Leadership Programs

As we prepare for a much-needed feeling of renewal in the post-COVID-19 world, we are more determined than ever to support our youths’ mental wellness, self efficacy, resilience, and sense of community. A teenager’s life experiences will shape their adult life. With this in mind, we have created two dynamic leadership training experiences: with the power to influence their future positively.

Both of our programs, Junior Counselors and the Leaders in Training Program are designed to teach our campers how to: strive to do their personal best, be true to themselves, be good environmental stewards and make a positive difference in their homes, schools and communities. This is done through fun, dynamic and engaging activities - all outdoors!

We believe that good leadership stems from figuring out the following: who I am, how to be the best version of myself that I can be, and how I can contribute positively to the people and environment around me. At Camp Makemake we see ourselves as a part of nature, humans are simply another species in the larger ecosystem of the natural world and we hope to instill this deep sense of connection to nature in our campers. Through a series of exploratory individual and team-based activities and challenges, teens enrolled in our programs will explore this connection, find their individual voices and develop a range of fundamental leadership skills. The teens will be supported throughout their leadership journey by trained coordinators who will provide them with coaching, guidance, and constructive feedback. Join us this summer for a unique and unforgettable formative experience!

TEEN LEADERSHIP CAMP

JUNIOR COUNSELORS

Sessions 1 - 6

15 - 17 year olds

Teenagers who have attended our camp for one or more years are welcome to apply to become Junior Counselors. We have very limited spaces available for junior counselors each week and will only be accepting individuals who are excellent role models, are committed to caring for the environment and demonstrate the necessary language and leadership skills needed. This is a highly personalized training and leadership experience. The cost for the camp is the same as you are still officially campers, but you will be given responsibilities and asked to work as role models for the younger campers doing a wide variety of of jobs ranging from reading bedtime stories to leading campfire songs, to organizing games. You will be assigned a mentor counselor and will be given special leadership workshops, guidance and certain tasks and challenges to complete throughout the camp week. You will be given constant feedback and depending on your performance a letter of reference to use for future employment or college applications. If you want to apply to be a JC please fill out a camper registration form indicating the week you would like to come and we will be in touch with the next steps.

LOGISTICS

JCs will sleep in tents that we provide with other teens of their same age and sex.
Private bus transport to and from Santiago will be provided.
JCs will need to bring their own lifejacket, sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
Nutritious and delicious meals and snacks will be provided. Special diets can be catered to.

OBJECTIVES

To have fun.
To meet other teens from different schools and parts of Chile.
To make lifelong friends and memories.
To connect deeply with nature
To try a range of different activities.
To have a break from day to day routines.
To gain confidence and learn to be more independent.
To become part of an inclusive and caring community.
To become environmental stewards.

REQUIREMENTS

Be 15-17 years old
Have attended at least one Camp Mákemáke as a camper
Speak English and Spanish

LEADERS IN TRAINING
PROGRAM

12 - 14 year olds Jan & Feb, 2023

About the program

This experience runs alongside the regular Camp Makemake Sessions. It is designed to teach leadership skills, including communication, decision-making, environmental stewardship and conflict resolution. These skills and more are taught through a wide variety of activities.

Our LITs are still campers, they will participate in some of the camp activities along with the other campers. They will be given extra responsibilities and privileges as they are expected to behave as role models for the younger children. The LITs will work as a close knit unit forming a unique and supportive mini community, guided by our LIT coordinator.LITs will learn about caring for the environment and implement the 7 Leave No Trace principles:

Plan ahead & prepare.
Travel & camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impact.
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors

Objectives

Have fun and make friends!
Improve confidence, time-management, and communication skills.
Develop strategies and solve problems with curiosity, risk-taking and collaboration.
Recognize that a caring community also means caring for and protecting nature.
Understand group dynamics, leadership styles and the roles that people play within a group.
Explore and use empathy, kindness and respect.
Adapt and thrive in an unknown environment.

Wilderness Challenge

During the week the LITs will participate in a special overnight Leave no Trace wilderness trip.

PLANNING:

Using the Leave No Trace principals, the LITs will plan the trip, including creating a supply list, a packing list and menu. They will also choose a location for their campsite.

IMPLEMENTATION:

The LITs will hike to their camp spot, carrying their own supplies, put up their own tents, make their own campfire, cook their own food (based on a menu they have planned and prepared) and be led in wilderness leadership and environmental stewardship activities by our LIT coordinator.

REFLECTION & ANALYSIS:

Once they have returned to Camp Makemake the LITs will reflect upon their experience, analysing what went well, what didn´t and how they could have improved their experience.

Benefits

The LITs will gain invaluable skills and experience that can will prepare and empower them to succeed in all areas of their lives.

AUTONOMY:

Our LITs will have the chance to practise making decisions in a safe and supportive space. They will become aware of how their decisions affect everything and everyone around them and will be taught how to make choices that are guided by values and care for the environment.

CONFIDENCE:

Taking a clear leadership role at camp, guiding younger campers and participating as a valuable member of a community who has opinions and ideas that are important and matter will all build confidence. As will spending a week away from home!

SELF REFLECTION:

Our LITs will have the opportunity to reflect on their own abilities and the way that they approach others, their environment and the experiences that are offered to them.

LIT program