LEADER IN TRAINING
(LIT)
OVERVIEW
Over the years, one of the top priorities of the Kedleston leadership team has been to train up young men and women who have a desire to grow in their walk with Jesus and provide opportunities to develop their skills as young leaders. While KGC has always had an emphasis on training up young leaders, the LEADER IN TRAINING Program, initiated in 2011, does this in a more formal manner. We hire LIT Directors whose purpose is to mentor, disciple, and train teens through one-on-one interaction, group sessions, personal devotional time, and practical acts of service.
How does LIT Work?
Jr LIT
- 1 week long and is geared for those aged 13-14
- Typically runs during the week of Senior Teen Camp
Sr LIT
- Pre-requisite for all 16+ staff in high school
- For ages 15-16
-Requires a 3 camp commitment (1 week training + 2 weeks service)
- Training week usually runs during the weeks of Junior Teen camp.
At Sr LIT the training week focuses on discipleship, team-building, servanthood, and practical training. During the "practicum" portion of the program, Sr LIT's would then be directly involved with co-leading cabins or assisting with skills and activities. Sr LITs must be able to commit to returning for, ideally, the Kids and Pre Teen Camps in July/August.
How do I join LIT?
In two easy steps! (See more admission details further down on this page.)
1. APPLY
There is an application AND reference process for LIT. Applications will become available on our website on March 15th. You can then complete the application to apply for the Jr or Sr LIT program.
2. REGISTER
If you have been accepted into the program, we will provide you with a code to complete your registration and payment for the LIT program.
JOIN US THIS SUMMER!
ADMISSION
There are a limited number of spots for the LIT Program and participants will be chosen based on an application process that includes references. Where more applications are received then we have spots for, age and readiness for the program will be considered. The program is designed for teens who are serious about their walk with Jesus and desire to develop their leadership skills by way of discipleship and mentorship. Applicants should be growing daily in their relationship with Christ, active in their church and youth group, and serving in their church or community.
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Successful completion of the Sr LIT program is required for all high school students prior to applying for or being considered for a paid staff position at Kedleston.
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Applicants should be:
- growing daily in their relationship with Christ
- active in their church &/or youth group
- serving in their church or community
DETAILS
JUNIOR LIT
AGES: 13 - 14
DATE: July 5-10, 2025
COST: $185
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SENIOR LIT
AGES: 15 - 16
DATE: July 12-17, 2025
plus working at the following camps:
7-10 Kids Camp (July 27-30, 2025)
Pre-Teen (August 10-14, 2025)
COST: $185
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APPLICATIONS OPEN FEBRUARY 15th!
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Wait-time
We allow 1-1.5 months for applications and references to be received. After this time we will begin communicating acceptance to applicants.
We will only review an application after we have received both reference forms. It is the role of the applicant to ensure that references receive the form link.
APPLICATION FORMS:
LEADER-IN-TRAINING (LIT) APPLICATION
PASTORAL/ADULT ONLINE REFERENCE FORM
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Successful applicants will be given a CODE to register online. Please complete the online LIT application only and DO NOT register for the LIT program until receiving your notice of acceptance.
MEET THE DIRECTORS
AIDAN & MELISSA SMYTH
Aidan and Melissa are recent graduates of Eston College, and have a huge passion for discipling the next generation of leaders. Melissa grew up going to Kedleston camp, and both her and Aidan are incredibly excited to be involved in the LIT program this summer. They have been involved in youth ministry for over 7 years and have seen Jesus move in powerful ways all across Canada. When they aren't doing ministry, Aidan and Melissa love to hike, read, cook, play board games, and invite people over to play on their GameCube.
OUR LITs SPEAK
HEAR WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY!
'Growing up going to KGC, it was my dream to be an LIT. When I finally got there, it kinda shattered my expectations. I was put into a cabin as an assistant leader but my cabin leader got sick so I was alone leading 6 kids! I faced it head on and it was, hands-down, one of the best experiences of my life. I had so much fun and it was even better the next year. I didn't think I would be able to lead the cabin alone but thanks to the incredible teaching I received during my LIT training, I was able to make it through and have so much fun along the way. LIT taught me so much about leadership and I'm so excited to use those skills I learned for the rest of my life.'
- Josh
'The Junior LIT program allowed me to become closer to God and learn many new skills to achieve a leadership role. I was able to enhance my public speaking with opportunities to put that information into practice. I feel like I vastly improved throughout the week. The speakers/leaders were very interesting and encouraging. It is hard to put into words how close I came to the Lord. My experience at Kedleston will shape my walk as a Christian and as a leader. I have made lasting friendships. The tips and info given about excelling as a leader will stay with me. They are simple but show respect for others.'
- Avery
'As parents, we are so thankful for the leadership skills you have introduced our son to and the impact of God that you have made in his life. It is so different coming from someone who isn't his parent.
Thank you for taking a chance on him and growing his ability to believe in himself, giving him the opportunity to grow spiritually, and develop the skills of leadership. This was a huge boost of confidence, both spiritually and in connecting with or making new friends.'
- Parent of an LIT
