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 on the trails, water and rock of the Blue Mountains, from the Beaver River to Metcalfe Rock, with 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 documented 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.
PreCamp is also available June 15–26.
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.