At Camp Lookout, we build up lives.
At RISE, we raise up leaders.
|
RISE Academy is a leadership development program designed for rising 10th–graduated seniors who are ready to take the next step in their Camp Lookout journey.
The purpose of the program is to develop equipped and impassioned leaders for camp, church, and life by helping participants grow in four core character strengths: Resilience, Integrity, Servant Leadership, and Empathy. |
Resilience
|
Program Overview
RISE Academy consists of two main components:
Participants must commit to a minimum of two weeks (training week + two half-week sessions of service) and will receive a certificate of completion with documented service hours recognized by schools, churches, and other organizations.
- Training Week (June 1-5): This is a week-long immersive training experience at Camp Lookout. Each morning, RISE participants will focus on one of the core character strengths through interactive leadership sessions. The curriculum includes interactive activities such as team initiatives, guided discussions, personality & strengths assessments, and practical exercises. In the afternoons, students will participate in Camp Skills Labs, where they will learn practical skills like facilitating activities, leading Bible study, camper behavior management, ages/stages of development, sensitivity training, counseling techniques, and more. During the evening, they will attend worship services, debrief and reflect on the day’s insights, and enjoy shared experiences through special camp activities like night ziplining, a trip to a local overlook, and campfire songs & stories. The week concludes Friday with reflection and integration, helping participants connect everything they learned into a holistic model of Christian servant leadership.
- Service Weeks (Counselor-in-Training Practicum, various weeks): After completing the training week, participants return for at least one but up to four additional weeks (with options spread throughout the summer) to serve as counselors-in-training for our Taste of Camp program. Together with another RISE student and a Lead Counselor on our summer team, participants will lead a small group of up to twelve 1st-3rd graders throughout 3-day camp sessions. Each week includes two Taste of Camp Sessions – one Monday to Wednesday and another Wednesday to Friday. Each day includes built-in reflection and coaching time with a program leader, creating a strong feedback loop between learning and practice.
Participants must commit to a minimum of two weeks (training week + two half-week sessions of service) and will receive a certificate of completion with documented service hours recognized by schools, churches, and other organizations.
Program Cost + Service Stipend
|
The cost of RISE Academy is $700. This covers all of training week, including staffing, food, lodging, equipment, assessments, outside trainers, overhead, and more.
For each service week completed, participants will receive a $300 stipend in addition to room and board while on site. Participants completing the program with the minimum one service week would have a net expense of $400. |
|
Application Process
1) Apply online (registration opens early January)
Submit your RISE Academy application through our online Camp Brain portal.
2) Provide three references (two non-family)
Share contact info (within the online application) for mentors/teachers/pastors/coaches who know your character and leadership potential. We’ll follow up with them directly.
3) Schedule a 30-minute Zoom interview
After you apply, we’ll email you a link to pick an interview time. This is a casual conversation to learn more about you and answer questions.
4) Rolling admissions through spring
Decisions are made on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. This first-year cohort is limited to 12 participants, so we encourage early applications.
5) Confirm and share your summer availability.
Upon acceptance, you’ll receive a short online form to rank your Service Week availability and preferences. We’ll assign Counselor-in-Training service weeks (minimum two half-weeks) based on your availability and program needs and share your schedule before Training Week.
Minimum Commitment: Training Week (June 1–5) + two half-week service sessions. Service sessions are available any time Taste of Camp occurs. Check out the 2026 summer camp schedule for more information.
Have questions? We’re happy to help! You can email [email protected] or call the office at (706) 820-1163.
Submit your RISE Academy application through our online Camp Brain portal.
2) Provide three references (two non-family)
Share contact info (within the online application) for mentors/teachers/pastors/coaches who know your character and leadership potential. We’ll follow up with them directly.
3) Schedule a 30-minute Zoom interview
After you apply, we’ll email you a link to pick an interview time. This is a casual conversation to learn more about you and answer questions.
4) Rolling admissions through spring
Decisions are made on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. This first-year cohort is limited to 12 participants, so we encourage early applications.
5) Confirm and share your summer availability.
Upon acceptance, you’ll receive a short online form to rank your Service Week availability and preferences. We’ll assign Counselor-in-Training service weeks (minimum two half-weeks) based on your availability and program needs and share your schedule before Training Week.
Minimum Commitment: Training Week (June 1–5) + two half-week service sessions. Service sessions are available any time Taste of Camp occurs. Check out the 2026 summer camp schedule for more information.
Have questions? We’re happy to help! You can email [email protected] or call the office at (706) 820-1163.