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Leadership Development Program

ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

We believe that leadership is more than giving directions; leadership is about one life influencing another. Leadership skills are pivotal for success on and off the field - whether it is the ability to lead a team through adversity, setting a positive example, or motivating and rallying individuals around a cause, they are all crucial for growth and development.

The Leadership Development Program (L.D.P.) provides high school and college volunteers an opportunity to coach alongside Homegrown senior staff at a variety of programs and events throughout the year, the biggest being the Homegrown Summer Camps in July. L.D.P. counselors gain confidence in their coaching ability and develop a better understanding of lacrosse from a new perspective. This translates to greater on-field skills and expands to life skills off the field. 

In addition to facilitating the development of the next generation of coaches, the program allows counselors the opportunity to create lasting relationships with other L.D.P. counselors as well as the youth lacrosse players they coach. During summer camp, counselors will lead groups of 6-10 players at a time. 


Testimonials From Past L.D.P. Counselors

"My favorite part of the leadership development program is being able to play and coach the sport that I love all day, every day. There isn't really anything else like it, where boys and girls from literally all ages get to be together for a week and eat, sleep, breathe, lacrosse. The community and atmosphere is so great and that's why I come back!" - Annie Dorelien (2023 L.D.P.)

"Being a part of the L.D.P. program has helped me not only with my social and leadership skills, but also my problem solving skills on and off the field. And of course it was lots of fun." - Christopher Tornell (2021 - 2023  L.D.P.)

"Being an LDP Counselor taught me different ways to motivate others. Throughout the summer I was able to learn about different types of leadership and practice these skills with the help of the Homegrown Senior Staff." - Thijs Larson (2017 - 2019 L.D.P.)

"I was given more responsibility which allowed me to grow into the role of a more active leader." - Sam Hauser (2016 - 2019 L.D.P.)


Candidate Qualifications

To qualify for the program, applicants must: 

  • Age 15+ (during Summer Camp in July)
  • Have prior experience playing lacrosse
  • Commit to at least one full week of Summer Camp & attend all trainings (see dates below) 
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude
  • Have a passion for working with youth athletes

Responsibilities & Program Requirements

  • Be on campus throughout the duration of camp
  • Provide individualized instruction and support to athletes under their supervision
  • Cultivate positive relationships between campers on and off field using numerous relationship-building techniques 
  • Run progressive warm-ups, skill clinics, and post-training sessions within the expectations and guidance of Homegrown Senior Staff
  • Communicate effectively with Homegrown Senior Staff
  • Complete Final Review/Leadership Questionnaire

Potential Outcomes

  • Greater confidence coaching and mentoring youth 
  • Enhanced creative leadership
  • Improved communication with players, coaches, and peers
  • Refined critical thinking
  • More efficient time-management
  • Increased lacrosse I.Q. 

2024 Summer Camp Dates

  • Youth Day Camp (July 8 - 11)
  • Middle School Overnight Camp (July 15 - 18)
  • High School Overnight Camp (July 22 - 25)

Location: University of St. Thomas

2024 Training Sessions

Training sessions attendance is required for all LDP Counselors. If counselors are not able to attend, they are responsible for learning the covered material on their own time.

Center for Healing and Justice through Sport (CHJS) training: 

On-campus logistics training sessions (choose 1): 


2024 Application Is Open! Application Deadline: May 31, 2024

2024 Stipends

We offer volunteer counselors a stipend for their service at camp. To receive the stipend, the counselor must attend both the CHJS and logistics training sessions before camp & be available and on campus the entire duration of camp.

Training Chart - Per Week

Years of LDP Service 0-2 years 3-4 years 5+ years
Rising College Senior $350 Senior Staff* Senior Staff*
Rising College Junior $350 $350  Senior Staff*
Rising College Sophomore $300 $350 Senior Staff*
Rising College Freshman $250 $300 N/A
High School $200 $250 N/A

*Pending Homegrown Staff member approval

Kyle Fuller

Kyle Fuller

Head Program Director

Phone: 651-955-1704