Noblesville Parks and Recreation has created a new teen mentorship program this summer for ages 13-16 to learn and lead children at Noble Kids Camp, the full-day, week-long summer camp.
In addition to providing a place to grow friendship amongst other teens looking to become leaders, the mentorship program will have a unique adventure opportunity every other week, as well as, engage the participants in a weekly service project.
“We are excited to offer this new program to help mold our community’s future leaders and provide an outlet for teens seeking something fun to do during the summer,” Recreation Director Nichole Haberlin said. “We also want to teach teens skills that will continue to benefit them long after camp is over, like interviewing skills, organization and scheduling.”
All teens will interview for the position of Counselor in Training, be required to go through staff training from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 5-7, and be given specific tasks for the week. Teens must contact Nichole Haberlin at (317) 770-5750 or nhaberlin@noblesville.in.us and set up an interview by Friday, May 26.
Participants will get to create their own schedule as long as they work six hours a week. Teens will be assigned different rolls and tasks each day which will include creating games for children, making a child feel welcome at camp, help the staff member stay on schedule and manage all the children. To protect the mentorship program participants, no teen will be one-on-one with campers, able to assist with restroom issues or provide first aid beyond calming a camper.
“We encourage six to 20 hours a week working with the campers to ensure they get the most out of this program,” said Haberlin. “Teens can use the hours spent at camp towards any service hour requirement they might have.”
The cost of the program is $200 which includes a staff shirt, and all the expenses with their adventure days. Adventures include Edge Adventure, canoeing, horseback riding and escape rooms. On these adventure days, counselor staff will focus on a professional development subject. Some adventures will require guardians to drop off and pick up teens from adventure sites.