GET INVOLVED

Program Description

The Leader in Training (LIT) volunteer program, designed for teens entering 9^th – 12^th grade in fall 2024, combines leadership development, science education, and environmental stewardship into one exceptional experience! Selected participants will develop their leadership abilities, responsibility, and independent decision-making while demonstrating their public speaking skills and scientific knowledge. Partnering with CuriOdyssey Educators, LITs help facilitate camp activities, prepare camp materials, and supervise campers for Camp CuriOdyssey 2024.

Time Commitment

Required Training: June 10 – 14, 2024 (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day)

A minimum of three weeks (120 hours) of Camp CuriOdyssey support between June 17 and August 16, plus ten hours of volunteer service during the academic year

Application Process

The applicant must complete their application and obtain two written recommendation letters on Friday, April 19, 2024. Applicants will be contacted within a few weeks regarding their application status and interview.

Major Responsibilities:

• Assist staff in facilitating science-based activities
• Supervise and be a positive role model for campers/visitors
• Assist staff in preparing program materials and activities
• Engage youth in student-driven science/engineering activities

Desired Qualities:

• A creative and curious person to be a good role model for children
• Interest in STEM and the natural world
• Responsible, and willing to take initiative
• Works well with others

Physical Demands:

The physical demands herein are representative of those that must be met by an LIT to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Environment: Volunteer work is conducted at CuriOdyssey and immediately local space at Coyote Point. Camp will take place indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.

Mobility: Physical ability and endurance to occasionally carry and lift heavy materials, up to 50 pounds. Frequently move from a sitting to a standing position. Traversing uneven surfaces, bending, reaching, sitting on the floor with children, and twisting are daily repetitive physical actions.

Required Training:

Leadership Development Training, June 10 - 14, 2024, is required for first-year LITs.

Topics will include:

• Enhancing your communication skills
• Science and engineering concepts and practices
• How to engage with campers in meaningful science experiences
• What it means to think critically and solve complex problems
• Centering diversity, equity and inclusion

LITs must be able to attend the full training, Monday – Friday, June 10 - 14, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day.

Training fee: $35

Scholarship funds available. In the application, applicants may request financial assistance to cover the training fee. The ability to pay for training will NOT affect the selection process.

Minimum Time Commitment:

• Once the training is complete, LITs must contribute a minimum of 120 hours of volunteer service between June 17 and August 16, 2024. This service is generally three full weeks of camp, volunteering 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Please note we will not be having camp on July 4 and July 5.
• LITs are welcome and encouraged to volunteer more than 120 hours.
• Volunteer schedules are determined and confirmed by early May.
• In addition to the summertime commitment, participants must also complete ten hours of facilitating activities alongside CuriOdyssey staff at any of CuriOdyssey’s public programs or events between October 2024 and May 2025. This will enable you to continue to learn and practice your leadership skills year-round.

To Apply

Please submit the participant and guardian Google form applications and recommendation letters no later than Friday, April 19, 2024. You can send recommendation letters by email to [email protected].

LIT Program Contacts

Romina Benedict, Education Specialist
[email protected]