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, while inspiring younger participants along the way.

Each week includes a mandatory 1 hour Level Up Lab and 2–5 flexible on-site hours with an experienced mentor (hours subject to program availability). Register for your Youth Leader's preferred program, choose your available days, and mark your calendar with the "All Youth Leaders Mandatory Meetings" dates below. Specific on-site program information will be provided at the Youth Leader Orientation.

💰Fee: $155

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 all aspects of coaching or officiating. Space is limited per program, so don’t wait—secure their spot today!

Registration for the options below closes on December 28, 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

Basketball League Coach | Practice days vary. Games on Saturdays from 1/17-2/28. Click here to register

Basketball League Official | Games on Saturdays from 1/17-2/28. Click here to register

Soccer & Futsal Clinic Coach | Wednesdays from 1/21-3/2. Click here to register

Tennis Clinic Coach | Saturdays from 1/17-2/28. Click here to register

Volleyball Clinic Coach | Saturdays from 1/17-2/28. Click here to register

NATURE CENTER

Living Animal Museum | Saturdays 1/17-2/28 (11a-1p) Click here to register

Nature Preschool Aide | Wednesdays from 1/21-3/4 (11a-1p). Click here to register

TODDLER

Stellar Start PLAYschool Aide | Tuesdays or Thursdays from 1/20-3/5 (9a-11a). Click here to register

Schedule & Registration Links

Each week includes a mandatory 1 hour Level Up Lab and 1.5-2 flexible on-site hours with an experienced mentor at one of the following programs.

Orientation

All Youth Leaders and one parent/guardian must attend our Youth Leader Orientation on Monday, January 12, 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 January 19 to March 9 (no program 2/16) 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!

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 help lead games, 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!