I am involved in a few extracurriculars, which I believe demonstrate leadership in the work itself, but I do not hold a leadership position (president, manager, lead xyz, etc.). For example, I am the coxswain on my school’s crew team, which is a leadership position in itself since I help run practices, and guide the boat during races. The captain positions are reserved for the seniors, which I will have a shot at next year, but not prior to that.
Another example is that I have been a camp counselor for the last 3 summers at a low-cost camp where there aren’t fancy facilities or programming for the kids. The counselors come up with activities and daily schedules themselves.
I also have a younger sister who is 7 years younger than I am, and I have helped with babysitting, homework, and taking her to activities. Can I also put that down as leadership?
I think that high school students might be too concerned about official “leadership” positions.
Real leadership is not about being in charge, and is not about getting your way. Real leadership is about helping other people, and making an activity better for everyone who participates.
Being a camp counselor is about helping other people, and about making the activity better for the kids who participate. This is a very good activity. Helping a younger sibling is also a good extracurricular activity.
Also, for admissions to the very most selective universities (Harvard, Stanford, MIT level) the best ECs are the ones that are right for you. The way to get accepted to schools at this level is to do what is right for you, and do it very well, and treat people well. This sounds like exactly what you have already been doing. For most other schools, ECs are really not all that important.
I think that your ECs are fine. Be honest. Be genuine. Do not make anything up. When it comes time to apply to universities write about what you have done, and do not worry about it.
I think admissions officers will see both Coxwain and your camp counselor role as leadership roles. No need to worry about that. They understand that leadership comes in all different forms and none of them want their entire school to be class presidents and team captains.
Leadership roles don’t have to be a certain position
Are you on the JV team but assist new player’s get used to being on a team and what that means? Are you just an active member of a club but because you have to work you can’t take on a more pronounced leadership role?
Work and taking care of family members is looked upon very favorably BTW.
Just be you organically and that will come through on your essays.