Leaders in Training (L.I.T.)

Coming back to help others like you.

Many campers are invited to Ooch – as counsellors! The Camp Ooch Leaders In Training (L.I.T.) program was created for older kids (ages 16+) who demonstrate the desire and ability to give to this magical place they’ve come to love.

L.I.T. 1

During Session Two & Three
The L.I.T. 1 program is for young camp leaders ages 16 to 18. The L.I.T. 1 experience begins with a four-day wilderness canoe trip. Paddling through the sheltered waters of the 10,000 islands in Georgian Bay, campers will build self-esteem by learning skills such as portaging, steering a canoe and cooking over a fire. Following the canoe trip, the L.I.T. team heads back to Ooch to apply their leadership skills in the camp setting. Workshops and activities focus on small-group facilitation skills, team building, communication and team work. Participants work with cabin counsellors and activity instructors to learn the art of leading at camp, working with children, and facilitating programs. By the end of the session, L.I.T. 1’s will know more about themselves and have a new-found confidence and a sense of pride and accomplishment. Note: All successful L.I.T. 1 participants will receive a certificate recognizing the completion of 15 hours of volunteer service which can be used toward their high school diploma.

L.I.T.’s will spend 9 nights at Camp Oochigeas and 3 nights on a canoe trip in the Leslie Frost Centre Water Trail.

L.I.T. 2

Selected campers who have successfully completed the Ooch L.I.T. 1 program will be invited to apply for the L.I.T. 2 program. This exciting program will allow L.I.T. 2’s to take what they learned as an L.I.T 1 and apply that to the role of being an assistant camp counsellor. Working along side an experienced and skilled cabin counsellors and activity leaders, L.I.T. 2’s will learn first-hand the challenges and highlights of working with children who have cancer. L.I.T. 2’s are guided through evening workshops focusing on leadership, behaviour management, facilitation skills, intentional programming, eco-camping, boundaries, and more. L.I.T. 2’s will leave camp with newly developed hard and soft skills which are not only valuable in a camp environment, but can also be applied outside of camp, be it at school, a first job, or a team! Note: All successful L.I.T. 2 participants will receive a certificate recognizing the completion of 30 hours of volunteer service which can be used toward their high school diploma.