LIT - Leaders in Training
The Leaders in Training Program is a leadership development program designed to provide teens with the skills and knowledge to interact and communicate successfully with individuals and lead groups of all ages in a fun, safe environment.
Accepting LIT Applications for Summer 2023!
Click here for 2023 LIT Application >>
Click her for the 2023 LIT Handbook>>
- Social, educational, emotional and personal growth.
- Personal disciplines such as responsibility, patience, service, punctuality and persistence are developed and nurtured during the week-long LIT sessions.
Learn what it takes to become a leader! Help with campers during the day, participate in a service project, learn from local guest speakers in a unique environment! Participation is this program will help teens feel confident in the knowledge, experience and leadership skills needed to apply for a position working with children and be more confident decision makers and leaders within our community. Participants meet and are mentored by camp counselors and Kids First staff. Unlike counselors, however, LIT's are always supervised by staff when working with campers.
How Do I Apply?
Like a job, the first step of the program is the application which can be found online at www.KidsFirstCamp.com or it can be picked up at the Hospitality Desk at Kids First. Three references will be required as well! Those forms are available online or in the packet at Kids First.
Please fill our your LIT Application online at the link above.
Application Deadline is April 1st! Acceptance upon availability after deadline.
Fill out your LIT application early to secure your spot!
Field Trips (In addition to Camp-A-Palooza field trips)
The cost of these field trips and transportation are factored into the price of LIT camp.
2023 LIT-Only Field Trips
Week 1: June 5-9 - Matthew 25 Ministries
Week 2: June 12-16 - YMCA Camp Kern
Week 3: June 19-23 - Kings Island
Week 4: June 26-June 30 - Clutter 2 Care
Week 5: July 3-8 - Escape Room
Week 6: July 10-14 - Free Store Food Bank
Week 7: July 17-21 - Reds Game
Week 8: July 24-28 - Hope’s Closet
Week 9: July 31 - Aug. 4 - Top Golf
Week 10: August 7-11 - Dave and Busters
LIT Camp Fees:
- $750 for 5 weeks (You pick the weeks)
- $165 for each additional week
- $1,500 for all 10 weeks June 5-August 11
- LIT fees include lunches, two field trips each week (covers entry fees and transportation) and staffing associated with the LIT program.
**Field trips in 2023 are subject to reschedulings or cancellations. No refunds/credits will be granted for field trip cancellation.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Camp Department Leader, Julie Halusek by phone at 513-489-7575 or by email at jhalusek@kidsfirstsports.com
Testimonials
I just wanted to take a moment to let you both know what an incredible experience Daniel had this summer in the LIT program. He developed skills, refined others and learned a lot about himself during the 6 weeks he was an LIT. Daniel had only positive things to say about the people, the program, the choices and activities. Your approach with the teens was ideal and Daniel had a great deal of respect for the staff. He felt comfortable talking with you if he had any concerns or suggestions and was sure his voice was being heard. He was part of a true team and loved being a role model for the younger campers. Daniel is looking ahead and wants to complete the CIT program in the future, possibly another year of LIT too!
We want to thank you for providing such a quality experience for young teens. There are few programs that offer everything a young teen needs and the LIT program is a gem. By combining instruction & education, opportunities for fun, spending time with peers, giving back to others and mentoring younger campers, you have created an inspiring blend. Thanks again for a wonderful summer!
Department Leader
Julie will be overseeing our camp department as well as coordinating the Virtual Academy that will be beginning for Kids First families at home.
Julie joins the Kids First team after serving at the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati for the last 10 years and Mercy Healthplex in the years prior. She graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology. She has worked in the recreation field for the last 20 years running sports, camps, aquatic, fitness and membership programs.
Julie is happily married to her husband of 18 years and they have three sons, ages 15, 11 and 9. They all three enjoy playing sports including lacrosse, soccer and baseball. Her children were participants in Tumble Bees when they were little. Julie says, "I love the memories that we made at Kids First. I want to be a part of making memories for other children and their families."
Julie also said, "I want to make summer camp a great experience for kids and parents. I want kids to walk away learning something new and wanting to come back each day excited to be here. I want them to have a friend and feel welcome each day at camp." We are so happy to have Julie joining our team! When you see her for the first time, stop and say hello! 
