Phase 1 - Phase 2 - Phase 3 - Phase 4 - Information for Parents
| Program Overview |
| The Leadership Training Program (LTP) is a four-phase initiative for youth ages 14-18. This year-round Trail Blazers' program challenges older children to apply what they have learned during their summers at Trail Blazers, to real-life situations at home. Those selected to participate in the program progress through a series of activities and work experiences at our site in New Jersey and in New York City – designed to help them set goals and to enable them to enter the work force and/or pursue higher education. While all four phases include experiences that will help the participants grow as leaders, each phase also has an important focus. |  |
Service
LTP teaches the value of community service and social responsibility through service learning activities both in New York City and at the site of Trail Blazers' summer program. In the city, LTP hosts volunteer outings to social service agencies like soup kitchens and meals-on-wheels programs. After each community service activity, our staff leads discussions to help participants reflect on their experiences.
At our Sussex County site, LTPers contribute to the Trail Blazers community in a number of ways. In the spring they participate in Gardening Weekend when they plant the community gardens that provide a great quantity of fresh vegetables to Trail Blazers each summer. In the autumn, LTPers come to our New Jersey site to harvest surplus vegetables and prepare soups and breads for Trail Blazers' Winter Environmental Education Weekends. These activities are designed to teach LTPers the value of community service, while helping them to build vital leadership skills such as cooperation, communication, and commitment to task completion
Role Modeling
LTP provides many opportunities for teens to act as positive role models for their younger peers. Our Winter Environmental Education Program provides participants with invaluable lessons in leadership and role-modeling. The first Winter Weekend serves as a leadership training weekend where LTPers learn techniques for working with younger children. During Winter Weekends, LTPers serve as peer leaders, helping staff guide children through the weekend's activities. After her first weekend as a peer leader, one LTPers noted, "they 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 LTPers. Each week, LTPers help to plan and lead Community Day, featuring events and activities for the whole Trail Blazers community. Through their poise and enthusiasm, LTPers make a huge impact on younger participants in Trail Blazers' program.
Personal Challenge
The four phases of LTP guide teens through challenges designed to enhance their leadership skills. Participants' rites of passage are based on personal challenge and achievement.
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PHASE I—Challenge |
Participants develop confidence in themselves through personal challenges. During the summer, they build their smallcamp and participate in an extended backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail . Through activities in the city and at our summer site, participants are challenged to reconsider their personal goals and expectations and to push the limits of their capabilities.
| PHASE II—Knowledge and Service |
Participants gain knowledge as leaders by taking part in Leadership Training Workshops. While at camp during the summer, they lead community events and assist with various jobs on the property. The 24-hour solo they participate in acts as a rite of passage for participants as they transition from being part of a group to being a responsible individual and leader. Participants continue to perform community service year-round at Trail Blazers 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 as well as training in working with children, behavior management, communication, co-working, safety, and liability. They receive a stipend for their work over the summer. In Addition throughout the year, a variety of opportunities are presented relating to sustaining employment and applying to college. Throughout LTP, participants are exposed to career development opportunities such as trips to career centers, and workshops in resume writing and interviewing. Our staff is also committed to helping participants through the college application process.
| PHASE IV - Professional Experience |
Trail Blazers helps participants find and apply for an internship with a New York City business. As they learn through hands-on experience, Trail Blazers counsels and assists participants in the intricacies and expectations of work, and what lies outside of high school. Examinations of continuing education opportunities, as well as discussions on goals are an important part of this phase. In the past LTPers have interned at Bloomberg Radio and Schoolnet.
| Infomation for Parents |
Who is invited into the Leadership Training Program?
The Leadership Training Program is offered only to Trail Blazers' participants who show the potential to be positive leaders both with their peers and with younger children. Teenagers who are invited to the Leadership Training Program have shown the ability to motivate and support others, challenge themselves physically and emotionally, and contribute positively to the Trail Blazers' community.
Who is accepted?
The Leadership Training Program accepts young people who have attended Trail Blazers' Summer Program and have demonstrated a genuine desire to continue to challenge themselves and to use their growing leadership skills at Trail Blazers and at home.
What other opportunities will my child have as part of this program?
- Visits to New York Area businesses such as Bloomberg News Radio.
- Community service projects such as working in a soup kitchen and delivering food to the elderly.
- Community of friends who also have an interest in the outdoors and in becoming a leader.
- Help in obtaining an internship in New York City.
- Valuable character building experiences.
- Experience to use on a resume and for college applications.
- Assistance in writing a resume and college essay.
Job references from Trail Blazers staff.