Twin Eagles Mentor in Training Program
for Teens
(aka Counselor in Training)
Twin Eagles Mentor in Training (MIT) program (aka counselor in training) is an incredible opportunity for teens to step forward into becoming authentic nature based mentors and leaders. Twin Eagles MITs live life to the fullest as they experience deep connection with nature, heartfelt mentoring relationships, and a greater depth of self awareness.
The Mentor in Training (counselor in training) program is an adventure and thrilling challenge, as teens are brought to the edge of what they think is possible for themselves, and step into their greater potential. It's an opportunity for leadership training, edge walking, and to receive deeper layers of mentoring from seasoned Twin Eagles adult instructors. All of this is held within a village model of learning and experience. Teens have the unique opportunity of stepping into a mentoring role with Twin Eagles youth students and experiencing themselves as powerful role models and leaders. Teens take this journey alongside their peers and companions, as they pursue authentic expression of who they really are beyond the surface veneer of modern teen life. The bonds that form are rich and lasting, as our MITs feel more like family by the end of the experience.
This is important. As a culture, we need teens that are developing resiliency and powerful leadership at their core. They will be the leaders of tomorrow. The MIT program helps to make all this real in a very heartfelt and experiential manner. And that's exactly what teens want - authentic, real life experiences that serve as a testing ground for the unfolding discovery of their identity and purpose in the world.
As well, the Twin Eagles Mentor in Training program (counselor in training) is a valuable experience that is professionally recognized. Being an MIT is a valuable resume building tool. We are proud to have written recommendation letters for our past MITs to various colleges, universities, businesses, and other organizations when they have asked for our blessings and support.
Prerequisites
In order to apply for the Twin Eagles Mentor in Training Program (counselor in training), applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Be 14 years old or older
- Be passionate about nature
- Care about people
- Wish to develop themselves as a mentor and leader
- Have previously participated in at least one full program at Twin Eagles Wilderness School. We occasionally make exceptions.
Mentor in Training (Counselor in Training) Program Options
School Year Youth Programs
Twin Eagles Youth Programs happening during the school year are a great place to start as a Mentor-in-Training (Counselor in Training). MITs receive valuable training to become nature based mentors for youth ages 6-13, working alongside and being guided by our seasoned adult instructors. We offer a variety of youth programs to choose from:
- Monthly Youth Programs for kids ages 6 - 13, meet one consecutive Sat and Sun per month during the months of Oct, Nov, Mar & Apr. Monthly youth programs run from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. This year we are offering monthly youth programs in Spokane, WA.
Click here for more info on Twin Eagles Monthly Youth Programs. - Twin Eagles Community School Sandpoint is our homeschool nature program for kids ages 6 - 13, which meets once per week in three seasonal blocks (Autumn, Winter, and Spring). Twin Eagles Community School Sandpoint runs one Friday per week from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, in Sandpoint, ID.
Click here for more info on Twin Eagles Community School Sandpoint, our weekly homeschool program.
MIT Program Cost: Spokane Monthly Youth Progam 2023/24- $240. Community School Sandpoint Autumn 2023 - $210. Community School Sandpoint Winter or Spring 2024 - $150.
School Break Camps
These include our Winter Break Camps and Spring Break Camps. These are a great place to start as a Mentor-in-Training (Counselor in Training). MITs receive valuable training to become nature based mentors for youth ages 6-13, working alongside and being guided by our seasoned adult instructors. We offer a few school break camps to choose from:
- Spring Alive! Spring Break Camps for kids ages 6 - 13, meet for three consecutive days (Tue - Thu) during the spring break in April. Days run from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. This year we are offering a Spring Break Camp in Spokane, WA. Click here for more info on Twin Eagles Spring Alive! Spring Break Camps.
MIT Program Cost: Spokane Spring Break Camp 2024 - $90.
