LeConte Center | May 7 - 9, 2026
PIGEON FORGE, TN
Rooted: Teen Leadership Program
A Discussion-Based Leadership Experience for 9th–12th Graders
Leadership is more than influence; it’s about character, conviction, and faith lived out daily. These leadership sessions for 9–12 graders are designed to challenge and encourage students to grow into Christ-centered leaders who make a difference wherever God places them. Each session is firmly grounded in Scripture and focused on helping teens understand what true leadership looks like through a biblical lens.
For over 50 years, The Wilds Christian Camp has been ministering to young people, faithfully helping them grow in Christian character, spiritual maturity, and godly leadership. Building on that rich legacy, these sessions address real-life issues students face today through relevant, Bible-based teaching.
Session topics include:
Defeating Temptation
How Do I Know God’s Plan?
What Is Digital Addiction?
Who Am I?
Each is designed to help students think biblically about their choices, identity, and daily influences. These sessions are more than just teaching times; they are opportunities for meaningful discussion, thoughtful deliberation, and honest conversation as students wrestle with biblical truth and apply it to their own lives.
The goal for this time is to point students toward a deeper walk with Christ and a clearer understanding of God’s purpose for their lives. By learning to trust God’s Word and follow His direction, students will be equipped to lead with humility, integrity, and confidence. This experience will inspire young leaders to stand firm in their faith and live out Christlike leadership in every area of life.
The full Rooted: Teen program includes workshops on Thursday; then, on Friday and Saturday, teens will practice their new servant leadership skills by serving in the Children’s Program. Teens who complete the full program will receive a free family registration and a Servant Leadership Certification
The full program is free; however, if you would like to attend the workshops only, the cost is $50.
About the Wilds
The Wilds is a Christian camp with branches in North Carolina and New England. The Wilds camps have fostered the spiritual growth of children and teens across the globe for over 50 years. Through unforgettable adventures, we help young people grow in their faith, build character, and make lifelong connections — all to the Glory of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Discussion-Based Leadership Experience for 9th–12th Graders.
The full Rooted Teen program includes workshops all day Thursday; then, on Friday and Saturday, teens will practice their new servant leadership skills by serving in the Children’s Program. Teens who complete the full program will receive a free family registration and a Servant Leadership Certification
This program is for ages 13-18.
The program runs from (roughly) 10:30am- 7pm on Thursday and 9:00am-5:00pm Friday and Saturday with a break for lunch where your teen can go eat lunch. The program end time may vary depending on the final schedule for the event sessions.