At Homegrown Lacrosse, we believe that leadership goes beyond giving directions; it’s about one life positively influencing another. Leadership skills are essential for success on and off the field. Whether it’s leading a team through adversity, setting a positive example, or rallying individuals around a cause, these skills are crucial for developing well-rounded leaders.

Our Leadership Development Program (L.D.P.) provides high school and college-aged volunteers with a unique opportunity to coach alongside our Senior Staff and local coaches at various events throughout the year, with a major focus on our summer camps. During these camps, counselors lead groups of 6-10 youth players, gaining practical coaching experience and confidence. This hands-on experience helps counselors develop a deeper understanding of lacrosse and essential life skills such as relationship-building, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Our Senior Staff provide ongoing mentorship, guiding L.D.P. counselors through their development of character, confidence, and community as leaders and coaches. One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is the lasting relationships formed, not only with campers but also with fellow peers and coaches. 

We are dedicated to shaping leaders through experience, mentorship, and a commitment to continuous personal growth. In the Leadership Development Program participants not only enhance their lacrosse IQ, but are prepared for success in all aspects of life. Those who participate are equipped with the skills to make a positive impact on players, peers, and their local communities. Join us in making a difference.

To qualify for the program, applicants must: 

• Age 15+ (during Summer Camp in July)
• Have prior experience playing lacrosse
• Have a passion for working with youth athletes
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive environment

• Complete all necessary training before the start of camp
• Be on campus during all hours of camp operation during the selected week (*see dates below)
• Provide individualized instruction and support to athletes under their supervision
• Cultivate positive relationships between campers on and off the field using numerous relationship-building techniques 
• Lead progressive warm-ups, skill sessions, games, and off-field reflections within the expectations and guidance of Homegrown Senior Staff 
• Communicate effectively with Homegrown Senior Staff & Camp Staff
• Complete Final Leadership Exit Questionnaire

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

• Youth Day Camp (July 7 - 10)
  • Counselors 2028 Grad Year and Older
• Middle School Overnight Camp (July 14 - 17)
  • Counselors 2027 Grad Year and Older
• High School Overnight Camp (July 21 - 24)
  • Counselors 2026 Grad Year and Older

Location: University of St. Thomas

Training 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.

Date/Time: TBA - Late June
Location: O'Shaughnessy Education Center (OEC) @ the University of St. Thomas

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

• Content: Sports-based youth development, socioemotional learning, promoting peer bonds, creating a growth environment, and more

On-campus logistics training:

• Content: Schedule review, campus tour, logistics of camp, tips & tricks of being a camp counselor

Applicants must complete the application below and rank the weeks they are interested and available to participate in the program at camp. 
*Counselors are allowed to participate in a maximum of 2 camps per summer unless approved by Program Director. 

Early Application Period (Submit by April 1, 2025) 

• Applications submitted during this period will be given priority for week preferences
• Selected applicants will be notified of their acceptance by early April.

Regular Application Period (April 2, 2025 – May 31, 2025)

• Applications submitted after April 1 will have week preferences considered based on remaining availability.
• Selected applicants will be notified of their acceptance by early June.

Submit your application early to increase your chances of securing your preferred weeks!

We are excited to offer volunteer counselors a stipend for their service at camp. To receive the stipend, the counselor must meet all the requirements listed above.

*Pending Homegrown Staff member approval

"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.)