About LEAD

LEAD is a week-long camp that combines dynamic teaching on Biblical worldview and ethics with real-world experiences in business, law, journalism, and more. This fun and unique community points teens to Christ, pushes them out their comfort zones, and equips them as leaders.

LEAD 2026

Tracks Offered and Track Qualifications

House, Senate, Robotics, Journalism, Business, Advanced Business, Mock Trial, Moot Court, Campaign, and Film tracks will be offered during LEAD 2026. For more information on our tracks, click here.

First-time campers will be placed in the House Track. If you are 18 years old by the Sunday of the week you wish to attend, you have the option to participate in the House, Senate, or Robotics tracks.

Second-time LEAD campers (have completed House or attended an Onsite) can choose from the Senate or Robotics track. If you are 19 years old by the Sunday of the week you wish to attend, you have the option to participate in Senate, Robotics, or any Advanced Track.

Returning campers are eligible for the Advanced Tracks (Journalism, Business, Advanced Business, Mock Trial, Moot Court, Film, Campaign) if:

You have completed the House and Senate track, OR
You have completed the House track or an Onsite AND are 19 years old by the Sunday of camp.

Waitlist:
Students may request to be put on a Waitlist to participate in an Advanced Track if they are a first-time camper who is at least 18 years old or have completed Senate or any other Advanced Track. There will be a question on the registration form to request to be put on a waiting list to be moved to another track if space allows. One month before camp students on the waiting list will be moved to an Advanced Track if the track needs more students in order to keep team numbers even. After that point, remaining students on the waiting list may be moved to fill spaces created by last-minute cancellations.

Use our Track Finder to help you determine which tracks you are eligible for.

details and policies

General Information

Financial Considerations

LEAD Policies

It is our desire to make LEAD a profitable, enjoyable, life-changing experience for everyone involved. While we expect no problems from the campers, it is important to define the boundaries and lay the foundation for expectations and conflict/problem-solving ahead of time so everyone is aware of policies and procedures. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office at (517) 321-6233. All campers are required to read the LEAD Campus Policies and sign the Honor Code and Permissions Form.

While at LEAD, campers will be under the supervision of staff, instructors, and crew. Our goal is to have the ratio of volunteers to campers at no less than 1:10. SSI staff will be on location at all times. The staff, instructors, and crew will clearly communicate our expectations to campers.

LEAD Cancellation Fee / Refund Policy

Campers who are unable to attend LEAD during the week for which they registered may request a refund of their registration fee. All refund checks are mailed within approximately 2-3 weeks after the request is made. Due to costly administrative commitments, refunds will be honored as follows:

Full Refund Deadline

May 26, 2025: Deadline for FULL refund – all weeks Any requests for refunds postmarked or phoned in no later than May 26th will be honored in full, including the deposit.

Partial Refund Deadlines

Week One (June 14-19): June 2, 2025. Any requests for refunds postmarked or phoned in no later than June 2nd but after May 26th will be honored, minus the $50 deposit. After June 3rd, no refunds will be permitted.
Week Two (July 12-17): June 23, 2025. Any requests for refunds postmarked or phoned in no later than June 23th but after May 26th will be honored, minus the $50 deposit. After June 24th, no refunds will be permitted.
Week Three (July 26-31): July 7, 2025. Any requests for refunds postmarked or phoned in no later than July 7th but after May 26th will be honored, minus the $50 deposit. After July 8th, no refunds will be permitted.

NOTE: If a camper is dismissed as a result of disciplinary action or leaves to go home for any reason (illness, etc.) during his/her week at LEAD, no refund or partial refund will be issued. Likewise, no one may attend in his/her place.

Alternatives to Refunds

Attend a Different Week – Campers are encouraged to attend a different week of LEAD, as space allows, rather than not come at all. We will make every attempt to make adjustments where possible. Therefore, a camper who wishes to switch to a different week must make that request to the SSI office as soon as possible. If no room is available in another week, a refund may be issued according to the policy outlined above.

