Leaders In Training (Grade 9)

Leaders-in-Training wading in the shallows for marine study Leaders-in-Training in life vests and snorkel masks on a boat Leaders-in-Training girls together on an observation tower at sunset Leaders-in-Training wading with nets and buckets in the bay Aerial view of the Leaders-in-Training group by the water Leaders-in-Training gathered around a touch tank Leaders-in-Training gathered in an open-air pavilion Leaders-in-Training in a group huddle
9th Gradegrade just completed
One full weekco-ed
$450housing, meals and activities
By Invitationletters go out in January

The 9th Grade Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Program is a bridge between being a camper and becoming a leader at FFGC Wekiva Youth Camp. Program participants are selected from returning Wekiva campers recommended by our Program Leaders and Staff from the 8th Grade Environmental Education Program. Invitation letters are issued by the Program Coordinator to recommended participants in January each year.

Leadership and the Sea

The Leaders-in-Training group with their counselors under the oaks
LeadershipLeadership activities and training that prepare participants for future leadership opportunities.
Leaders-in-Training standing in the shallows studying marine life with field guides
Marine EnvironmentsLearning about Florida’s marine and coastal environments, out on the water and in the field.
Two Leaders-in-Training snorkeling in clear water
On the WaterTime on the water boating, swimming and snorkeling, with free time together in the evenings.

2027 Week for 9th Grade

WeekDatesSpaces
Co-EdWeek 1July 11 – 17By invitation

Invitation letters go out in January 2027. Use the grade your camper will complete in the 2026–2027 school year.

The Week

Leaders-in-Training learning about coastal habitats around a touch tank

LIT is a one week, co-ed Program that prepares participants for future leadership opportunities while learning about marine environments. Our week begins at Wekiva Youth Camp with leadership activities all day on Monday. For part of the week, the LIT group leaves Wekiva for the Marine Science Station in Crystal River where we spend time on the water learning about Florida’s marine and coastal environments while boating, swimming, and snorkeling. We continue leadership training in the evenings followed by free time on the grounds of the Marine Science Station. We return to Wekiva Youth Camp on Friday for closing ceremonies.

LIT Program participants are evaluated by our Program Leaders and Staff at the end of the week and recommendations are made to the Camp Director for consideration as Counselors-in-Training (CITs), an entry level staff position, for the following summer.

Getting Ready

Questions?Contact Program Coordinator Devon Villareal at CampWekivaLIT@gmail.com.
Who is invitedReturning campers recommended by our Program Leaders and Staff from the 8th grade EE program.
Next summerLIT participants may be recommended as Counselors-in-Training (CITs).
See the full 2027 schedule All programs and activities