A group of teens dressed up A group of teens dressed up

Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Summer Camp: Taking Leadership To The Next Level!

Take teen leadership to the next level at YMCA Camp Kern! LIT Plus is a two-week summer camp leadership experience that builds on our historic LIT program, giving teens greater responsibility and hands-on opportunities to strengthen their confidence, inde

A group of teens

Ready To Take The Next Step? LIT PLUS Gets You There!

Participants build essential leadership skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, group dynamics, and program development while gaining hands-on summer camp experience and developing the skills needed to become future camp staff and leaders.

LIT PLUS is a two-week teen leadership program at YMCA Camp Kern for teens ready to build confidence, independence, teamwork, and leadership skills. Participants enjoy traditional summer camp activities while taking on new leadership challenges, including a special weekend experience designed to put their skills into action.

Through hands-on leadership development, meaningful friendships, and the fun of summer camp, teens take the next step toward becoming confident future camp leaders.

2027 Session Dates & Availability:

 
Session 1 (June 7th-12th)Registration Open!
Session 2 (June 7th-12th)Registration Open!
Session 4 (June 21st-26th)Registration Open!
Session 6 (July 5th-10th)Registration Open!
Session 8 (July 19th-21st)Registration Open!
Tuition$1,700/week
girl on the water slide

Ready to start your adventure at Camp Kern?

Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for the best summer ever. Camp Kern is waiting – are you in?

Every child deserves a chance to experience camp.

We offer financial assistance to help make Camp Kern accessible for all families. Visit our Financial Assistance page to learn more — we’re here to help.

Your Camper’s Week at a Glance: What to Expect at Camp Kern

Discover what your child can expect at YMCA Camp Kern’s Traditional Camp! From cabins to campfires, explore the daily routine, activities, and supportive environment that make our overnight camp unforgettable.

8:00 AM – Check-In
9:00 AM – Morning Assembly
9:30 AM – Activity 1 (Archery, Canoeing, Arts & Crafts, etc.)
10:35 - Water & toilet Break
10:45 AM – Activity 2 (Mini mine shaft, pete's tower, gaga ball, etc.)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Swimming
2:30 PM – Activity 3 (Canoes, Climbing, Arts & Crafts, etc.)
3:45 PM – Snack
4:00 PM – Activity 4 (Nature center, slime, field games, etc.)
5:00 PM – Check-Out

Outdoor Adventure & Nature

  • Nature Hikes

  • Wilderness Skills (fire building, shelter making)

  • Creek Exploration

  • Environmental Education

  • Animal Encounters (camp farm animals)

  • Bug Hunts

  • Star Gazing & Astronomy


Water Fun

  • Canoeing

  • Kayaking

  • Swimming in the Pool

  • Lake Play (stand-up paddleboards, splash games)

  • Water Olympics

Challenge & Ropes

  • Climbing Wall

  • High Ropes Course

  • Zip Line

  • Team-Building Low Ropes

  • Trust Falls & Group Challenges


Creative Arts

  • Arts & Crafts

  • Tie-Dye

  • Nature Art

  • Face Painting

  • Friendship Bracelets

  • Camp Journaling


Sports & Games

  • Archery

  • Gaga Ball

  • Basketball

  • Soccer

  • Ultimate Frisbee

  • Volleyball

  • Camp-Wide Capture the Flag

  • Counselor Hunt

  • Scavenger Hunts


Drama & Performance

  • Skit Night

  • Improv Games

  • Talent Shows

  • Lip Sync Battles

  • Campfire Songs & Storytelling


Evening & All-Camp Programs

  • Opening & Closing Campfires

  • Cabin Challenge Nights

  • Themed Dance Parties

  • All-Camp Games

  • Glow Night

  • Night Hikes

  • S’mores & Reflections

Sunday – Welcome Campfire
Kick off the week with songs, s’mores, and getting to know your cabin.

Monday – Village Games 
Start your week off with friendly competition amongst the other campers in your village.

Tuesday – Camp Out/Cook Out Night
Sleep under the stars after a night of fire-cooked food, stories, and classic camp fun with your cabin.

Wednesday – Big Game
Team up with your cabin mates solve the mystery and save Camp Kern from the villain of the week!

Thursday – Closing Campfire & Vespers
End the week with songs, stories, recognition, reflection ,and meaningful goodbyes.

Friday – Underseige, Camp Dance & Talent Show

Finish your week with an epic tag game, dancing, and memories to last forever.

Breakfast

  • Scrambled eggs

  • Pancakes with syrup

  • Turkey sausage

  • Fresh fruit

  • Cereal & milk

  • Water & 100% juice

Lunch

  • Grilled cheese or deli sandwich

  • Tomato soup

  • Veggie sticks with ranch

  • Apple slices

  • Cookie

  • Water or lemonade

Dinner

  • BBQ chicken

  • Mac & cheese

  • Steamed broccoli

  • Dinner roll

  • Salad bar

  • Water or fruit punch

Snack

  • Trail mix

  • Granola bar

  • Frozen fruit pops

  • Goldfish crackers

  • Water jugs available all day