisions, solve problems, and learn to work together effectively. Upon returning, they spend the final days in camp reflecting on the trip and sharing their experiences with younger campers.

Throughout their sophomore year, they attend at least four school year events and complete 40 hours of community service.

Year 4 – Exploring My Future

Prior to their junior year in high school, these young adults move away from the outdoor camp experience and explore choices for postsecondary education and career opportunities. They embark on a 7 day college campus tour that takes them to regional schools and allows them to get a taste of what college life will be like. Along the way, they engage in a volunteer service project in one of the communities they visit. 

Throughout their junior year, they attend at least four school year events and complete 40 hours of community service.  They are offered opportunities to visit additional colleges and trade schools and attend college prep workshops.

Year 5 – Engaging My Community

In the final year, participants engage in a week-long community leadership experience designed to help them understand how decisions are made and how needs are met in the communities where they live. Teens have the opportunity to meet the people who are making a difference in their home communities, to create potential solutions to the unique problems faced by their communities, and to develop a multimedia presentation about their experience. 

During their senior year in high school, they attend at least four school year events and complete 40 hours of community service.