The Leadership Training Program (LTP) is a three-phase initiative for youth ages 14 to 17. This year-round program challenges participants to apply the skills they have learned during their summers at Trail Blazers to key areas of their lives, including school, relationships with family and friends, and career and college aspirations. Those selected to participate in the program progress through a series of activities and work experiences at our sites in New Jersey and New York City. While all three phases include experiences that help participants grow as leaders, each phase also has an important focus: Service,
Role Modeling, or Personal Challenge.
For LTP participants, the program presents other unique opportunities and benefits:
‣ Community service projects
‣ A community of friends who also have an interest in the outdoors and leadership
‣ Valuable character-building experiences
‣ Experience useful for resumes and college applications
‣ Job references from Trail Blazers staff
Service
LTP teaches the value of community service and social responsibility through service-learning activities. These activities also help participants build such vital leadership skills as cooperation, communication, and commitment to task completion.
In the city, LTP hosts volunteer outings to such social services agencies as soup kitchens and meals-on-wheels programs. After each activity, our staff leads discussions during which participants reflect on their experiences. At our Sussex County site, participants contribute to the Trail Blazers community in a variety of ways. During the spring Gardening Weekend, they plant community gardens that provide fresh vegetables for our summer program. In autumn, participants harvest surplus vegetables from the garden and prepare soups and breads for Winter Environmental Education Weekends.
Role Modeling
LTP provides many opportunities for teens to act as positive role models for their younger peers. Our Winter Environmental Education Program provides invaluable lessons in leadership and role-modeling. The first Winter Weekend of the season is a leadership training weekend where LTP participants learn techniques for working with younger children. During subsequent Winter Weekends, participants serve as peer leaders, helping staff guide children through each weekend's activities. After her first weekend as a peer leader, one participant noted, "[The children] look up to me. I enjoy being their friend and leader at the same time."
During the summer, peer role modeling is one of the primary responsibilities of LTP participants. Each week, they help plan and lead Community Day, featuring events and activities for the entire Trail Blazers community. Through their poise and enthusiasm, they make a huge impact on younger participants in the Trail Blazers program.
Personal Challenge
The three phases of LTP guide teens through challenges designed to enhance their leadership skills. Participants' rites of passage are based on personal challenge and achievement.
PHASE I—Challenge
Through activities in the city and at our summer site, participants develop confidence while they are challenged to reconsider their personal goals and expectations and push the limits of their capabilities. During the summer, they build their entire smallcamp, including shelters, beds, table, and campfire circle, and participate in an extended backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail.
PHASE II—Knowledge and Service
While at camp, participants lead community events and assist with various jobs on the property. Each LTP Phase II group completes one major community service project on-site that has long-term benefits for the Trail Blazers program. Projects have included building paths, creating nature curriculum, and maintaining special program spaces.
The 24-hour solo is a rite of passage for participants as they transition from being part of a group to being responsible individuals and leaders. Each participant’s skills, knowledge, and independence are tested as he/she sets up personal shelter, prepares foods, and reflects on the Trail Blazers experience. During this phase, they also perform community service year-round at camp and in their home communities.
PHASE III—Practicum
Participants apply and interview for a position as a Trail Blazers Junior Summer Staff Member. They receive on-the-job training in working with children, behavior management, communication, co-working, safety, and liability and receive a stipend for their work.
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Who is invited into the Leadership Training Program?
The LTP welcomes students who meet the following requirements:
‣ Have attended at least one summer session
‣ Demonstrate potential to be positive leaders for their peers and younger children
‣ Be entering the ninth grade
‣ Maintain a C average
In addition, participants must complete specific requirements each year to attend the summer portion of LTP. These include:
‣
A community service project of at least eight hours
‣ An essay on community service and leadership
‣ An application specific to the participant’s LTP phase
‣ An interview with a member of the year-round Trail Blazers staff
‣ Attendance and positive participation at a minimum of two LTP weekends during the school year