Summer Day Camps
Twin Eagles summer day camps are a great place to start as a Mentor-in-Training (Counselor in Training). MITs receive valuable training to become nature based mentors for youth ages 6 and up. We have a variety of summer day camps to choose from. MITs choose at least one week to join. Summer day camps run from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. MITs are present with the adult staff for one hour prior to arrival and two hours after departure, for preparation and debrief. MITs also join the adult staff for half a day of training the day before the camp starts. Click here for more info on Twin Eagles Summer Day Camps.
MIT Program Cost: Summer Day Camps 2024 - $150 per week long camp.
Summer Overnight Camps
Being an MIT at Twin Eagles summer overnight camp is the ultimate MIT experience! MITs join together with Twin Eagles adult staff the week prior to Twin Eagles Overnight Camp for 10-13 year olds. During this time they receive valuable guidance as a nature based mentor, they train in the art of camp setup, and they experience an unforgettable deep nature connection experience. Once overnight camp for 10-13 year olds starts, MITs step in to become nature based mentors for the 10-13 year olds. After the week of overnight camp for 10-13 year olds is over, MITs stay on site with adult staff for one extra evening to debrief the experience. This 10 day experience has been especially powerful and moving for the teens who have been a part of it! Note: MITs coming to this camp must be 15 years old or older. Click here for more info on Twin Eagles Summer Overnight Camp for 10-13 year olds.
MIT Program Cost: Summer Overnight Camp 2024 - $350 (includes food, lodging and extra training).
Regardless of the youth program, Mentors-in-Training (Counselor in Training) are present with the adult staff for one hour prior to arrival and one and a half hours after departure (beyond the times listed above), for preparation and debrief. MITs also join the adult staff for a conference call approximately one week prior to each session for training and preparation.
Mentor in Training (Counselor in Training) Financial Options
Having run our Mentor in Training program for teens for over fifteen years, we've mentored a variety of teen MITs at different experience levels. Remember, this is a role of service, and a role that needs training. While all teens receive training and grow in their capacity to mentor through our Mentor in Training program, there are some big differences when it comes to how the teens actually show up as an MIT at our youth programs.
Teens just getting started in their first few years as an MIT need lots of training in the basics, require significant time and energy from our instructors, and are just learning how to serve in meaningful ways at our youth programs. In these cases, we ask that these teens (typically in their first three years as an MIT) pay for their experience as an MIT. Cost for our day programs is $30 per program day (For example, $150 for a five day long summer day camp).
Some teens really have the basics down, and are able to serve our youth programs in significant ways. These teens have typically been an MIT for at least a few years. In these cases, there is no financial exchange at day programs.
Some teens, particularly the older teens who have been MITs for four years or more, have a LOT to offer our youth programs. In these cases we may offer these teen MITs a financial stipend.
One exception is our summer overnight camp for 10-13 year olds. This experience comes with a number of hard costs, including food and accommodations. As well, this experience includes several days before the camp actually starts where the teen MITs are with adult staff, without the campers. During this time, the teen MITs receive an especially rich training and deep nature connection experience. With these factors in mind, we charge $350 for all teens to be an MIT at our summer overnight camp for 10-13 year olds.
Each teen MIT is unique, and financial agreements are always made on a case by case basis by having a conversation with a Program Director and/or School Director. Please make sure you speak to us directly first, before completing this MIT Application Packet. Regardless of the financial agreement, every MIT can expect to be mentored by our instructors, learn, and grow in tangible ways.
Being an MIT is a blast! It is like working behind the scenes and playing a role in a play at the same time. I got to see all different kinds of kids and their interactions with each other. All the kids are beautiful little people in their own way. And it is so much fun! There are not many places where I can go to have this kind of experience, while sharing it with others at the same time. It creates a community like nothing else, and I know I'll never be the same again. It is wonderful to know that such a connection with the people around me is possible.”
- Stuart Lantz
To Apply
Applications are currently being accepted for the Twin Eagles Mentor-in-Training program at all of our 2023-24 school year programs and our 2024 summer camps.
If you have questions, please contact us.
Please Note: Our programs often fill to capacity with waiting lists, sometimes quickly. Your space in this program is not reserved until we have received both a completed application and a deposit, and you have heard from us that they have been accepted and registered. Thank you!
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