What happens at a leadership camp?

Leadership, counsellor-in-training, and teen service programs shift older campers from participants toward responsibility — helping with younger groups, running activities, and community service. Training sessions on group management, safety, and communication. Shadowing or assisting with a younger camper group. Reflection or debrief time, plus service work in some programs.

How should we prepare for a leadership camp?

Be clear whether this is a paid role, a volunteer commitment, or a program you pay for — all three exist and look similar in listings. Ask whether service hours are documented, if your teen needs them for school. Expect a real schedule commitment; CIT programs are less flexible about arriving late than day camps. Talk through the shift in role — being responsible for younger kids is a genuine adjustment.

What should we ask before booking a leadership camp?

Is this paid, volunteer, or tuition-based? Are service hours certified for school requirements? What is the path from this program to a paid role next summer?

Activity guide

Leadership camps

Leadership, counsellor-in-training, and teen service programs shift older campers from participants toward responsibility — helping with younger groups, running activities, and community service.

Find leadership camps near you

153 camps on Campser mention leadership activities. Narrow by area and your child's age.

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What a day usually looks like

Training sessions on group management, safety, and communication
Shadowing or assisting with a younger camper group
Reflection or debrief time, plus service work in some programs

How to prepare

Be clear whether this is a paid role, a volunteer commitment, or a program you pay for — all three exist and look similar in listings.
Ask whether service hours are documented, if your teen needs them for school.
Expect a real schedule commitment; CIT programs are less flexible about arriving late than day camps.
Talk through the shift in role — being responsible for younger kids is a genuine adjustment.

Worth asking before you book

Is this paid, volunteer, or tuition-based?
Are service hours certified for school requirements?
What is the path from this program to a paid role next summer?

Some CIT programs charge tuition while the teen effectively works. That is not wrong, but it should be a decision you make knowingly.

What Campser lists

153 camps mention leadership activities in their verified source text, from 97 providers.
Published prices run from $135 to $6,120.
Most are in Alexandria, VA (31), Washington, DC (25), Fairfax, VA (15), Bethesda, MD (8), Arlington, VA (8), McLean, VA (6).
Last verified July 14, 2026 — see how we verify camps.

The guidance above is Campser's general advice about this kind of camp, not a claim about any listing below. Camp facts come only from each provider's own site. Coverage is Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, Bethesda, MD, Chevy Chase, MD, and nearby communities.

Imagination Stage

Imagination Stage Summer Camps

Theater

Ages: Ages 4-18; calendar includes ages 4-5, rising K-2, 2-4, 3-5, 1-5 Access, 5-8, 6-8, 5-9, 6-10, 7-12, 8-12, and 9-12 camps
Price: Calendar examples: ages 4-5 half-day $540-$595; many full-day K-8 camps $540-$595; musical production camps $975-$1,750; teen evening intensives $240-$300; advanced filmmaking $1,500; payment plans and financial aid available
Location: Main address 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814; 2026 calendar location key includes Imagination Stage Bethesda, American University DC, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School Rockville, Takoma ES Washington DC, and Unity Dance Bethesda

2026 details verified · 2026-06-29