Summer Leadership Camp Programs | 2 & 4 Week Options

Leader In Training (LIT) Program

The LIT is a one-month program for candidates who are 15 years of age as of January 1st. A second round of acceptance will take place for candidates who are 15 by June 30th (based on availability). Throughout the month, participants will be encouraged to begin thinking as a leader, while still enjoying the freedom of program selection each day. Participants work towards earning their Bronze Medallion or Bronze Cross during the program.

The dedicated Leadership staff team will guide these candidates throughout their programs, providing helpful support, and a demonstrated love for adventure and the outdoors.

All leadership programs involve a multi day camping trip as part of the experience.

 The Camp Can-Aqua LIT program has two distinct program focuses:

• Canoe Trip

   A 6 day trip gives participants the opportunity to learn more about the preparation, organization and leadership of a canoe trip. The canoe trip takes place nearby in the AnneStuther Tripping Loop. An LIT Director supervises each trip group with the support of an alumni support staff.

• Leadership Skill Development

   The Camp Can-Aqua LIT program offers a unique approach to skill development. Half of each day is devoted to program requirements, which involve swimming, leadership and trip skills preparation. From there, LIT’s take to the Camp Can-Aqua Programming Board each day to select the other programs which they wish to participate in. Not only do LIT’s have full access to all elective program choices but they will also benefit from team programs throughout the month.

Foreunner Program

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

Forerunner is a one-month program (course credit) for candidates who are 14-15 years of age as of January 1st. During this month long program, candidates will begin their leadership journey through team building and cooperative challenges. This is the beginning of more advance canoe trip training and leading up to their trip, candidates will spend time in the woodworking studio, as they craft their own paddles, which will be used throughout their leadership experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to maintain most elective program picks, while others, such as swim and “trip prep” are required. Participants will work towards earning their Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid in this program. The dedicated Forerunner staff team will support the kids throughout their month as they begin to build a vocabulary for leadership.

• Canoe Trip

• A 5-7 day canoe camping trip is the first stage in advanced tripping experience. Supervised by Forerunner counsellors and tripping staff, it is a memorable first experience for many.

• Paddle Construction

• Through regular use of the wood working studio at Can-Aqua, candidates will be taught and supervised in the custom construction of a canoe paddle. This paddle will not only be used in the three years of leadership at camp, but is a memento kids will be able to keep with them forever.

Junior Councillor Program (JRC)

The Camp Can-Aqua JRC represents a big step in a transition from a camper to a counsellor. This program is one month in duration and is available during July or August Camp each year. JRC’s reside in their own cabins and are assigned to specific camper cabins based on age preferences and availability. Candidates will divide their day between personal development and as a support to their assigned cabin where they will eat meals, socialize at rest hour and support during unstructured times at camp.

The focus of the JRC program is to develop and enhance the soft skills of exceptional leadership. In addition, candidates will train to complete their Standard First Aid, Level “C” CPR and their National Lifeguarding Level (NLS).

Throughout their month at camp, JRC’s must balance skill development, with program implementation, advanced trip skills and cabin based leadership. In addition to their own skill development, they will also represent Camp Can-Aqua as Leadership Ambassadors, as they tour partner Ontario Summer Camps.

Throughout the month, the JRC group will participate in Kindred Sessions on the following:

• Leadership Skills
• Working within a team
• Ages and Stages
• Role Modeling
• Risk Management
• Developing a community with campers
• Sensitive Issues o Leadership Style/Sigma Leadership
• Health and Safety When Leading a Team
• Active Listening & Communication Skills
• Acceptability and Integration

Can-Aqua JRC Trip

This six day trip challenges each participant providing them with an opportunity to organize and implement one day of their journey. The JRC outtrip location changes each year. A JRC Director supervises each trip group with the support of an alumni staff member.

A highlight of the program is the opportunity to plan and implement full camp programs from section based to camp wide games, including the renowned “Can-Aqua Games” at the end of the month.