TEEN LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Revolution & Resolution

July 28 - July 31, 2026 from 9:00am - 1:30pm

Apply HERE Today!
Priority application deadline 5/15, students will be notified if they have been selected the week of 5/18.
Final application deadline 7/10. All applications applying after 5/15 will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Storrowton’s Teen Leadership Experience invites youth who have completed grades 7-11 to experience 19th century trades in a hands-on setting and receive strengths-based leadership training. This program will show how these trades are still applicable in the 21st century and ways to continue exploring them after the workshops wrap. Students will choose one of three tracks for their experience. All participants will attend the daily leadership session. All sessions are taught by experienced historical and professional instructors and include the following daily schedule:

9:15am - Arrival (First day must arrive at 9:00am)
9:30am - Program tracks
11:45am - Lunch
12:30pm - Leadership Workshop
1:30pm - Departure

• Cost to attend this program is $150 per person. Scholarships are available for up to two students in which the cost would pose a barrier for participation.
• Teens must bring a lunch. Refrigeration is provided.
• A maximum of 18 participants will be selected (6 for each program track, though we do try to limit the size to 5 per program track).
• A minimum of 9 participants (3 for each program track) is required by mid-June to run the program.
• The blacksmithing and hearth cooking tracks require that participants attend wearing close-toed shoes.
• First Time Applying? Be prepared to upload a reference from a teacher or other non-family mentor, such as a coach, program instructor, camp counselor. You will also submit a brief statement: In 200 words or less please tell us why you're interested in being a part of the Teen Leadership Experience.
• Returning to TLE? Returning teens should still fill out the application, though no reference is required. Teens can participate in the same track no more than two consecutive years. You will also submit a brief statement: In 200 words or less, please tell us how your past experience(s) at TLE, either from your 19th century workshops or leadership sessions, has made an impact on your life since completing the program. How do you intend to use these skills moving forward?

Tracks:

Blacksmithing: Basics of the Trade

From cold steel to molten metal, ever wonder what it’s like to hear the ring of the anvil and the pumping of bellows? The Clark Blacksmith Shop offers the perfect setting to learn the history and basics of the trade. The experience starts with an overview of safety, navigating the shop, understanding tools and then diving in to the hands-on experience in front of the fire. Teens will learn from blacksmiths with a variety of design styles and skill levels and by the end of the week will leave knowing how to make hand-forged hooks.

Open Hearth Cooking: From Fire to Table

Have a love for food or baking? Enjoy making your own edible creations? Want to test your skills over an open hearth while learning the history behind New England cooking? The Gilbert Farmhouse provides a home-like setting to create a variety of treats. Teens will learn from an experienced historical cook, starting with an overview of safety, building a proper fire, then getting their hands messy in the kitchen.

Pottery: Form to Function
Pottery has been an important part of civilization long before colonized New England. Teens will learn a variety of hand pottery techniques that were popular in the 19th century both in Native American culture as well as European traditions. Teens will learn from modern-day artisans comparing 19th century and 21st century techniques to create their own personalized pieces.