This information is intended to provide you with details about the Leaders in Training (LIT) application processes.  Please carefully read all application information and be sure to make note of important dates and requirements.  

Please note: due to the popularity of this program, there is an application process with supplemental questions and an interview process required.

Summer Volunteer Program

The primary goal of Cupertino’s Summer Volunteer Program (SVP) is to create and foster leadership through hands-on experience at our summer camps. While anyone between the ages of 14-18 may apply, we would like to remind all applicants that space is limited and acceptance into the program will be based on answers to supplemental questions, availability, and interviews, if necessary. Any teens who have a strong desire to work with children are encouraged to apply. Successful LITs are generally enthusiastic, dedicated, and devoted to providing our camp participants with a memorable experience. 

What is a Leader in Training?

Leaders in Training are invaluable members of our summer team as they provide support to our recreation leaders. Volunteers are trained in supervision, safety, problem-solving, and leading camp activities. Volunteers will receive on-the-job training and job skills that are not available through other mediums and will work with City staff to lead camp activities, supervise students, and represent the City of Cupertino. At the end of each week, volunteers will receive evaluations of their participation and suggestions for areas of improvement. Teens who want to cultivate their leadership skills should volunteer for 4-8 weeks of summer. 

In-service Training

LIT in-service is tentatively scheduled for 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Monday, June 10 and Tuesday, June 11. A short, makeup in-service for 8th graders is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., on Friday, June 14.  During this week, our volunteers will become versed in behavior management, the developmental characteristics of children, and how to deal with challenging scenarios. In addition to these skills, we will also cover the following:

• Customer Service Skills
• Safety protocols
• Public Speaking
• …and more!

By the end of the summer, our goal is for volunteers to feel more confident in themselves, their leadership style, and be able to successfully prepare for the workforce.  

Application (START HERE!)

LIT Application submitted to this link by Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

This application can take up to 20 minutes to complete including supplemental essay format questions. Please take time to ensure completeness and accuracy of information.

Applicants will then be selected for interviews, and after interviews may then be selected to participate in the LIT program.

Selection of LITs

Due to the increasing popularity and standards of the program, we will be using the following to select our Summer Volunteer teams:

1. Answers to the supplemental questions
2. Interview performance
3. Summer availability

Requirements & Expectations

Volunteers that are admitted to the program will be expected to meet the following requirements:

By June 10 (first day of in-service training)

• Must be at least 14 years old
• Complete fingerprinting and TB testing
• Payment in the amount of $65 R / $78 NR. Signed Waivers and Liability Forms will be included in this process.

Additional Requirements

• Attending Mandatory In-service week (June 10 - 11, or June 14). 
• Volunteer for a minimum of 2-3 weeks, in addition to the in-service week.
• Must provide their transportation to and from program sites.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Monday, April 29 and Tuesday, April 30, 2024 starting at 5 p.m.

Once selected, volunteers will be sent acceptance emails with the next steps on completing TB testing, fingerprinting, and submitting payment and waivers. Program assignments will be received in late May.

Any questions?

Contact Robert Kaufman at robertk@cupertino.gov