Leaders in Training

Camp Kirk’s Leader-in-Training (LIT) program is designed to support neurodivergent youth as they navigate the transition to adulthood. Geared to graduated campers, the LIT Program helps participants develop their leadership potential, independence, and employment skills – all within the support of the Camp Kirk community.

Program Overview

The LIT Program is an experience for graduating campers who are looking to take on a new challenge. The program is designed to provide practical work experience in a safe and nurturing environment, while providing ongoing tailored support and mentorship. The program runs in stages over two summers- participants attend camp for 18-days each summer.

The LIT Program puts participants in front-line positions, with a focus on developing leadership skills in three different job-specific streams. These streams include maintenance, childcare, and program facilitation. 

NOTE: At the end of the program, LITs will complete 96 hours of volunteer work that can be used towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma Community Involvement requirement.

PROGRAM GOALS

Develop relevant skills in the transition to adulthood: The LIT experience is a challenge for participants’ long term growth. Roughly 75% of adults with autism or intellectual disabilities are unemployed- so we’ve geared our program towards developing participants’ universal leadership and employment skills to help prepare them for young adulthood. The Mentorship Director will work closely with LITs and lead them through morning skills sessions that evolve from year 1 to year 2, such as self-advocacy and teamwork. Then, LITs will practise those universal skills in their afternoon work-placements. We have three work-placement streams to choose from based on individual goals. 

Continue your journey with Camp Kirk: Many of our LITs express that Camp Kirk is like a second home to them- not only do they want a chance to come back to camp, but many LITs express the desire to give back to camp. The LIT program gives the opportunity to come back to camp for an extended camp experience to soak it all in. 

What we want LITs to walk away with: We want LITs to walk away with an unforgettable and fun camp experience. We also want them to be able to use this experience on a resume as they look towards educational and employment opportunities. 

Application Requirements

• Must be a former Camp Kirk camper
• 17-18 years old by June

PROGRAM FORMAT

Mornings: Daily Training and Leadership Sessions

Participants will take part in daily training sessions with their supervisor, the Mentorship Director. These sessions will change based on the stage of the LITs: 

• Year 1: teamwork and collaboration, professionalism, adaptability and independence. 
• Year 2: self management, self-advocacy, communication, and conflict resolution.
• Note: Campers who are still 18 or younger after completing Year 1 & 2 can come back and repeat Year 2 if spaces are available! They can opt for the same work placement or try a new one for a new challenge.

Afternoons: Work Placements

Participants will learn by doing. Each afternoon participants will take part in a work placement, where they will shadow experienced staff, practise new skills, and work collaboratively in a team. Work placements differ based on the interests and strengths of the participants. 

• Care Leaders: Placement with maintenance and kitchen staff, mentored by Mentorship Director
• Program Leaders: Placement at program activities, mentored by Program Staff 
• Counselling Leaders: Placement with a Camper Cabin, mentored by Counselling Staff 

Evenings: Join-in on the fun!

LITs will partake in our clubs programs and evening programs and soak up all the Camp Kirk traditions and events they know and love. They’ll be encouraged to play characters in Special Events, perform acts in Showcase and at campfires, and spend time with campers and staff. 

Ongoing: Mentorship and Support from Senior Staff

Participants will be living and working with the staff team throughout the course of the summer. This provides the Mentorship Director, and the rest of the staff team, ample opportunity to provide participants with mentorship and guidance to build both life skills and work skills. 

Formal evaluation and feedback will be provided by the Mentorship Director at the midpoint and end-point of the program. Participants will receive a written evaluation that highlights their strengths and provides guidance on next steps for growth and development, and they will also reflect on their experience and submit feedback to us. 

NEW! Camping Trip is OPTIONAL:

The LIT team will go on a three day camping trip as part of the LIT program between sessions 2 and 3. This will be facilitated by the Mentorship Director and will be a chance for our LITs to explore the great outdoors with a focus on leadership.

• The reason this Camping Trip is now optional:
  • Some of our LITs are not-so interested in going on an intensive camping trip! It’s a lot of hard work and trekking that can be a drag for some LITs if it doesn’t align with their interests. 
  • Some of our LITs need a break from camp midway through the experience to avoid burnout.

Note: If campers opt out, they will need to go home for the duration of the trip, and arrange their own transportation. If less than 4 participants sign up for the trip, we will have to cancel the canoe trip and all LITs will need to return home July 19-21: our site is shut down for staff off-time.

Rates and Dates

Apply to be an LIT

1. Online Application

Head to the Family Portal and submit an online LIT Application

2. LIT Interview

If chosen for an interview, a member of the Camp Kirk office team will be in touch to schedule your LIT Interview.

3. Enrolment Forms

If you are accepted into the Program, you will be asked to fill out a set of Enrolment Forms (i.e. Health Form, Participation Waiver, etc.). Once your enrolment forms are collected, you’re all set for the LIT experience!

Testimonials