The Fellowship is designed for rising 9th and 10th graders who are curious about leadership, interested in gaining professional experience, and ready to take on meaningful responsibility. If you're considering a future role as a camp counselor, want to strengthen your college applications with real-world experience, or simply want to develop leadership skills in a supportive environment, Fellowship is an excellent fit.

No formal application is required. However, spots are limited to 12 Fellows per session and fill on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend registering early to secure your spot.

Meaningful leadership development takes time. The three-week structure allows you to move beyond surface-level experience into genuine skill-building. You'll have time to design your independent project, iterate based on feedback, see it through to completion, and reflect on what you've learned. This intensive format creates the depth of experience that makes Fellowship valuable for your resume and personal growth.

Each Fellow (or small team of Fellows) designs and implements a project that benefits the DEAN camp community. Past examples might include creating a "Camper of the Week" recognition system, developing a green initiative for sustainability, launching a mini camp podcast, or designing new onboarding materials for counselors. You'll pitch your idea, receive coaching, refine your approach, and present your final work to staff and peers.

Mornings begin with Leadership Learning Lab—workshops on communication, entrepreneurship, and team dynamics, often featuring guest speakers. Late mornings are spent rotating through camp departments, shadowing instructors and supporting operations. After lunch and social time (including pool access), you'll work on your independent project with coaching support. Late afternoons include reflection, recreation, team-building, and connection time with fellow participants.

Yes! You'll shadow instructors, assist with activities, support camp operations, and interact with campers across all age groups. This hands-on experience is central to developing your leadership and mentorship skills. However, you won't have the same direct responsibility as counselors—you're learning alongside professionals in a supported capacity.

Fellows may be eligible to earn SSL hours depending on your school's requirements. DEAN is not a pre-approved SSL site, so you must obtain pre-approval from your school and submit any required forms before the program begins.

Fellows should dress professionally casual—comfortable clothes appropriate for an active camp environment but reflecting the professional nature of the program. You'll receive a DEAN t-shirt to wear daily. Closed-toe shoes are required for workshop areas. Bring a swimsuit for afternoon recreation time.

While Fellowship is designed to prepare you for a counselor role, completion does not automatically guarantee employment. However, Fellows who demonstrate strong leadership, responsibility, and alignment with DEAN values are strongly considered for future counselor positions based on operational needs and availability.

Yes! If you complete one session and space is available, you're welcome to participate in the second session for continued leadership development and deeper project work.

Fellowship is a structured professional development program, not a volunteer position. You'll receive formal instruction in leadership and entrepreneurship, work on an independent project from start to finish, and earn a Certificate of Completion. The focus is on skill-building, mentorship, and preparing you for future leadership roles—with equal emphasis on learning and meaningful work experience.

Absolutely. Part of Fellowship is developing confidence in areas that might feel uncomfortable now. You'll receive coaching and practice in a supportive environment, with peers who are also working on these skills. By the end of three weeks, you'll deliver a final presentation—and you'll be amazed at how much you've grown.