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Leaders in Training (Ages 14-17)
The Leaders in Training (LIT) program offers teens ages 14 - 17 fun, faith and fellowship in a safe and peaceful environment with opportunities for personal growth. Our project-based learning initiatives provide leadership responsibility for teens to engage in social justice issues that interest their cohort of co-learners. The LIT program at Tall Turf Ministries is one of the most transformative experiences a teen can have.
Tall Turf is an intentionally diverse ministry with both staff and program participants coming from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds. At Tall Turf, teens are exposed to the wonderful diversity of God's kingdom, both in terms of people, and the world we live in. Youth learn how to live with, communicate with and ultimately love people who come from backgrounds and cultures very different than their own. This is an important step in bringing together people to help create lasting transformative change in our community and beyond.
Tall Turf Ministries is a Christian organization. Our belief that we are each distinctly created in the image of God is one of the foundational truths that we communicate to our program participants. However, we believe that the truths we communicate are relevant for people of all faith backgrounds and contexts.
School Year Program
Each annual LIT school year cohort consists of a group of 6 teens are supervised and mentored by adult ministries staff. Through education and service, teens will learn and experience:
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Social advocacy
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Career exploration
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Hands-on learning
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Devotions and bible study
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Youth development
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Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM)
The program will take place at our office located at 2010 Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, MI 49507. Transportation to educational activities and service opportunities will be provided from our office by our ministries staff.
Summer at Camp Tall Turf (June through mid-August)
Leaders in Training are paid $40/day and all housing, meals and activities are provided during camp. Ten LITs are hired each summer. The LITs employed with Tall Turf Ministries are overseen by adult mentors while at camp. The mentors supervise and facilitate the growth of the LITs during their employment.
Working for Camp Tall Turf as an LIT is a unique experience that helps teens discover their full potential in Christ. Leaders in Training learn about characteristics of positive leaders, discover their strengths, set and achieve goals and learn the importance of working together through service. LITs are empowered through responsibility to learn what leadership is all about.
Tall Turf Ministries serves around 500 youth ages 8 - 13 annually. The LITs provide support for adult counselors and staff responsible for programming and meal service. LITs may indicate their interests and special skills in their application to help determine their camp assignments. Some additional experiences that LITs may have include leadership training, sports, science, arts and adventure programming.
Transportation for LIT staff is provided from the TTM office (2010 Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, MI) and White Cloud. Camp is located 70 miles northwest of Grand Rapid in a town called Walkerville in Oceana County.