Camp Leadership Programs
At the YMCA, we view leadership development as the cornerstone of camp. In 2023, we will be offering 6 unique leadership programs that are designed to help youth develop into future leaders and staff.
New This Year!
In 2023, the YMCA is introducing a NEW two-tiered Day Camp Leadership Program (DCL) in Sudbury & North Bay. John Island Camp will also be offering a NEW 1-week Prospector Leadership Program. The DCL and Prospector Program will provide campers with the unique opportunity to customize their experience and participate in the planning process of their own camp experience. All participants will be challenged to grow their communication, problem solving and leadership skills by working through interactive workshops and team building activities.
Day Camp Leadership
Leaders-in-Training
Leaders-in-Training (LIT) is an incredible 1-week opportunity to participate in your favourite activities and develop new skills and abilities. Key focuses of this program are conflict resolution, building self-confidence, and group bonding.
Price: $120
Location: Sudbury, North Bay
Ages: 12-13
Program Dates:
- July 3-7
- July 24-28
- August 14-18*
*Sudbury Only
Counsellor-In-Training
In addition to participating in your favourite camp programs, the Counsellor-In-Training program will have a larger focus on group management, problem-solving, self-awareness, and communication.
In the second week of the program, CITs will put their leadership skills to practice by shadowing camper groups in a program of their choosing where they will be mentored by one of our qualified Day Camp Staff.
Price: $240
Age*: 13-14
Program Dates:
- July 10-21 (Monday-Friday) **
- July 31-August 11 (Monday-Friday)***
- August 21-September 1 (Monday Friday)**
**Sudbury Only
***North Bay & Sudbury
Interested in Overnight AND Day Camp?
Campers who register for the John Island Prospector Leadership Program will automatically have the option to join Week 2 of the Day Camp CIT program.
Week 1: 5 Nights at John Island Camp (Sunday-Friday)
Week 2: 5 Days at a local YMCA Day Camp (Monday-Friday)
Once you’ve registered for Prospector Leadership, complete this form to sign-up for Week 2 of our DC-CIT program.
John Island Leadership (Overnight)
Prospector Leadership C: Sunday July 30 – Friday August 4 2023
Prospector Leadership E: Sunday August 20 – Friday, August 25 2023
Cost: $795.00*
Brand new this year, John Island is introducing a 1-Week Leadership Program for youth between the ages of 13-15 years. This program is a fantastic gateway to ALL Leadership Programs at the YMCA (Explorer Canoe, Greenway, DC-LIT, DC-CIT). Prospectors will participate in leadership workshops, traditional John Island activities, and will also embark on a 1-night canoe trip where they will develop basic Outdoor Living Skills.
*Price includes Transportation to/from John Island Camp. Participants will also have the option to join Week 2 of the Day Camp CIT program at their local NEO Day Camp (spaces limited).
Explorer Canoe A: Monday July 17 – Friday July 28 2023
Explorer Canoe C: Monday August 7 – Friday, August 18 2023
Cost: $1,790.00
*prices are subject to change without notice
The Explorer Canoe program is designed for young adventurists, future leadership participants, and youth campers who want a taste of something different. The Explorer Canoe program allows participants to begin or continue their development of back country skills and expand their wilderness tripping skills. Campers have the opportunity to experience some of Northern Ontario’s most picturesque landscapes while being supported in a tight knit environment with a small group focus.
The group spends their first few days at John Island, learning safety and paddling skills before embarking on their 7-day Canoe Trip (Killarney or Matagamasi). The program aims to challenge campers and expand their knowledge of Northern Ontario’s environments all while meeting them where they are at in their tripping skills. Explorers will also have the opportunity to participate in traditional camp programming at John Island such as high ropes, sailing, and evening programs.
On trip, explorers will find themselves immersed in one of the many breathtaking canoe routes Northern Ontario has to offer. Days often come to an end sitting around the campfire, sharing stories and looking up to the starry summer sky. Participants will find themselves amazed by what they can achieve, especially with the support of new friends! Campers will develop self confidence and learn how to encourage others to do the same
Preparing For Trip
John Island Camp is committed to providing a safe and comfortable backcountry experience on all our trips. Campers are not required to have prior tripping experience to participate in the Explorer Canoe Program.
Camp will provide all gear required – tents, packs, camp kitchen equipment, first aid supplies, and all other wilderness expedition essentials! Campers provide only their personal equipment: sleeping gear, clothing, toiletries, and a waterproof dry bag to keep everything cozy. A more detailed packing list will be available closer to session dates.
Sunday July 30th – Friday August 25th 2023
Cost: $3,300.00
*Prices are subject to change without notice
The Greenway program is a four-week leadership experience that combines traditional camp experiences and Back Country Tripping. Participants of the Greenway program focus on developing their own technical skills as well as learning more about group dynamics and how to effectively work in a team.
Greenway campers spend approximately 3 weeks on the island. Much of their time is focused on gaining valuable certifications such as Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid. Greenways explore trust and adventure through initiatives and team building workshops, planning and executing an in-camp program and practicing paddling skills in preparation for their extended backcountry canoe trip.
While on trip, Greenways learn more about wilderness leadership, leaving no trace, reading and navigating bodies of water, and outdoor living skills. This trip allows participants to continue their own personal development as well as be part of the group dynamics of a tight community for an extended period of time.
Monday July 10th – Friday August 25th 2023
Cost: $5,550.00
*prices are subject to change without notice
* Please note that prior participation in the Greenway Program is not a prerequisite for the River Norquay Program.
Participants must be turning 16 by December 31, 2022.
The Norquay Program emphasizes personal development, communication, perseverance, and inter-personal skills. Participants hone their leadership skills at camp before embarking on a 4 week canoe expedition through the wilderness of Northern Ontario.
While at camp, Norquays will hone their interpersonal skills by learning counselling techniques, program instruction, and will participate in a cabin placement. In addition to soft skill development, Norquays will also complete their Bronze Cross and emergency first aid certification.
While on trip, Norquays expand their knowledge of trip navigation, campsite management, and paddling moving water. Throughout the journey, participants will feel a sense of ownership in their experience and will develop a deeper respect for each other and the natural world.
Although participation in the Greenway program is not required prior to this program, it is recommended that Norquay applicants undergo some form of basic leadership experience.
* Please note that prior participation in the Greenway Program is not a prerequisite for the River Norquay Program.
$250
John Island Camp has partnered with the YMCA Academy to offer high school course credits for our Greenway and Norquay leadership programs. Registration in the High School Credit Program is optional however only participants that register will be awarded the high school credit.