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Denver Leadership Project

What?

The Denver Leadership Project (DLP) is a 8 week summer training opportunity designed to help college students grow in character, leadership and professional skills, and their walk with God.

Who?

Students from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE), Truman State University (TSU), and Campus Outreach Dallas Fort Worth area schools.

When?

May 22nd - July 20th.

Where?

Denver, CO

Cost:

$1,900 (which includes lodging, a meal per week, and project materials.)

Application:

The application must be completed by Friday, March 6, 2020

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Why DLP?

a SUMMER to GROW in:

FAITH

You will receive personal attention to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ in small groups and project-wide meetings. These opportunities are designed to help you learn how to study the Bible better, memorize God’s word, pray, interact with others and build Christ-like character.

LEADERSHIP

You will have opportunities to influence and lead others, but the primary focus for your development is leadership of self and learning to follow well the leadership of God. Both are keys to unleashing your potential to lead and influence others back on campus, in your communities, and as you go into the world.

RELATIONSHIPS

You will live, work, grow, and have fun with other college students from campuses throughout the greater St. Louis area who have a desire to deepen their walks with God. Relationships invested in during SLP can impact you for a lifetime.

while...

WORKING

You will spend five days a week working a job. Working allows you to build relationships, develop professionally, gain work experience, and provide finances for you to attend SLP. If you raise financial support to attend, you will still be required to work a job.

HAVING FUN

SLP is structured to facilitate high levels of growth in a few months time but it is not without a ton of fun. There will be socials, excursions, late night conversations, meals shared, and a lot of opportunity to express yourself and be creative. Those who are full of life get to enjoy life the fullest!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Denver?

Unfortunately, transportation is not provided to Denver. If students are able to drive, we would like to recommend that they do so (parking at Colorado Christian University is free). This will ensure that there are an appropriate number of vehicles at the DLP. Additionally, students who book early are usually able to find inexpensive flights and transportation from the airport.

Who leads the DLP?

The DLP is lead by Campus Outreach St. Louis and Dallas Fort Worth staff and student leaders.

Are there payment options for the DLP?

Yes, for students who are not able to pay upfront, we have a weekly “rent” plan ($200/week). However, $200 is required upon completing the DLP Commitment Form (which you will receive after applying). Checks can be made out to Campus Outreach and there will be credit/check card options available.

Am I allowed to leave the DLP for family trips?

In order to ensure healthy future relationships with our employers, we ask each of the students to make plans and sacrifices to not leave the DLP. There are exceptions for family weddings, funerals, and military personnel.

Where will we be staying while at the DLP?

Colorado Christian University - 8787 W. Alameda Ave; Lakewood, Colorado 80226

What is the cost of the DLP?

The cost for the DLP is $1,900 which includes 8 weeks' lodging, a meal per week, and all project materials. This does not include other meals, parking, and gas. Each student will work a job to help cover the costs of the summer. Depending on the job, you will use about 90% of the money you earn to cover the total expenses. You may also raise money to cover your expenses. The particulars on how to raise money will be provided to you once you have been accepted.

Can my family come and visit?

Absolutely! We highly encourage you to invite your family to take a summer trip to Denver. Additionally, we have designed a Parents’ Weekend (June 19th-21st) in which you will have extended free time, less work hours, and a program intended to welcome parents and expose them to the DLP.  We will provide a list of nearby hotels in case you want to book your lodging early. 

Who is the DLP sponsored by?

Campus Outreach St. Louis is an interdenominational college ministry. The Campus Outreach staff are under the authority and supervision of The Journey Church in St. Louis, MO.

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Information for Parents

Safety

Your child’s safety is one of our staff team’s primary concerns. We are duly aware of the safety challenges associated with hosting a program of this length, and we have taken necessary precautions to cultivate a safe environment for students to grow. (See 2019 DLP Policy Form in the "Downloadable Forms" section )

Why Denver?

A centerpiece of the DLP is ensuring that each student works a full-time job. This is so each student can make money, but also so that each student can grow in his/her leadership development and apply what they are learning in a real life environment. There are only a few places in the United States where we can be guaranteed this type of employment opportunity, and Denver, CO (in conjunction with Elitch Gardens Amusement Park) meets these criteria.

Why 8 weeks?

We feel eight weeks is the perfect length of time for a summer project. It gives the student around 5+ weeks at home while also giving him/her ample time to develop in his leadership, and to grow spiritually. Often times at a week-long church camp, a person may return home on an emotional high. We do not seek for students to make emotionally driven decisions, nor to come back home merely riding an emotional high. Rather, we want to see students make gains in character growth, initiative-taking, leadership skills, social aptitude, professional development, and in owning responsibilities. We believe that eight weeks is enough time for a student to truly take substantial steps in these areas.

Can we visit our son/daughter?

Absolutely! Feel free to come down at any time during the summer, but we have designed a Parents’ Weekend, June 19th-21st) in which your child will have extended free time, less work hours, and a program intended to welcome parents and expose them to how their child has been growing at DLP. Please make plans to join us for this fun weekend in Denver! More information will be on the way once your son/daughter applies to the DLP.

Questions or concerns-

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact this summer’s DLP Director, Dayton Merrell (dayton.merrell@campusoutreach.org).

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Employment Opportunities

• Each student is offered a job interview at Elitch Gardens Amusement Park, which is one of the only amusement parks in a downtown district in our country, or Denver Downtown Aquarium.

• Students may also set up their own employment and/or internships as long as opportunities comply with all DLP work hours and policies.

• DLP work hours and policies

  • Each student is required to work between 32-40 hours/week (Elitch Gardens & the Aquarium offers each of our students the required number of hours each week).

  • Weekly work schedule (TBA)

  • No job can be terminated by a student without staff approval.

  • A student may not stay at home from work without staff approval.

  • A student must work all available dates of the project.

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Athletes in Training

Strength and Conditioning:

Each athlete will be required to participate in a daily- supervised strength and conditioning program. The coach of the student athlete must approve all programs.

Position and Skill Work:

Each athlete will have required time perfecting his or specific position and skill.

Leadership:

Each athlete will be given intentional opportunities to grow in leadership on and off the field.

Spiritual Training:

AIT works alongside the DLP to help students grow in their relationships with God through Bible study and discipleship.

***AIT is open to all scholarship and/or varsity athletes (all others must be approved).