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. 

"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.)

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that ever has.”

- Margaret Mead

To qualify for the program, applicants must: 

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

• Attend both training sessions prior to the start of camp
• Stay 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 Essay

• 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. 

• Youth Day Camp (July 10 - 13)
• Middle School Overnight Camp (July 17 - 20)
• High School Overnight Camp (July 24 - 27)

Location: University of St. Thomas

The 2024 LDP Counselor Application will open in Jan-Feb 2024

Deadline: May 31, 2024