Transfer Registration – A registration may be transferred to a different camper provided registration has not yet closed for the week in question. Please call the SSI office immediately if you are thinking of transferring your registration to another individual. In any case, new registration forms will be required.

Financial Aid – There are many deserving teens who want to attend LEAD but simply can’t afford it. Consider helping them by transferring the tuition money to the Financial Aid Fund.

Registration Deadlines

Registration opens January 1st, 2026 and closes at 11:59pm as follows:
Week 1: Sunday, June 7th
Week 2: Sunday, July 5th
Week 3: Sunday, July 19th

Schedule

All activities are mandatory, and all campers will be expected to participate in every activity unless prior permission is obtained to excuse a camper. The final schedule will be distributed at camp check-in. Please be sure that your camper does not have any commitments during the week of camp. Note to Parents: Campers should plan on staying on campus during the entire week of camp. Please be sure that your campers does not have any commitments during the week of camp.

Check-in & Dorms

Camp check-in will be open from 5:00-6:00pm. After checking in, campers will be directed to their dorm room and to drop off their luggage, after which they should go to orientation which will begin at 6:15pm. Parents are encouraged to stay for the parent meeting at 6:15pm. Campers arriving AFTER 6:00pm should check in and then go immediately to camper orientation. Their luggage can be left in the designated area. They will have an opportunity to set up their dorm room later in the evening.

Campers will be assigned their dorm room before camp. On the registration form, there is a field for campers to indicate whether they would like to be assigned to room with a specific person. Campers wishing to room together are responsible to coordinate with each other and MUST both request the other as a roommate in the appropriate field on the registration form. We cannot guarantee to assign roommates as requested, but if we are able, we will do so. Dorm assignments cannot be changed at camp.

There are two styles of dorms at SAU: suite-style villages and residence halls where both styles hold two people per room. The Villages are suite-style where four people share one bathroom. The residence halls have a large communal bathroom for each hallway. Each summer, LEAD utilizes a combination of Village and residential style housing. All housing is separated by gender.

Campers will receive a dorm and/or room key during their stay at SAU; however, any campers who lose their key will be responsible to pay for the cost of replacing it before checking out on Friday.

What to Bring (See a Sample Packing List Here)

Bedding: Sleeping bag or blanket and sheets, pillow, etc. Beds are twin XLs.
Toiletries: Towel, washcloth, body wash, shampoo/conditioner, hand soap, comb/brush, sunscreen, toothbrush, etc. Campers may want to bring flip flops for the showers.
Supplies: Bible, pen/pencil, notebook, alarm clock, fan, reusable water bottle, umbrella.
Clothing: Casual clothes for time spent on campus, closed-toed shoes (required), athletic clothing for sports, and enough business casual/business formal outfits for presentations and trips to the Capitol or other venues. Campers are encouraged to bring some warm clothing (a long-sleeved shirt, hoodie, or jacket). Please make sure all clothes are within the LEAD Dress Code.
Games/Entertainment: While we provide some materials at camp for free time activities, campers are also encouraged to bring their own materials such as basketball, soccer ball, board games, or musical instruments. SSI is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Spending Money: Only needed to buy camp gear, pop, snacks, and/or supplies from vending machines or the SAU campus store.
Snacks: All meals are provided. Campers are also welcome to bring snacks to keep in their dorm. We ask that campers be mindful of potential allergen exposure (peanuts) in the food they bring. Campers have limited access to the dorm’s fridge and microwave; campers are not allowed to use the stove.
Cell Phone: While cell phones are allowed, we encourage campers to leave their phone at home or in their dorm if they bring it. Cell phone use will be permitted only during free times and cannot be used in specified cell-phone free areas. We reserve the right to restrict cell phone use if rules are violated or if the phone is an undue distraction.
Laptop & Electronics: Campers should not bring computer equipment (unless given prior permission for advanced track use), electronic entertainment devices, gaming systems, or other similar equipment to camp.
Prohibited: Weapons, double edged knives, controlled substances, any motorized vehicles (including motorized skateboards, scooters, etc.), or any similar items may not be brought to camp.

