Lake Scugog Camp has offered a Leader in Training (L.I.T.) program for youth ages 15-17 since 1994. This two year program focuses on developing skills at different levels each summer. Through physical fitness, goal setting and community living, our youth will complete our program with the tools necessary to be positive, and caring community members. During their first summer, our LIT’s will focus on gaining swimming, first aid and canoeing certifications while facing their fears and building lifelong friendships. It is during their first summer that many of our youth begin to realize their potential, as they gain self esteem and self worth which equips them with the confidence necessary to make positive decisions for themselves and others. During the second year of our program, our LITs build upon their leadership skills gained in the previous year by actively leading with our campers. Our second year participants, called Junior Counsellors (J.C.) are responsible for co-leading a cabin group of children. In preparation for this, they learn leadership skills, and prove to themselves that they too can be excellent role models. Our youth participate in a variety of workshops that are aimed at enhancing their personal and interpersonal skills including conflict resolution, trust building, personal goal setting, communication and even event planning.
One exciting part of this 16-week program includes a weeklong trip into the interior of Algonquin park, alternating between canoeing and hiking each year. For many, it is their first time into Ontario’s wilderness, and it is truly a life altering trip. In addition to gaining survival and camping skills our youth discover more about themselves and how to work as a team while enduring the perils of a week long trek in the woods.
In recent years, our summer leadership program has extended into the off season to run all year round. Our LIT’s and JC’s now meet monthly to learn new skills and to reflect on and continue the personal growth from the summer. Our year long program requires campers to work through a series of job training workshops where they gain interview, time management and resume building skills. Additionally, our campers have the opportunity to gain diverse experiences while gaining community service hours through our various volunteer opportunities.
One of our goals during the winter months is to provide our youth with the tools needed to gain employment. In addition to employability however, we are dedicated to helping each of our youth achieve academic success. Through attending parent teacher nights, giving homework reminders, early morning wake-up calls and providing tutoring to those in need, our leadership directors help ensure that each youth achieve their potential. At each meeting, our campers discuss their goals, and achievements giving them a chance to reflect on their successes and acknowledge improvements that need to be made in their own life. Through our year long program, we aim to foster community, growth and friendship. It is our goal to give our youth the tools necessary to become effective community members and make positive life choices for themselves and their communities. Although only in its fourth year, our year long program has shown tremendous success and we are committed to its continuance.