Camp Overview

"Leaders in Training" provides an opportunity for the youth of the South Plains to participate in a year-long program, which can facilitate leadership development, life skills, positive work ethic, and self-confidence. Young people ages 14-18 can enter the program as "Freshman Cadets", with the opportunity to continue in the program throughout their high school career by moving forward to "Senior Cadet". The program is built on consistency and solid role modeling, which includes peer mentoring throughout the program year.
The programming begins by having the teens and staff brought together for 14 days and nights for the Leadership Development Camp . The camp program is strategically planned, in order for each day to build on the day before – this allows for continuous encouragement for the Cadets to learn the difference between right and wrong and to develop the skills to make hard decisions. Before Youth Corps even begins camp, the process that takes place for selecting area youth to be a part of the “Leaders in Training” program begins in January with the recruitment phase.
Recruitment Phase
Beginning the middle of January, applications, brochures, and flyers are distributed to all middle and senior high schools in Lubbock and the surrounding areas. School personnel are encouraged to share this information with all their students. In an effort to “spread the word” information about Youth Corps and flyers are provided to the media and various retail stores throughout the city. In addition, the application can be obtained via the Youth Corps website and by calling the office. Once an application is completed, the young person is to bring his/her application with him/her to a scheduled interview date. Youth Corps strives to reach as many young people as possible each year, to encourage them to take that first step towards becoming strong leaders and productive citizens!
In addition to recruiting new Cadet Candidates, in 2010, Youth Corps opened up the recruitment to current or former Cadets who wish to continue in the "Leaders in Training" program.

Interview Process

Each Youth Corps candidate must complete a “Leaders in Training” application and participate in the interview process. Youth Corps schedules at least three separate dates and locations for applicants to participate in the interview portion of the selection process. Interviewers include board members, community volunteers, and parents/guardians of former cadets. The schedule of interviews is included with the application packet.

Selection Criteria

  • What he/she can bring to the program (leadership qualities, previous activities, etc. to be polished and serve as role-models for other individuals)
  • Those that need the program and have a desire to utilize this opportunity to make positive change.
  • The only definitive criterion is that the candidate must be between 14 and 18 (18 year olds must be going in to their senior year of high school). The Corps is ethnically diverse, includes males and females, and all economic ranges.

The Single Most Important Thread is the Candidate’s Desire to Learn, Grow, and Develop in to the Leaders of Tomorrow!

DIVERSITY IS A KEY COMPONENT OF THE PROGRAM

Once the selection process is completed, the young people selected are responsible for completing various forms and releases prior to camp starting. In addition to these forms, each young person must have a complete Medical Exam to insure he/she is physically able to participate in the training camp, as well as medical insurance.

Leadership Development Camp for Youth 14-18

Youth Corps provides a two-week camp, which facilitates physical, emotional, and spiritual support and mentoring for youth. The camp provides an opportunity for Cadets to participate in various Educational and Activity-Based Workshops, Community Volunteer projects, and life skills programming. In addition the Cadets have the opportunity to explore their Spiritual Awareness through devotion and song, led by a Spiritual Leaders in the community.

The Activity-Based Workshops include, but are not limited to the following:

  • ROPES Challenge Course - Spirit Ranch Retreat Center
  • Water Safety
  • Self Defense and Jui Jitzu Introduction - Tony "The Gun" Bonello Gym
  • Team Building (Squad Competitions; Tug-a-War)
  • Physical Training
  • Obstacle Courses

The Classroom Workshops include, but are not limited to the following:

  • ‘HEROEZ”
  • Leadership 101
  • Dating Violence
  • Comfort Zone
  • Drug/Alcohol Awareness
  • CPR/First Aid Certification
  • Appreciating Diversity
  • Continuing the Commitment
  • Personal Finance and Responsibility
  • Volunteerism
  • Getting the Job
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Project SAVE (Stop Alcohol Violation Early)
  • College Readiness
  • True Colors Workshop

The work projects include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Legacy Play Village
  • My Father’s House
  • Ronald McDonald House
  • MHMR
  • The Haven
  • Boys Ranch
  • Buffalo Lake Triathlon
  • Silent Wings Museum
  • Breedlove
  • Spirit Ranch
  • City Parks & Recreation
  • Boys/Girls Clubs
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Backyard Missions
  • Parkway Neighborhood
  • Lubbock State School
  • Refuge Services
  • American Museum of Ag
  • Red Cross
  • Water Safety Class
  • South Plains Food Bank
  • American Wind & Power

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