Leader in Training

Lead the Extraordinary

Cairn’s Leader in Training program develops extraordinary leaders in today’s world.

The LIT program is a four-week opportunity for 16-17 year olds to explore how they can use their skills to be a more effective leader at camp and in their everyday life.

These young leaders will build community on a five day canoe trip, develop swimming skills to attain Bronze Medallion or Bronze Cross qualifications, and learn through activities designed to develop their practical leadership skills.

LITs have the opportunity to shadow a variety of camp staff positions to learn about site & facilities, kitchen, and counselling roles at camp. Throughout the four-week program, the LITs will participate in sessions that their LIT Program Coordinators design for their unique group to help them become effective leaders individually and as a collective. LITs often return as camp staff the following year, and leave the LIT program with lifelong connections and friendships.

We are pleased to share that the Leader in Training program is being offered at a subsidized rate, thanks to the generosity of the Jean Wansbrough Leadership Training Fund.

Originally with LIT costing between Option A: $1,760, Option B: $1,850, and Option C: $1,940, the JWLT fund allows us to offer LIT at $250 less per participant! We are so grateful to the JWLT fund for making this happen. This subsidy has been automatically applied to all LIT applicants, and the new pricing is reflected when you register via cairn.campbrainregistration.com.

Overview

Week 1. A week long canoe trip (5 days/4 nights). During this trip LITs will get to connect with and learn about each other while enjoying and exploring the great outdoors. The LIT trip is planned with participants with no trip experience and those with experience in mind to prepare for the best experience for everyone.

Week 2. During the second week LITs will return to camp for a week of learning about and practicing leadership skills. LITs will experience a variety of sessions designed to teach leadership skills, and to learn more about themselves and the camp community. LITs will spend time learning skills as a group, implementing those skills in a variety of program and support roles at camp, then debriefing that experience to learn and grow some more.

Week 3. The focus of LIT's’ third week at camp will be spending time in-cabin with a group of campers and their counsellors. This is a great opportunity for LITs to put their learning and training into practice!

Week 4. The final week of the program LITs spend their time wrapping up their month consolidating their learning, and enjoying the final days of community time together.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! LITs can earn volunteer hours for their time spent supporting campers and camp operations. LITs will earn around 40 hours.

  • LITs will stay at camp over weekends. On the 2nd weekend of the LITprogram parents, guardians and guests are welcome to come visit LITs, either spending time together on site or take them off site for the afternoon.

  • As well as the rich, hands-on leadership learning that LITs receive, participants will receive training and are eligible to receive their Emergency First Aid, Bronze Medallion and/or Bronze Cross certifications. For those who are non-swimmers or have already received their Bronze Cross outside of camp, alternative skill-building opportunities will be provided.

  • On the last night of LIT, participants will get to enjoy a "banquet" meal. This is a time for LITs to celebrate their achievements and their month spent together. LITs are invited to bring something to dress up in - or they can always pick their favourite outfit from the Music & Drama costumes!