Learning to Lead
For campers that have completed grade 8 (Leaders-in-Training) & grade 9 (Counsellors-in-Training), we offer a summer experience that not only offers development in leadership theory and skill-building but an opportunity to apply them in a fun, supportive environment. These future Robin Hood leaders receive a valuable foundation under the supervision of our most experienced camp staff.
The Journey to Become Staff
Many of our current camp staff participated in our LIT/CIT program and credit their success as leaders to their participation in this program. After assessing the successes of this program for the last few years, Camp Robin Hood will be only offering the following programs.
| Age Group | Session 1 & 2 July 1-25 | Session 3 July 28-August 8 | Session 4 August 11-22 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leader-in-Training - LIT (completed Grade 8) | The Leadership Development Program (Must attend for full four week program) | Learn, Lead & Live Camp | Learn, Lead & Live Camp |
| Counsellor-in-Training - CIT (completed Grade 9) | The Leadership Development Program (Must attend for full four week program) | Learn, Lead & Live Camp | Summer Internship Program* |
| * For Grade 9's only, upon completion of The Leadership Development Program & successful interview with Leadership Team Member |
Option 1: The Leadership Development Program (Session 1 & 2)
This 4-week program offered to grade 8 & 9 campers, is the foundational experience to becoming a future staff member. The program is a fun-filled, team-building and learning experience with their peer group. It includes participation in sessions that develop skills in activity planning and delivery, implementation of behaviour management techniques and strategies to motivate campers of all abilities. In fact, many of the skills learned in this program are “life-long learnables” that will benefit these campers throughout their life no matter what path they choose to pursue.
As Part of the Leadership Development Program (Sessions 1 & 2) in July, each participant will experience:
- A 3 day Leadership Retreat to the Claremont Conservation Field Centre
- 1 day trip to Treetop Trekking
- Twice-weekly counsellor-readiness workshops on a variety of relevant leadership topics
- Participation in a community service initiative
- First-Aid Training and Certification
- Hands on, supervised placements in activity and age-group areas
- 25 volunteer hours certificate of completion
- A commemorative Leadership Program Sweatshirt
Note: The program will be tailored specifically such that participants who have completed grade 8 or grade 9 will have separate expectations during placements and roles in leadership initiatives.
Option 2: Learn, Lead & Live Camp – Session 3 for Grade 8 & 9 & Session 4 only for Grade 8’s
This experience is available to anyone completed Grade 8 & 9 (participation in Option 1 is not required) who would like a fun-filled program focused more on a typical day camp experience with daily participation in selected arts, adventure and sports activities while still experiencing leadership workshops that focus on team-building. All participants will work on a fun group project that will build on lessons learned from their workshops.
Note: Placements, volunteer hours, completion certificates and other features of Option 1 are not components of this experience..
For Grade 9’s Only – “Summer Internships”
After successful completion in our core Leadership Development Program (Option 1), Grade 9 (CIT) participants are invited to apply to one (1) of two paid internships during Session 4. This will be an excellent opportunity to put their training into action, get additional experience while providing camp with additional supervision and support during the last two weeks of the summer.
Here are some details:
- Complete an application during participation in Option 1
- Choose from 1 of the following weeks: August 11-15 or August 18-22
- Participate in an interview conducted by a member of our Leadership Team (great practice!)
- An Internship Contract will be provided and signed
- Selected CIT’s will be given a placement where they will play an assistant role
- Each CIT will be given a $300 honorarium for participation
- Transportation will be provided. Some CIT’s may be selected for bus counsellor duties and will receive $35 for their efforts
NEW THIS YEAR – CIT’S (GRADE 9’S) can earn a high school credit for participation in our Sessions 1 & 2 core Leadership Development Program!
CIT’s have the opportunity to earn a Grade 11 Leadership & Peer Support high school credit while enrolled at Camp Robin Hood!
Through a partnership with Avro Academy and an additional cost to your camp fees ($600), the credit program integrates seamlessly into your camper’s summer experience. It includes journaling, group dynamics, and leadership practice, all facilitated by Mike Taverna, our LIT/CIT Division Head, an OCT-certified teacher and valued member of our camp team for 11 years. Even as a student completed grade 9, your camper is eligible for this credit. Learn more HERE.
Staff Leadership of our LIT/CIT Program
Under the supervision of our Associate Director Ryan Minster, a YRDSB school Principal, the LIT/CIT program is delivered by Division Head Mike Taverna and veteran CRH Unit Head Carly Levitt. We couldn’t ask for a better team to ensure the most impactful, skill building and fun experience for your child. An online spring information session will be held to share all of the exciting details our LIT/CIT’s will be having this summer. Details of this information session is typically shared in early May.
