Leadership Philosophy & Styles

Through hands-on activities and observation of leaders in camp, LIT’s learn different leadership styles. They have a chance to try the skills and receive feedback on their leadership.

Counselling Techniques

We teach LIT’s sophisticated behaviour management skills to support campers in challenging situations including: conflict resolution, homesickness, and bullying. We coach LIT’s on how to create meaningful connections with campers, find out what is driving misbehaviour, and inspire children to contribute to their communities.

Teaching Techniques

LIT’s learn to be effective instructors of outdoor activity skills. They are taught to manage large groups of children, teach lessons to diverse ages and levels, make learning fun, give specific feedback, and inspire a love of learning in children.

Child Development

LIT’s learn age group characteristics and counselling techniques for each age group. They learn about gender issues and their affect on counselling techniques for boys and girls. They are also taught about working with children with various special needs ranging from autism spectrum disorders to ADD/ADHD.

Group Process and Conflict Mediation

Living and learning in the LIT group brings with it much learning about how groups develop and the roles required within a group to achieve goals. LIT’s are taught self-awareness and conflict mediation skills that are invaluable to teens as they enter other groups themselves, and as they help younger campers navigate their social environments.

Program Planning

With staff support and guidance, LIT’s learn to plan and execute programs for large camper groups. From this they learn organizational skills, time management, personal initiative, delegation and accountability.

Placements

Every LIT completes placements in the camp community where they put into practice the skills they have learned in the program. One placement is at an activity area and one is in a camper cabin. LIT’s receive feedback and evaluations by the supervising staff members on their performance at each placement.

Canoe Trip

Each LIT participates in a 6-day experiential canoe trip in small groups. They plan and organize this trip from the beginning and lead it themselves with the supervision and support of skilled LIT trip leaders that debrief the learning opportunities and evaluate the LIT’s on their performance and growth.

Bronze Cross Certification

8 week LIT’s who have already completed their Bronze Medallion have the option to take part in a Bronze Cross course at camp free of charge. This is a lifesaving qualification required for all counsellors.

Ontario Secondary School Credit

Participants have the option of achieving a Grade 11 course credit in Healthy Living and Outdoor Activities. The course code is PAD3O and is worth 1 full credit (110 hours).