Future-Leader-in-Training:

As the first tier of Camp Latona's exceptional leadership development courses, this 13 day program is designed for young people currently in Grade 9 & 10 who are interested in wilderness exploration,  leadership development and hard skills competency.

Campers will explore all the great adventure activities that Camp Latona has to offer including high ropes; water skiing; wake boarding; climbing, canoeing, ropes and archery. Similarly, participants will take part in a variety of interactive leadership workshops with the intent to hone personal skills and confidence.  In addition campers will complete their Bronze Medallion, lifesaving certification as part of the training program.

Leader-in-Training:

This two-week program is specifically designed for individuals going into grade 11 (special exceptions could be made for extraordinary grade 10 students), with not only the passion to continue exploring the wilderness and growing personally, but also the desire and intent to learn about leadership, mentoring, and teaching others. LIT Program builds on the Future Leaders in Training building personal growth through outdoor training and hard skill development, but begins to move the focus towards how one can apply skills and knowledge to guide and help others.

As part of their two week program, participants take on a number of new and exciting experiences including a hiking expedition through the Howe Sounds. Participants are involved in all aspects of their expedition including menu planning, food/gear pack in/out, campsite selection/set-up and cooking. In addition to trip prep skills, participants gain competency in route navigation with a map and compass, backcountry safety procedures and “Leave No Trace” environmental impact principles.

In addition to developing self-reliance in the wilderness, participants undertake and partake in activity workshops that explore further concepts of responsibility, leadership, and mentoring roles in a community. The experience inherently ingrains a sense of social responsibility, compassion, respect for oneself and others, and a conscience for the world we live in.

Back at Camp, LIT campers integrate into the Camp Latona programs as active participants and assistant leaders. Through this experience, LIT participants gain additional leadership and teaching skills in all activities such as water sports, archery, arts and crafts, orienteering, and climbing. They also have an opportunity to apply their leadership skills through the planning and presentation of their own camp events and activities for our younger campers. LIT Campers will also complete their Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid Certifications.

Counsellor -in-Training:

Our CIT Leadership Program (Counsellor in Training) a minimum 3 week commitment with the invitation to return in August.  The program is designed for participants who are grade 11 & 12 and ready to take on new responsibilities at Camp.  Through this transformative program, our CIT participants have the chance to hone their leadership skills, practice a variety of teaching/facilitation techniques and navigate their position as a role model for youth. These skills are further enhanced through direct interaction with campers in program areas, on trips and during the daily experience of cabin and Camp life each day.

The CIT program emphasizes responsibility and care for the camp community by learning how to create the same camp magic that brought them to Camp Latona. The CIT program prepares participants to be part of a workforce team, managing job responsibilities with self-care, and welcoming the experience of full-time work. This training uses an apprenticeship style program which represents the transition from being a camper towards becoming a counsellor. Participants, therefore, must have a strong desire to work with youth.

CIT's play a key role in the camp community - CIT's are matched with experienced cabin counsellors, activity instructors, and site and facility staff. Participants learn to lead a cabin group of 7-15 year old campers through their summer camp experience, trained to facilitate  programs and belay high ropes, and learn the ins-and-outs of daily maintenance required of camp staff. Participants have the opportunity to acquire staff-like responsibilities and continue to develop as mentors and guides to the campers.

The CIT participates in all the activities with their cabin groups including high ropes, water sports, rock climbing, archery, orienteering, and backcountry camping trips. Amongst the CIT placements, they will participate in leadership workshops, focusing on program delivery, with framework based on self awareness.