Note to Parents: Please take the opportunity to go through your camper‘s luggage with him/her and discuss what constitutes appropriate and professional clothing as outlined below and to ensure no items are brought from the list above. If in doubt, call the SSI office at (517) 321-6233 and we will let you know if you should bring it.

Food Allergies

In the Health Information Form, please note any special dietary needs/restrictions/allergies that will require any degree of consideration. If we are made aware of dietary needs, we will communicate them to the vendor providing food; however, there is always a risk of contamination. Participants concerned with food allergies need to be aware of this risk. Neither Spring Arbor University nor SSI will assume any liability for adverse reactions to foods consumed or items one may come in contact with during the week of participation. SSI will do what it can and within reason to accommodate the special food needs of allergic campers. SSI must have been made aware of a participant’s allergies and special needs requests at least three weeks prior to the start of the program.

Medications

All medication (including over-the-counter medicine) must be collected by camp staff during Camper Check In. It must be sent in the original container, clearly marked with the camper’s name and dosage. Please make any changes to the Health Information Form at least three weeks prior to the start of the camp. Note: Campers can obtain basic medication such as Tylenol/Ibuprofen, Neosporin, antacids, etc., during the week of camp through the Camp Medical Coordinator. Please do NOT have your camper bring their own.

Learning Impairments, Mental Health, or Additional Accommodations:

All disabilities, learning impairments, or mental health concerns your camper has that will require any degree of consideration must be noted on the Health Information Form in Registration. Please make any changes that are needed at least three weeks prior to the start of the camp. SSI will do what it can within reason to accommodate campers with disabilities, learning impairments, or mental health concerns. It is important that we discuss any necessary accommodation beforehand to determine whether we are properly equipped and prepared to work with your camper.

Additional Expectations

Please see our LEAD Campus Policies and Honor Code sections below for a list of the rules campers are expected to abide by while at camp.

Disclaimer

Issues and topics debated, including bills for the Mock Legislature and/or cases for the Mock Trial, may be controversial or sensitive in nature. Please contact SSI for more information if you are concerned. (517) 321-6233.

Camper Honor Code

You will need to agree to our Honor Code & Permission to Attend when registering. Please be sure to read this together with your teen. Each camper will be expected to abide by this code or face appropriate consequences. Honor Code: LEAD is committed to creating a community that follows the example and standards set by Jesus Christ. As such we expect you to uphold, to the best of your ability, the following Honor Code while at LEAD.

I will treat everyone with the honor and dignity due them as image bearers of God.
I will pursue excellence in all my endeavors, exhibiting eagerness and self-discipline.
I will have an attitude of self-sacrifice, servanthood, and humility.
I will use my words to edify and encourage others.
I will show respect and consideration to the instructors, speakers, volunteers, and staff.
I will adhere to all LEAD policies, as well as the policies of any venue utilized during LEAD.

In all things, I will pursue excellence in my work, humility in my attitude, respect towards all, and honor in my actions. Please Refer to: Genesis 1:27; Psalm 37:5; Proverbs 16:3, 18:21, 25:28, and 32; Matthew 9:37-38; Romans 12:9-21; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 16:13-14; Ephesians 1:23, 4:1-6, 29; Colossians 3:17, 22; 1 Timothy 1:19-20, 2:9, and 4:12; 2 Timothy 1:7; Titus 2:11-12; 1 Peter 3:3-4; 2 Peter 1:5-7; Hebrews 13:17; James 1:19-20

PERMISSION TO ATTEND LEAD

Parent or Guardian must sign for students under 18 years. Student must sign if 18 years or older:I do hereby give permission for my/my child’s attendance of the Student Statesmanship Institute’s (SSI) LEAD Summer Program, at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan during the summer of 2026, and further state that:

