Middle School
SPREE offers a unique opportunity to transfer from camper to leader, developing new skills while continuing to learn about our local waterways and what it means to be a good steward. Parents can rest assured that middle schoolers are gaining independence while getting guidance and knowledge they can use in all parts of their lives.
Growing Leaders Along the River
Just because you’re too old for camp doesn’t mean you can’t still be a part of SPREE. Middle schoolers have a chance to take their SPREE experience to the next level through the Greenway Leaders in Training (LIT) program. Campers who have been part of SPREE in the past can put their river knowledge and social skills to work developing into future leaders. This is an opportunity to buddy with younger campers and assist teachers – you even teach lessons!
I attended SPREE as a camper every summer until I aged out of the program. I was devastated that I could no longer attend my favorite summer camp and continue learning about our river and the environment until I found out about the opportunity to be an LIT! I applied, was selected, and began possibly the most influential experience of my middle school life.
Every summer I came to SPREE as an LIT and took on new and exciting roles. It was my first real experience in having adult responsibility and while it was intimidating at first I soon began to grow into the role and feel empowered. Being a LIT also helped me grow my confidence in myself and my abilities and allowed me to learn and practice leadership skills in a constructive environment where it was ok to make mistakes. The SPREE staff are some of the kindest and most dedicated educators I have ever had the pleasure of working with and they always encouraged me to grow!
As a kid who, like many others, had a rough middle school experience SPREE always provided me a safe space where I could regain my confidence and learn new leadership skills. Being an LIT helped foster my love of the environment and encouraged me to return to SPREE as a full fledged high school River Ranger which I have enjoyed immensely for the past three years! Now that my time as a Ranger is coming to a close, I am headed to CSU where I will be pursuing a degree in environmental education! I owe much of who I am today to SPREE and being an LIT helped launch me into my path. Being an LIT is a great way for middle schoolers to grow their confidence and work ethic, learn how to take on leadership roles and responsibilities, and stay involved with the amazing SPREE program! I will never forget my time as a LIT and I hope that you decide to become one too and experience the growth, self discovery, and love that I did!
Leaders In Training
Extending the SPREE Experience
SPREE’s Leaders in Training (LIT) program is for middle-school-aged former SPREE Campers. Who better to pass along the lessons and enthusiasm to younger campers? LITs assist teachers, teach lessons, and are buddies to younger campers. LIT opportunities are available both for SPREE Summer Camp and SPREE School Break Camps.
Both of my kids had a fabulous two weeks. I can see real growth in how my child interacts/fulfills the LIT role, and my daughter jumped in with both feet and was super excited to participate in all sorts of leading/teaching aspects. Thank you. This is an awesome opportunity for the kids, and we, as parents, appreciate what you’re doing to keep them engaged and learning as they get older.
SPREE was an awesome experience (again) for my son. The reports we got from him and the SPREE staff at HQ all point to a summer of learning and growth – especially as they relate to him taking on the role of Leader in Training. It was a fantastic opportunity for him, and I want to thank you for all your work in pulling this together and creating a great pathway to more experience and responsibility within SPREE.