Summer Leadership Camp Programs | 2 & 4 Week Options

Leader In Training (LIT) Program

The Leader-in-Training (LIT) program is a four-week program for candidates aged 15-16 as of January 1st. A second round of acceptance will take place for candidates who will turn 15 by June 30th (based on availability only.) The Can-Aqua LIT program is designed to teach candidates to think like a leader, develop advanced skills, and learn to work effectively as a team to achieve collective goals. We achieve these goals through the following focuses:

Camp-wide Program Development and Facilitation 

One of the core goals of the LIT program is to teach candidates to collaborate effectively within their peer group to create, develop, and facilitate group programs of varying scale. As a group, LITs will work throughout the month on a step-by-step process of planning and executing the revered Council Games, a camp-wide evening program that serves as the much-anticipated finale of our beloved Can-Aqua Games. Guided by experienced Leadership staff, each candidate will contribute in a way that plays to their own strengths and builds on their areas of improvement, from choreography to logistics to public speaking. In addition to this, LITs will take part in guided LIT Fires, where candidates will have the opportunity to practise facilitation and leadership techniques among their peers, as well as host Club Med, Can-Aqua’s popular all camp beach party. As a result, participants will become confident and proficient in developing programs and collaborating efficiently. 

Canoe Trip 

A highlight of the LIT program is our 8-day canoe trip through Algonquin Provincial Park. where candidates will be introduced to the best backcountry camping Ontario has to offer. Through paddling, portaging, and site set up, LITs will gain hands-on camping experience and build physical endurance, resilience, confidence, and grit. All essential skills required for success throughout the trip will be taught prior to departure. 

While the LIT program is focused on collaborative projects, candidates will also have daily opportunities to participate in their choice of Program Board activities and work towards advanced awards. While at camp, LITs will live in the Leadership Village, a living space designed exclusively for leadership candidates to reside with like-minded peers and passionate Leadership staff. Candidates will also work towards earning their Bronze Cross and Emergency First Aid (EFA). 

Forerunner Program

Board of Education Course Credit
Outdoor Activities, Physical Education – PAD3O

The Forerunner program is a four-week program (including course credit: PAD3O) for candidates who are 14-15 years of age as of January 1st. The program enhances the Can-Aqua experience by facilitating and encouraging skill development in chosen program areas, daily opportunities to administer pre-planned programs to junior campers, and act as role models to the Can-Aqua community. In addition to program selection, Forerunners will spend time each day working towards their Bronze Medallion. Highlights of the Forerunner program include: 

Advanced Skill Development

One of the cornerstones of the Forerunner program is a focus on advanced skill development through consistent commitment and effort. Candidates will identify their program areas of interest and spend dedicated time each day with our talented instructors working their way up to acquiring advanced skills in our awards-based system of learning. With full access to our Program Board, Forerunners will receive the time and instruction necessary to become experts in their chosen program areas. This system of skill development also opens the opportunity to work towards a Merit Award, a well-respected award in Can-Aqua culture signifying mastery in two water activities and two land activities.

Canoe trip 

Essential to the Forerunner program is the 7-day canoe trip in the Kawartha Highlands. This trip is an introductory-level canoe and camping trip designed to facilitate the practice and learning of backcountry camping skills in a safe adventure environment. Led by seasoned tripping staff, the Forerunner trip is the ideal environment to develop critical outdoor camping skills and learn the value of efficient teamwork and communication. 

Paddle construction

Candidates will spend regular, dedicated periods throughout the month in the woodworking studio, where they will be taught and supervised in the construction of a custom canoe paddle. Forerunners will be able to take their paddle on present and future Leadership excursions, and save it as a memento of their time and effort for years to come. 

Forerunners will reside in the Leadership Village, a dedicated living space for Leadership candidates to work and relax among like-minded peers under the supervision of designated Leadership staff. Additionally, Forerunners will gain a Board of Education course credit (PAD3O) upon completion of the program.

Junior Counsellor Program (JRC)

The Junior Counsellor (JRC) program is a four-week program for candidates 16-17 years of age by January 1st. As JRCs, candidates will embark upon the final step in their Leadership journey. JRCs will split their time between personal development and gaining counselling experience as a support to assigned cabins. Candidates will also work toward completing their National Lifeguard (NLS) and Standard First Aid (SFA) with CPR-C. Additionally, JRCs will receive Board of Education course credit (GPP3O) upon completion of the program. The focuses of the JRC program include: 

Counselling-based Leadership 

During the second half of the Leadership program, JRCs will be assigned to specific camper cabins based on age requests and availability. They will reside in cabins with campers and staff, learning the fundamentals of counselling during key contact points during the day such as mealtimes, rest hour, and bedtime. JRCs will be supervised by experienced staff members while acquiring hands-on experience in communication, responsibility, and active problem-solving. 

Proficiency in Instruction 

Throughout the month, candidates will gain proficiency as instructors in their choice of a variety of water- and land-based programs. Through shadowing expert instructors and practising and receiving feedback, candidates will work towards becoming confident, proactive, and knowledgeable instructors to campers of all ages. As a result, candidates will also be well-equipped to help facilitate and deliver Can-Aqua’s awards-based system of skill development.

Personal Development 

In addition to counselling- and program-based learning, JRCs will attend sessions delivered by experienced camp counsellors, managers, and directors. The topics they will discuss and implement throughout the month include: 

• Leadership skills and styles 
• Working as a team
• Ages and stages 
• Role modelling 
• Risk assessment and management 
• Developing a community with campers 
• Sensitive issues in counselling 
• Health and Safety when leading a team 
• Active listening 
• Adaptability and integration 

The JRC program is a balance of skill development, program implementation, and cabin-based leadership. Candidates will experience a transformative month, from which they will emerge with the confidence and skillset to pursue future leadership opportunities at Can-Aqua and beyond.