Building tomorrow's leaders today
Check out what's new for Summer 2026! Early registration is live! High School dates announced!
Check out what's new for Summer 2026!
- Registration is live!
- High School dates announced!
Welcome to our Summer Leadership Program!
Our High School dates are announced! Grades 9–12 can enroll for June 29 – July 2nd! After completing this program, they will be eligible to be counselors for our K through 5 and 6th through 8th grade program!
At our program, we believe that leadership skills can be learned through hands-on experiences and immersive activities. We offer a unique opportunity for kids to explore historical sites, engage in thrilling outdoor adventures, and delve into thought-provoking discussions on cutting-edge topics like artificial intelligence.
July 20–24, 2026
July 27–31, 2026
5th graders welcome to participate in this session as well
June 29 – July 2, 2026
Eligible to be counselors at the later sessions
Drop off at 8:30 am, pickup 4:30 pm at Van Dyke Park in Fairfax.
What's New for Summer 2026
Great Country Farms
We are pleased to announce a new aspect to our 2026 program! We will be spending a day at Great Country Farms — a fantastic family farm featuring a Farm Ninja obstacle course, rope maze, giant slides, plus a variety of farm animals.
Firearms Safety at Clark Brothers Range
The folks at Clark Brothers Range in Warrenton will introduce students to firearms safety and familiarization, reinforcing responsibility, accountability, listening, and attention to detail. Great for Boy Scouts earning a merit badge!
Animal Tracking with Dave Merrill
We will return to Fountain Head Regional Park, where West Point Classmate Dave Merrill will rejoin us to learn the art of tracking animals, how to "lost proof" ourselves, and build shelters in the wild.
Core Activities
Rappelling, Zip Lining & Orienteering
Additional adventure activities include rappelling, zip lining, and orienteering. These activities not only provide an adrenaline rush but also teach important leadership skills such as risk-taking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Survival Skills at Saint Leo the Great & Van Dyck Park
To further enhance their leadership abilities, we utilize the area around Saint Leo the Great and Van Dyck Park. Here, kids will learn essential survival skills such as making fire and spear fishing. These activities foster self-reliance, adaptability, and resourcefulness.
AI Exploration
We provide opportunities for kids to explore and discuss the fascinating world of artificial intelligence with activities and discussions led by experienced AI professionals in an outdoor setting. Through hands-on experiments and engaging discussions, they will gain a deeper understanding of AI's potential and its impact on society.
Find the Spy
A fun interactive scenario that helps develop communication, listening, and critical thinking skills.
Orienteering & Rescue Mission
Students learn to navigate with a map and compass, as well as get exposure to principles of celestial navigation. Teams will use their land navigation skills to complete a "rescue" mission and recover "treasure," developing independence, resiliency, and problem solving.
Capture the Flag
Our spin on this fun game involves using a map and compass to successfully complete the challenge.
Join us this summer for an unforgettable experience that combines history, adventure, and cutting-edge learning. Our Summer Leadership Program is designed to inspire and equip young minds with the skills and knowledge they need to become confident, compassionate, and effective leaders of tomorrow.
We will have separate groups for K–5, 6–8, and 9–12 grades. Of note, 5th graders can also attend with the 6–8 grade kids if that works better for schedule. Contact us to learn more or sign up below.
Sign Up!
Junior SF Grades K–5 — Summer 2026
Currently filled
Fill out the form to join the waitlist when we open more slots.
Junior SF Grades 5–8 — Summer 2026
Junior SF Grades 9–12 — Summer 2026
Reviews
"I sent my two sons and two daughters to this program. The calibre of the curriculum is second to none as Mr. Coyle combines lessons of history to modern day scenarios adults and children can learn from. The Leadership Institute at Mount Vernon was one of my son's favorite off site visits. My kids were able to make some like minded friends to share their successes with."
After School Program 2024
We are pleased to announce a special after school program at St. Leo the Great in Fairfax VA! This program will take place on Tuesdays right after school from Sept 24–Nov 12 2024, from 3 PM–4:30 PM.
Our program will focus on leadership development, resiliency, teamwork, goal setting/goal achievement in an experiential environment — primarily outdoors with a classroom available for inclement weather.
In addition to outdoor activities such as rappelling, zip lining, orienteering, and shelter building, we will also incorporate AI into our program.
Sign Up — Email UsPast Programs
Junior Special Forces Camp
We are proud to announce our revamped Junior Special Forces Camp! Just as real special forces units are masters of the latest technology while also proficient in old world survival skills, we incorporate the same philosophy for our young leaders!
We build grit, teamwork, resiliency, character, and problem solving skills. These are critical life skills for success, whether you aspire to succeed in academics, athletics, or the arts.
Your child will face challenging team building scenarios inspired by founder Tom Coyle's training at West Point and the army. Each child will have a chance to be the team leader. Children will also be exposed to survival skills like learning to navigate with a map and compass, or even using the hands of a watch!
We teach children independence, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, resiliency, character development, grit, and problem solving skills through a series of interactive, hands-on scenarios loosely modeled on exercises used to train and assess elite military units.
Pickup and drop off will be in front of St. Leo Catholic Church, 3700 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax VA. Drop off at 8:30 am and pickup at 4:30 pm. For more information, please email [email protected]