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Day Camps LIT Program

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YMCA of Three Rivers Camps

Serving Waterloo Region, Wellington County, and Huron-Perth

The Day Camp Leaders in Training Program (LIT) for ages 13-15

Registration for 2022 will be available in January and updated program information available soon

For any day camp specific questions that you have, please email daycamp@ytr.ymca.ca. Please be advised that all programs and dates are subject to change based on COVID-19 Provincial Guidelines

2021 Dates, Times & Fees

Location	Sessions/Ages	Cost	Dates	Times
YMCA Camp Conestogo 5422 Jones Base Line Guelph, ON N1H 6J1	Level 1- Age 13 Level 2- Age 14 Level 3- Age 15		Level 1- Jul 5-16 or Aug 3-13 Level 2- Jul 19-30 or Aug 16-27 Level 3- Jul 5-16 or Aug 3-13
Shade's Mills Conservation Area 450 Avenue Rd. Cambridge, ON N1R 5S4
YMCA Camp Heidelberg 2001 Kressler Rd. Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z4

The LIT Program

Practical, Hands on Learning

The Leader in Training (LIT) program is a two-week program designed to help youth develop leadership skills that will not only apply in a day camp setting, but in all areas of your lives. The LIT Program can be a steppingstone to help youth build skills and transition for being a camper to volunteering in a day camp setting, and eventually into a day camp counsellor role, other leadership roles within day camp, within your school, or community.

Individualized Strengths and Supports

This program provides a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment where youth will feel accepted, find their voice, and become engaged in the community. You will develop leaderships skills, build self-confidence, and improve upon communication skills through team-based activities, challenges, group initiatives, and mentorship opportunities.

You will be supported through your leadership journey by experienced Camp Staff who will regularly provide coaching, guidance, and constructive feedback.

LIT Volunteer Placement

Optional, Spaces limited

*Earn Volunteer Hours*
OSSD/High School/Community Involvement Hours
LITs can earn 40 volunteer hours for their one-week Volunteer Placement at Day Camp

Upon successfully completing each level, LITs will work with the LIT Coordinator to determine if you are ready to move on to complete an additional one-week volunteer placement following the completion of the program. Placements (locations and sessions) will be coordinated based on space, availability, and ensuring Covid-19 safety protocols can be met.

Placements weeks can be completed during any week following the completion of the program. Successful candidates will be partnered with a Camp Counsellor and Camper group and will help to support the campers, lead camp songs, games and activities. LITs will work towards goals set each week with the support of their Camp Counsellor and LIT Coordinator mentors.

Click or Scroll for a more detailed description of each level

LIT Level 1- Age 13

LIT Level 2- Age 14

LIT Level 3- Age 15

LIT Level 1

Youth must be 13 years of age
(Or turn 13 in the 2022 calendar year)

Cost: $300.00
Fee Assistance Available

In LIT Level 1, you will be introduced to the basic concepts of what it means to be a leader. You will work to develop fundamental leadership skills, improve communication and team building skills, and build self-confidence. A variety of day camp games, activities, songs, and skills will be introduced.

Level 1 includes:

Leadership Fundamentals
Communication skills
Team-Building
Responsibility and roles
Advocacy
Planning and delivering games/activities
Group Instruction delivery
Ages & Stages of development
Supporting campers
Goal Setting and personal growth

Upon successfully completing Level 1, LITs will have the opportunity to volunteer at Y Day Camp this summer, for a one-week Volunteer Placement.

LIT Level 2

Youth must be 14 years of age
(Or turn 14 in the 2022 calendar year)

Cost:
Fee Assistance Available

In LIT Level 2 you will build on the skills learned in Level 1. You will also earn your First-Aid & CPR Certification.

Level 2 includes:

First-Aid & CPR Certification
Team Building
Communication Skills
Conflict Resolution & Problem Solving
Behaviour Management Techniques
Inclusion and integrating children with special needs
Social Inclusion & Advocacy
Supporting Camper Groups
Goal Setting
Delivering activities at camp

Upon successfully completing Level 2, LITs will have the opportunity to volunteer at Y Day Camp this summer, for a one-week Volunteer Placement.

LIT Level 3

Youth must be 15 years of age
(Or turn 15 in the 2022 calendar year)

Cost:
Fee Assistance Available

In LIT Level 3, you will earn your HIGH FIVE® Principles of Health Child Development Certification (Parks & Recreation Ontario) and earn 60 volunteer hours during the program with the opportunity to earn an additional 40 hours by completing your placement.

Build on the skills learned in Level 2 to become a confident leader. This level focuses on stepping further outside of your comfort zone and confidently implementing learned skills in practical hands-on settings. The majority of the program is a mentorship opportunity for you to be paired with a Camp counsellor and Camper group, at a Y Day Camp. You will support campers, lead games, songs, sports, and camp activities.

Upon successfully completing Level 3, you will have the option to extend your LIT placement at day camp by an additional week to be partnered with a Camp counsellor and camper group for the week.