I am the parent or legal guardian of the named child and I possess all the rights, powers, and privileges of a parent or legal guardian; or I am at least 18 years old and I possess all the rights, powers, and privileges of a legal adult.
I personally assume, on my/my child’s behalf, all risk for any harm, injury, or damages that may befall me/my child or is caused by me/my child.
I give permission to be transported/for my child to be transported to and from activities by hired and/or adult volunteer drivers.
I give permission to Student Statesmanship Institute and Spring Arbor University to use my/my child’s photograph, video, oral and/or written comments to promote SSI.
I agree to hold Student Statesmanship Institute, the owners and lessees of any premises used to conduct classes or activities, their sanctioning institutions, agents, officers, directors, and employees harmless and indemnify them from any injury, loss, damage, or claim of any nature arising out of or related to my/my child’s participation in the classes and activities of LEAD, specifically including any negligent act or omission of the above.
I have read and agree with all of the above and I support Student Statesmanship Institute in its endeavor to provide the best possible learning environment for every student. I acknowledge that this is a legal document and I will be bound by my agreement to its terms.

lead Dress Code Guide

LEAD is designed to challenge teens to a higher standard of maturity and professionalism, even through our dress code. Campers are required to abide by the LEAD Dress Code. We recognize that families have different tastes, views, and convictions on what constitutes professional and appropriate dress. We seek to maintain a level of professionalism through our dress code out of respect for one another and our guest speakers and instructors, which include Supreme Court justices, state legislators, and more. If you have any questions about our dress code, you can visit our Dress Code FAQ page here or call the SSI office at (517) 321-6233.

General Standards

Shirts must be worn at all times and should cover the area that would be covered by a tank top (not strapless). Shirts must not show any part of the lower back or midsection.
Underwear should not be visible at any time. No sagging pants or shorts.
At any time, shorts (or skorts) must be at least finger-tip length when standing.
The shortest part of a skirt or dress (solid fabric, not sheer) must be within a hand’s width above the knee when sitting or longer.
Any holes in clothing may not reveal skin that would otherwise be required to be covered (e.g. holes in jeans must not be in areas that the standards for shorts would require to be covered).
Hats may not be worn during chape or teaching sessions.
No pajamas outside of dorms.
No crude/derogatory language or images on clothing.
Shoes or sandals must be worn at all times in any building (excluding dorms).
Anything not explicitly listed in this Dress Code is left to the discretion of the SSI Staff.

Event Specific Dress Standards: Please ensure that your camper brings clothing to fit the following categories that still match our General Standards. Most of camp is spent in casual wear; see Track Specific Attire for the number of times campers will need to be in Business Formal or Business Casual. Flip-flops/slide-ons/athletic shoes are not considered dress shoes.

Business Formal:
- Gentlemen: Business suit; collared, button-up shirt and tie with dress pants and dress shoes.
- Ladies: Dress; or dress shirt/blouse and dress pants/skirt and dress shoes.
Business Casual:
- Gentlemen: Dress shirt or polo, dress pants, and dress shoes.
- Ladies: Dress shirt or polo, dress pants or skirt; dress shoes.
- Any clothing allowed in Business Formal may be worn for Business Casual.

- Casual Dress:
  - Jeans, slacks, shorts, sweatpants/athletic pants, T-shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, sneakers, sandals, flip-flops; any clothing allowed in Business Formal or Business Casual.
  - All campers must wear closed-toed shoes for the campus-wide activity Wednesday afternoon. Closed-toed shoes are required for sports and outdoor activities.

Track Specific Attire

If you are concerned about not having enough clothing that fits these categories, thrift stores or discount racks are an excellent place to find them. If you have any questions about our dress code, you can visit our Dress Code FAQ page here. You can also call the SSI office at (517) 321-6233.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend?

Is there any way I can participate in LEAD with my child?

What if my teen is reluctant to attend LEAD?

Do you assign dorm rooms?

What if I need to contact my child during the week?

Is there a swimming pool or lake?

Is a sport coat/blazer/full business suit required for Friday’s final session?

Deliveries

Can I send mail or packages to my child while at camp?

Is there a dress code?

