Leadership Development Institute (LDI) 2.0
Our Leadership Development Institute (LDI) 2.0 program expands on the
skills developed in the two-week LDI program, giving teens the chance to build
on their leadership skills and learn the art of facilitation. LDI 2.0 is a three
week program – participants spend two weeks at Orkila taking on more leadership
in the camp environment with a deeper emphasis on youth work and service, and they
spend seven days sea kayaking around Orcas Island.
Community plays an
important role in the LDI 2.0 program. This three-week course challenges teens
to work together and build a cohesive group, which in turn creates deepened
connections amongst the participants and their trip leaders. LDI 2.0 is a great
way to develop responsibility, and provides avenues for self-discovery. By combining
youth work experiences with intentional workshops and activities, teens have
the opportunity to take on a bigger role in defining their camp experience.
Teens will also have
a more robust wilderness experience as they embark on their sea kayaking
expedition. For seven days, they will work together to navigate the waters
around Orcas island, returning to Orkila having paddled around 32 nautical
miles of coastline. More time spent on the water means stronger skill
development and more opportunities for leadership as each teen takes on the
responsibility of guiding their peers as “Leader of the Day”.
Upon completion of an
LDI 2.0 course, teens will leave Orkila with increased knowledge about themselves
and their own capabilities, having built connections with a community of peers,
and having made a difference in the lives of young people. Many of these
lessons and experiences will transfer directly into their lives outside of
camp, and teens will return to school, clubs, sports teams, and other
activities as stronger and more competent leaders.
LDI 2.0 is a level 3 program in Camp Orkila’s Teen Leadership
Progression. Each step is
progressive, building upon lessons from the previous experience. Completing
this sequence is a great way to prepare for applying to join the Orkila
summer staff, though completion is not a prerequisite of
employment.
Click HERE to see a
sample LDI 2.0 schedule
LDI 2.0 Program Specifics
Food and Lodging
LDI 2.0 participants
stay in open air cabins in Tracy Strong Village. Cabins are co-gendered. While
on their expedition, participants will sleep under tarps, separated by gender.
Participants at camp have meals in Tracy Strong lodge and work together to cook
meals while on expedition.
Expedition Component
As LDI 2.0
participants, teens will embark on a seven-day sea kayaking expedition and
attempt a circumnavigation of Orcas Island – carrying everything that they need
with them in their sea kayaks. Teens will have the opportunity to be “Leader of
the Day” with another participant and will spend each night camping under
tarps. The goal of this trip is to help teens develop strong peer-to-peer
leadership skills and grow self-confidence through wilderness travel and skill
development.
*Camp Orkila can also provide clothing and equipment for
participants unable to provide their own – Please call us at 206.382.5009 if
you have a need or any questions.
Service Component
Service is a big
part of leadership. Every LDI session incorporates a planned service
component so the group can contribute to the Orkila or Orcas
Island community in a small but impactful way. Service
projects have included partnering with local farms to plant or harvest
vegetables, working with community organizations and improving camp
infrastructure. Upon completion of the program, participants receive 20 hours
of community service. LDI 2.0 participants will also complete a culminating
project that they will develop themselves.
Workshops
In addition to traditional camp
activities, LDI 2.0 participants will also have the opportunity to take part in
some intentional workshops. All LDI 2.0 participants will learn about
leadership, communication techniques and working with youth. Our Trip Leaders
may also incorporate other workshops and activities that explore community
development, storytelling, facilitation and other areas of interest.