CARD Youth Leader Program

Six youth leaders in green shirts pose together outside near a fountain and a bear statue.

Become a Youth Leader- lead the way, inspire young minds, and grow as a leader!

Are you ready to boost your confidence, build your resume, and make a real difference in your community? The Youth Leader (YL) Program is a mentorship opportunity for teens in grades 6–12 to develop into dynamic, capable leaders and community members.

Each week includes a 1-hour Level Up Lab and 1.5 to 3 flexible on-site hours with an experienced mentor (hours subject to program availability). Register for your Youth Leader's preferred program, set your availability, and mark your calendar with the mandatory orientation dates below. Specific on-site program information will be provided at the Youth Leader Orientation.

💰Fee: $155

Spring Youth Leader Registration

Stylized illustration of a bear with textured fur and radiating lines.

Register for one of the below YL options that your teen is most interested in as an anchor on-site program. They’ll be paired with one of our outstanding staff mentors and take an active role in learning the job. Space is limited per program, so don’t wait—secure their spot today!

Registration for Spring Youth Leader positions closes on March 16, or when the limited spots are filled—whichever comes first.

Due to the dynamic nature of Youth Leader assignments, late registration will not be available.

YOUTH SPORTS OPTIONS

Basketball Clinic Coach | Saturdays from 3/28-5/9 Click here to register

CARD Hiking Club | Saturdays from 3/28-5/9 Click here to register

Flag Football Official | Wednesdays from 4/15-5/13 Click here to register

Toddler Sports Coach | Mon, Tue, Wed and/or Thu from 3/30-5/7 Click here to register

Volleyball Clinic Coach | Saturdays from 3/28-5/9 Click here to register

Volleyball League Coach | Wed or Thu, and Fri from 4/1-5/15 Click here to register

NATURE CENTER OPTIONS

Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum | Saturdays 3/28-5/9 Click here to register

Janeece Webb Living Animal Museum | Sundays 3/29-5/10 Click here to register

TODDLER OPTIONS (for Homeschooled Youth Leaders)

Nature School Aide | Wednesdays from 4/1-5/15 Click here to register

Stellar Start PLAYschool Aide | Tues or Thu from 3/31-5/14 Click here to register

Orientation

Once registered, all Youth Leaders and one parent/guardian must attend our Youth Leader Orientation on Monday, March 23, from 5:30-6:30 PM at the Dorothy F. Johnson Center.

Level Up Lab

A woman reads a book to a group of children sitting on the floor in a classroom.

In addition to on-site leadership experience, Youth Leaders will take part in our weekly Level Up Labs, an interactive workshop series designed to help teens thrive in real-world settings. Level Up Labs will take place on Mondays from 5:30-6:30 PM from March 30 through May 11 (no program 4/6) at the Dorothy F. Johnson Center.

Workshops include:

Career and College Readiness
Communication Skills
Teamwork and Leadership Practice
Practical Life Skills
Plus occasional guest speakers!

Summer Youth Leader Registration

Registration will open April 14. More information will be updated in April!

All Youth Leaders are required to be on-site Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM for each chosen week of their registered camp. A mandatory Youth Leader and Parent Orientation, along with the first Level Up Skills Training Lab, will take place before each session starts.

Youth Leaders will be assigned 1-2 weeks of the camp they are registered for, based on their preference and availability. Specific dates will be assigned based on available Youth Leader openings at their chosen camp.

Session I: Camps run between 6/15-7/10 ($155)
Session II: Camps run between 7/13-8/7 ($155)

Camp	Location	Description of Camp
Camp Chi Da Ca	Hooker Oak	Camp Chi-Da-Ca, for ages 4-11, is a fully-outdoor camp, located in Hooker Oak Park. Staff and Youth Leaders facilitate campers doing songs and skits, swimming in the creek, shooting bows/arrows, and many other traditional games and crafts.
Camp Chico Creek	Chico Creek Nature Center	Camp Chico Creek is a nature based camp for ages 4-11, located at the Chico Creek Nature Center. Staff and Youth Leaders will help assist with activities (craft, games, creek, science, presentations, etc.), support staff and get to know campers/have fun!
Little Athletes Sports Camps	Dorothy F. Johnson Center	Little Athletes introduces young athletes, ages 5-7, to sports fundamentals in a fun, supportive, and age-appropriate environment, building motor skills, coordination, teamwork, and confidence through games and simple drills that prioritize participation over competition. Youth Leaders support the experience by modeling positive behavior, assisting with instruction and transitions, encouraging shy participants, and helping create a welcoming space.
Sports Camps	Community Park	Sports Camp is a structured, fun program for ages 7-11. It focused on teaching fundamentals, encouraging participation at all skill levels, and creating a positive space for athletes to try new things, build confidence, and make friends. Youth Leaders support games and activities, mentor campers by modeling positive behavior, and develop leadership skills by helping lead drills, games, and communication with staff guidance.
Summertime Delight	PV Rec Center	Summertime Delight is a general day camp for ages 6-11, with arts, crafts, swimming and field trips. Youth Leaders will be partnered with a specific leader and asked to learn from them and assist in supporting their activities.
Toddler Camps	Dorothy F. Johnson Center	Toddler Camps, for ages 3-5, are held in the Dorothy F. Johnson Center’s Toddler Classroom, with a variety of themes from sports to space to cooking. Youth leaders here will shadow staff as they guide activities and facilitate PLAY.

Why Become a Youth Leader?

🔀 CHOOSE YOUR PATH

You get to choose the program that fits your teen's specific interests—from youth sports to summer camps! Youth Leaders are partnered with experienced CARD staff to lead games and activities and create unforgettable experiences for younger kids.

But it’s not just about fun—it’s about your teen's future.

🧠 WHY JOIN THE YOUTH LEADER PROGRAM?

Build leadership and job-readiness skills
Gain real-world volunteer experience
Earn community service hours
Grow confidence and responsibility
Be a positive role model
Make new friends and have a blast doing it!

💡 WHAT’S INCLUDED?

An official CARD Youth Leader shirt
Mentorship from experienced program staff
Hands-on experience in a program of your choice
Weekly "Level Up Labs" with fun and valuable training

WATCH YOUR TEEN LEAD THE WAY, LEVEL UP, AND LEAVE THEIR MARK!