Pine Tree Camp’s new Leadership in Training (LIT) program is the only one of its kind in Maine. LIT provides motivated high school students of all abilities hands-on experience working at camp through a structured program designed to help them explore and prepare for future careers.

“Leadership in Training provides incredibly talented young people of all abilities a way to learn job skills that will help grow our workforce here at camp and carry over into any career they choose to pursue,” said Pine Tree Camp director, Dawn Willard-Robinson

The pilot launched last summer with a small, diverse group, including eighteen-year-old Shane. 

“You get to meet so many people and learn a lot about different ways to communicate,” he said. “I definitely want to come back and do it again next year.”

His mother, Kristine, couldn’t agree more. 

“They saw his strengths and placed him in roles he was really good at,” she said.  “They were very supportive of his growth and wanted him to succeed.”

This summer, as overnight camp returns to full capacity, LIT will expand from three to 10 participants.

“Everything we do at Pine Tree Camp is reliant on a committed team and, as we continue to expand, our Leadership in Training program will ensure a committed workforce long into the future,” said Dawn.