Junior Instructor (LIT)
Leadership is learned by living it. A two-week immersive experience for teens 15–17 ready to step into meaningful responsibility as Junior Counsellors.
- Ages 15–17
- $700 / 2-week session
- 4 sessions · June 29–Aug 21
- Junior Counsellor role
What Awaits You
The Junior Instructor (Leader-in-Training) program places teens 15–17 directly into daily camp life as Junior Counsellors — building leadership through real responsibility, guided reflection and mentorship within a nature-based community. Built for teens who like working with kids, are curious about leadership or teaching, and want their summer to count. It’s where a great camper becomes a great leader.
Embedded as a Junior Counsellor
LITs aren’t on the sidelines — they’re in the crew, supporting routines and activities, helping keep groups safe and engaged, and mentoring younger campers. Leadership here is service to a community and a place, practised all day, every day.
From stepping in to leading
Week one is “Stepping Into Leadership” — orientation, communication, observing how staff lead, and building outdoor safety awareness. Week two is “Leadership in Action” — taking initiative, co-leading activities, supporting individual campers and finishing with reflection and celebration. Ten days, ten leadership themes, one big step up.
- Morning check-in + a leadership intention for the day
- Embedded in camp groups as a Junior Counsellor
- Midday LIT skills & scenario sessions
- End-of-day reflection circle or journaling
Paired with a staff mentor
Every LIT is paired with a designated staff mentor — daily check-ins, honest feedback, help working through the tricky moments, and a safe place to grow. You’re leading, but you’re never alone out there.
For camp, school & beyond
LITs leave with real volunteer experience mentoring younger campers, hard skills across outdoor pursuits, and the soft skills that show up everywhere — organisation, responsibility, public speaking and critical thinking. It complements the Ontario high-school curriculum (no credits granted), and strong LITs may be invited into future leadership roles at WILDE.
Sessions, dates & the fine print
The LIT program runs in two-week sessions (10 days), Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm, embedded in the full camp day — with a packed lunch, PFD and rain gear from home (water shoes too; no Crocs).
- Four sessions: Jun 29–Jul 10 · Jul 13–24 · Jul 27–Aug 7 · Aug 10–21
- $700 per 2-week session ($350/week)
- Early-bird: $660 per session ($330/week) before April 1, 2026
- Minimum enrolment: one full session (2 consecutive weeks)
The adventures you’ll help lead
As a Junior Counsellor you’re inside all of it — on the water, on the trail, at the campfire — supporting instructors and showing younger campers the ropes.
The daily kit
WILDE provides the canoes, bikes, tools and gear — your camper brings the basics.
- A Transport-Canada-approved PFD from home
- Rain gear: jacket, pants, boots
- Hiking boots or runners — plus water shoes (no Crocs or flip-flops)
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- A refillable water bottle
- Packed lunch + snacks — camp is peanut-free
- Bathing suit + a change of clothes
- A backpack to carry it all
Good to know
What are the 2026 dates?
Adventure Camp (ages 4–11) runs 9 weeks: June 29 – August 28, 2026.
WILDE Way (12–14) and Junior Instructor / LIT (15–17) run in four two-week sessions: June 29–July 10, July 13–24, July 27–August 7 and August 10–21.
Camp runs right through Canada Day and the August long weekend — no closures.
Is there an early-bird discount?
Yes — for WILDE Way and Junior Instructor / LIT: register before April 1, 2026 and pay $330/week instead of $350/week ($660 per two-week session instead of $700).
How do I register?
Online, in minutes — head to the Register page and pick your weeks. A $150 deposit secures each spot.
Want to see camp first? Book a tour and come walk the trails before you decide.
What’s the cancellation policy?
The $150 deposit is non-refundable. Cancel before June 1 for a full refund of the remaining balance.
After June 1, refunds require at least 15 days’ notice before your start date — no refunds inside 15 days or once the program begins.
How big are the groups?
Small. We keep camper-to-staff ratios low, and groups are led by experienced outdoor educators who know the terrain — it’s how we keep adventure both big and safe.