LEAD Campus Policies

General Policies

Nametags: Must be worn around the neck when outside dorm.
Schedule: All activities are mandatory, and all campers will be expected to participate in every activity unless prior permission is obtained to excuse a camper.
Meals: All allergies or dietary issues must be communicated to us before camp. There should be plenty of options for each meal, but if you are unable to eat any of the options, please let a staff member know. If you are not certain whether a dish contains a specific allergen, just ask the cafeteria staff.
Health: If you have any medical related concerns (headache, sore throat, twisted ankle, allergies) alert a LEAD crew member or come to the LEAD office.
- Campers who are too ill to attend a scheduled session should reach out to a LEAD Crew member or the Camp Medical Coordinator.
- All prescription and over-the-counter medication must be turned in at check-in and will be distributed by the Camp Medical Coordinator.

Conduct

Interaction: One guy and one girl may not be alone in a secluded or isolated area. Campers are not allowed in the opposite gender’s dorm building.
Appropriate Contact: Brief hugs, pats on the shoulder or back, handshakes, high-fives, fist-bumps, hand slapping, arms around the shoulder, holding hands during prayer, shoulder rubs*. Note: Do not assume consent for any physical contact.
Inappropriate Contact: Any form of unwanted contact or affection, inappropriate or lengthy embraces, inappropriate dancing, kissing, touching, showing affection in isolated areas, physical interactions without consent, comments or compliments (spoken, written, or electronic) that relate to physique or body development, touching bras or underwear, shoulder or back rubs between genders*, excessive attention or verbal praise.
*While shoulder or back rubs can be appropriate, they should be limited to the upper back, not given without consent, and not between genders.

Phones

Campers are allowed to have their phones at LEAD with the understanding that there will be limitations in place in order to foster a fun learning atmosphere.
- Cell phone use is not permitted at any time in buildings.
  - When in buildings, campers are permitted to wear “smart watches” provided they only utilize the clock feature.
  - When in buildings, campers are not permitted to wear headphones or earbuds.
- The consequences for using a cell phone, smart watch, or headphones/earbuds in buildings are as follows:
  - 1st offense – Device is confiscated for the session.
  - 2nd offense – Device is confiscated for the day.
  - 3rd offense – Device is confiscated for the week.
Dorm buildings are exempt from the phone use rules.

Prohibited

The possession or use of the following items are prohibited on campus:
- Electronics: electronic entertainment devices, gaming systems, TVs, handheld gaming systems, etc. Laptops and tablets are not permitted unless requested for track use by SSI Staff before camp.
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs: campers will not use, possess, or distribute any form of alcohol, tobacco (including vaping and e-cigarettes), and/or controlled substances (other than prescription medication).
- Firearms, Weapons and Fireworks: firearms (including toy guns, airsoft guns, paintball guns, etc.), knives with blades longer than three inches, any form of firework or incendiary device, and/or other weapons of any type.

Campus

Leaving Campus: Campers may not leave campus unless they make previous arrangements with an SSI staff member and communicate with the staff member before leaving. Campers who leave campus without permission will be asked to call home and have a parent or guardian come and pick them up.
Building Access: Certain areas of campus will be off-limits to campers as SAU staff will still be working while we are on campus. Campers must be accompanied by a LEAD Crew member when using certain areas of campus such as the MAC, the Library, and the White Auditorium.
Deliveries: Campers may not order food to be delivered to/on campus.

