Leader-In-Training Program 2008

L.I.T. Handbook

Health Information Form

L.I.T. Transportation Form

Suggested Packing List

The K-W YMCA Residential Camping Leader-In-Training program is the first of two training summers involved in becoming a counsellor with us. The overall goal of this two-year training programis to provide excellent staff to the 3 residential camps of the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA.

The L.I.T. summer has been designed to provide participants with instruction and experience in a wide range of physical and leadership skills; it is physically and intellectually challenging, and helps young adults grow as individuals and work and communicate effectively with others. The program emphasizes teambuilding, leadership skills, goal setting and the challenge to achieve "personal best" in all skills at camp. L.I.Ts are provided with the opportunity to apply newly acquired skills and knowledge to practical situations.

Many of the components of the program are blended to make the most of the training opportunities at all of our sites; training at Ki-Wa-Y focuses on "soft" skills - communication, leadership and cooperation, and the time at Wab focuses on "hard" skills, like skill development, teaching skills and canoe tripping. Training culminates at Ki-Wa-Y with the Eco Challenge, and at Wab with the 4 day canoe trip. L.I.T.s spend time at both camps working towards and achieving Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross lifesaving awards, as well as ORCA (Ontario Recreational Canoeing Association) canoeing levels.

L.I.T.s are evaluated based on a number of factors throughout the month. Although the program relies heavily on skill development, the most important factor in the L.I.T. experience is that participants are willing and eager to learn, and that they actively participate in all activities. "Although we hope you can solo a canoe and scale the climbing wall by the end of your time with us, there is nothing more important than trying your best."

L.I.T.'s spend two weeks at each Wabanaki and Ki-Wa-Y with the changeover weekend spent at Belwood. We think it is important to recognize and maximize the unique learning opportunities available at each of our sites while providing our future staff members with an experience that enhances understanding of all three of our residential camps.   L.I.T.'s stay in unique and functional teepees that provide this group an accommodation area all their own.

L.I.T.'s must be 15 by July 1, 2008, and registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful L.I.T.'s are invited to attend the Counsellor-In-Training program the following year at one of the three camps, as determined by both choice and random drawing.