Cedar Ridge Camp’s Leader in Training (LIT) program is designed for youth 16 or 17 years of age. The program aims to provide LITs with skills that will allow them to become a leader in a wide array of settings. LITs will develop skills that are useful both at camp and in the real world. Our goal is to foster the maturity and growth of each individual in the program, to find the settings in which each LIT will thrive. Soft skills (social/emotional skills) and Hard skills (physical skills) will be developed to nurture this personal growth, all while being able to participate outdoors in a fun camp setting.

LIT’s will participate in:

• Soft Skill Training Sessions (Social/Emotional Skills)
• Hard Skill Training Sessions (Physical Skills)
• Camp Placements (Instructor and/or Counsellor)
• Multi-Day Canoe Trip

Certifications
Every LIT will have the opportunity to earn a number of certifications from prominent outdoor, safety and recreation organizations in Ontario.

• Bronze Cross (Lifesaving Society)
  • This course begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.

• Emergency First Aid & CPR C (Lifesaving Society)
  • Emergency First Aid provides general knowledge of first aid principles and the emergency treatment of injuries. Skills include: victim assessment, CPR, choking and what to do for external bleeding, heart attack, stroke wounds and burns. Includes CPR-C certification.

• ORCKA (Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayak Association) Safe Canoeing and Canoeing Certifications
  • The three-hour ORCKA Safe Canoeing program provides essential safety, knowledge and beginner paddling skills to help LITs make safe, wise choices before heading out on the water and while out on the water. ORCKA Basic Canoeing Level 1 emphasizes becoming comfortable in both the bow and stern. LITs will improve knowledge of safe canoeing practises, including the introduction to canoe rescues: retrieval of a swamped canoe and canoe over canoe rescues.

Soft Skill Training Sessions (Social Skills)
LITs will participate in numerous educational soft skill sessions and workshops throughout the program and will get the chance to implement and practise these skills during camp placements. Soft Skill sessions will include workshops on topics such as; Public Speaking, Time Management, Leadership Skills/Styles, Bullying, Inclusivity, Conflict Management, Resume Building, Teamwork and Self-Management. These sessions aim to not only develop social skills directly applicable to camp but also applicable to life outside of camp.

Hard Skill Training Sessions (Physical Skills)
Throughout the program, LITs will advance in various outdoor hard skills. Most of the training will be done through skills sessions and workshops as well as camp placements. The Hard skills sessions will cover the following activity areas – Swimming, Canoeing, Kayaking, Climbing, High Ropes, Archery, Mountain Biking, Sailing, Horseback Riding, Canoe Tripping, Wilderness/Nature/Survival Skills and more! During these sessions, LITs will learn and practice basic to advanced skills for each activity. They will have the chance to implement these skills during placements at camp.

Camp Placements
During the program, LITs will have the opportunity to gain experience working directly with campers and staff during cabin placements. In this time LITs will work alongside both instructors and counsellors to gain greater knowledge and experience in leading campers and teaching/instructing activities.

Multi-Day Canoe Trip
Through a multi-day canoe trip, participants will explore the beautiful lakes, rivers, forests, hills and valleys of Ontario. While on the trip, participants will learn the skills needed to plan and lead a successful wilderness expedition. LITs will be responsible for leading parts of the trip, organizing the campsite, cooking, and participating in soft and hard skill sessions all while developing a greater appreciation for nature and the outdoors.

If you have any other questions please contact us at info@cedarridgecamp.ca

Summer Dates
& Programs