Dorms

Lights Out: Campers must be in their assigned dorm buildings from 10:30pm to 7:00am. By 11pm, campers must be in their own assigned dorm room with the main light off.
- Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 11 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. During quiet hours, campers are expected to refrain from making or causing noise or any other disruption. All sound must be contained within a camper’s room.
Early Morning Activities: Campers who wish to walk/run early in the morning will need to arrange this with Staff and sign up on the running sheet in the dorm. Campers must go in a minimum of two per group. Campers may walk/run from 6:30-7:30am (and be back in the dorm by 7:30am) and must stay on campus during their walk/run.
Kitchen: Each residence hall and village house has a kitchen space with full-size stove, microwave oven, and sink. Campers may not use the stove in the kitchen, but minimal use of the refrigerator and microwave is permitted.
Damages: Campers are responsible for any damage that may occur. Damages should be reported to a LEAD Crew member and will be recorded, including information on who will specifically be held responsible for the damage.
Property Protection: Spring Arbor University, Student Statesmanship Institute, and/or LEAD are not responsible for lost or stolen items or items damaged in residential spaces. The following suggestions are made for your protection:
- Mark all valuables.
- Always lock your room and secure your window.
- Report all losses or thefts to a LEAD Crew member immediately.
- If you see something suspicious or dangerous, report it to a LEAD Crew Member immediately.

SPRING ARBOR UNIVERSITY EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In Case of Fire

The Spring Arbor Township Fire Department recommends the following procedures:
- Check the door of your room.
- If your room door seems cool and there is no evidence of smoke in the hall:
  - Open the door cautiously, keeping your body braced against it. Keep one hand on the knob and the other hand over the door opening to detect any in-rushing heated air.
  - If the halls appear safe, proceed rapidly out of the building. Close all windows and doors behind you but leave them unlocked.
  - Go to the nearest exit and leave the building.
  - Meet quickly at your designated meeting place so that all persons can be accounted for.
- If your door is hot, you may be trapped. Do not open the door. Instead, follow this procedure:
  - If you can safely exit the window, by any means do so. Otherwise hang a sheet out the window to signal rescuers.
  - Seal the cracks around the door using cloth articles. This helps create a barrier against heat and smoke.
  - If possible, open the windows slightly at the top and bottom to let fresh air in and smoke out of the room.
  - Wait to be rescued.
- If you must move through a smoke-filled area, move quickly in a crouching or prone position.
Meeting Places
- Ogle & Post Village – courtyard
- Gainey Hall – by volleyball court
- Andrews Hall – campus lot west of college street
- Lowell Hall: Alpha/Gamma – south of main entrance, by the oak tree, Delta – west side of delta, near ogle street
Fire Safety Equipment: Fire alarms, extinguishers, exit lights, sprinkler heads and detectors are located in strategic areas of the residence halls. Use this equipment only for emergencies. Tampering with fire equipment or triggering a false alarm violates local and state laws.

Severe Weather Procedures

Tornado Watches and Warnings: In case of a tornado warning, campers are expected to take immediate action and go to the basement or lowest portion of any building. Being in a narrow passageway, such as a lower hallway is advised. Stay away from glassed-in areas. Campers should not return to their rooms until the “all clear” signal is given.
- TORNADO WATCH – means weather conditions are right for tornadoes to develop
- TORNADO WARNING – means a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar
Shelter Information

Poling Center – lower-level hallway	Library – interior of the lower level
Village Houses – lower-level floor	Gainey & Andrews Hall – first floor hallways
McDonald Athletic Center (MAC) – central portion of lower floor hallway	Whiteman-Gibbs Science Center – lower floor by the restroom area
Lowell Hall – basement	Smith Music Center – inner hallway by the band room
Student Life Center – use the hallway by the Holton Health and Wellness Center and the hallway leading to the computer lab

Campers who are physically unable of moving to the aforementioned areas should seek assistance or move to the center of the hallway in which they live, away from windows, etc.
The township emergency siren will sound when there is a TORNADO WARNING. This signal sounds at noon of the first Saturday of each month as a test.

Safety Precautions

Exterior doors of campus housing are always locked. Secured doors must not be propped open. An unsecured door jeopardizes the privacy and safety of residence areas. Remember to carry your key card for building access.
Do not walk alone at night from one building to another. Avoid shortcuts and dark, isolated places when walking or jogging at night.
Exercise caution and courtesy as a pedestrian. Yield to oncoming traffic. Cross streets at designated crosswalks. Walk or jog against (facing) traffic. Assume that vehicle drivers do not see you.