Leaders-in-Training (14-15yrs)

The Leaders-in-Training program is geared towards 14/15-year-olds (by Dec-31st of currently camp year) who are new to this role:

• Learning the fundamentals of leadership
• Given the opportunity to shadow counsellors, instructors or coaches in an activity/sport of their interest
• Leaders-in-Training will engage in a variety of leadership workshops that build confidence, develop transferable life skills, and establish a holistic view of leadership
• Participate (by choice) in team building activities as part of McMaster's ALTITUDE program, and climb the Alpine Tower!
• Upon active completion of the programs, Leaders-in-Training will receive a letter confirming 10 hours of community service that may be used towards high school requirements
• Successful completion of the Leader-in-Training program will qualify 15-16 year old candidates to partake in our Junior Leadership Program, either later that same summer or in following years

Interactive Theory Sessions and Leadership Workshops

Hands-on Experience

During their time in the Leader-in-Training Program, participants will receive an opportunity to shadow coaches in an activity of their interest. They will work to provide an extra hand where needed and begin to develop their leadership skills through daily challenges and goal setting.

Junior Leadership (15-16yrs)

Our Junior Leadership program is geared towards 16-year-olds or returning 15 year olds (as of Dec-31st of current camp year), who are looking to challenge themselves further, whether their goal be to apply for a future staff position, or obtain experience in development their leadership skills in an applied, hands-on setting. 

• Refining leadership style and learning the next steps to coaching, instructing and leading 
• Will be given the opportunity to be mentored by staff and take on greater responsibilities of coaches in various areas of camp programming 
• Junior Leaders will engage in a variety of leadership workshops such as professionalism, instruction through teaching, behaviour management, resume building and interview preparation
• Participate (by choice) in team building activities as part of McMaster's ALTITUDE program, and climb the Alpine Tower!
• Will partake in an off-campus field trip where they will have an opportunity to work as a team and give back to their community in the outreach program
• Completion of NCCP Coaching Young Athletes program (NCCP course designed by the Coaches Association of Canada and Special Olympics Canada).
• Upon active completion of the program, Junior Leaders will receive a letter confirming 30 hours of community service that may be used towards high school requirements.

Interactive Theory Sessions and Leadership Workshops

Hands-on Experience

Those involved in the Junior Leader Program will receive an opportunity to work alongside a coach at Sport Fitness School and assist in running group games, performing camp-wide initiatives, and providing campers with step-by-step instructions during lessons. Dependent upon each Leaders' interest they will be given a chance to create and facilitate their own lessons and/or Camp-Wide Game at Sport Fitness School.

Community Outreach

At McMaster Camps we believe in creating a positive space where everyone feels free to be themselves and can be a part of a unique and diverse community.  To share these values outside of camp, our Leaders will partake in a field trip where they will have an opportunity to work as a team and give back to their community in the outreach program. In previous years our leaders have participated in Outreach Programs such as volunteering at Ronald McDonald House near McMaster University.

Additional Camp Services

Options available during registration include:

• Extended Care from 7:30am-5:30pm each day
• Busing from Ancaster, Burlington, Dundas, Hamilton Mountain, Oakville, Stoney Creek,  Waterdown and Winona
• Lunch served daily, delicious and nutritious!

Pre-Camp Orientation Night

A Leader-in-Training & Junior Leader Orientation Night will be hosted Monday, June 24th, 2024 from 6:00pm-7:30pm.  The purpose of the Orientation is to introduce our LITs/JLs to their Leaders, and review the expectations and their responsibilties during their time in the program.  It is essential to acknowledge the shift in responsibility that will be experienced when participating in camp this summer, as our Leaders-in-Training and Junior Leaders will be functioning as counsellors and coaches in training. 

Preparing for Camp

Camp Guide & Links

• Preparing for Camp Page
• Camp Contact Information
• Camp Locations Map
• Camp Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-Camp Orientation Night

A Leader-in-Training & Junior Leader Orientation Night will be hosted on June 26, 2023. The purpose of the Orientation is to introduce our LITs/JLs to their Leaders, and review the expectations and their responsibilities during their time in the program.  It is essential to acknowledge the shift in responsibility that will be experienced when participating in camp this summer, as our Leaders-inTraining and Junior Leaders will be functioning as counsellors and coaches in training.   

Daily Camp Schedule

A large portion of our Leaders-in-Training & Junior Leadership programs are spent gaining hands-on experience as part of our regular camp schedules, supporting the athletes, campers and staff in attendance. When not with the campers and athletes, Leaders-in-Training & Junior Leaders take part in a variety of learning and development opportunities designed specific to each program.
Due to the nature of the sessions, the daily schedule will constantly be changing. However, the general schedule will have the Leaders taking part in theory sessions, games and initiatives and out with the campers in the afternoon.

At the beginning of each session, Leaders-in-Training & Junior Leaders will receive information specific to their programs.

The tentative schedule offered below is a very rough outline of a typical day at camp: 

8:30am Camp Day Begins
9:00am AM Fitness & Wellness 
10:00am Swim
11:00am Theory Workshop 
12:00pm Lunch
12:30pm Camp Sport Placement 1
1:40pm Rec Session
2:50pm Camp Sport Placement 2
4:00pm Dismissal

Camp Checklist

• Face Coverings
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Clipboard/Binder
• Pens/pencils
• Shorts
• Comfortable running shoes
• Bathing suit and towel
• Lunch (no refrigeration available)
• Enthusiasm and a smile!

A note on electronics: One of the goals of camp is to provide campers with unique experiences at McMaster. Electronic devices - games, phones, music players, etc. - while great for individual entertainment, do not readily encourage socialization at camp and often present challenges, especially when they go missing. We ask that all electronics be left at home for the duration of camp, and promise to provide an awesome experience to keep campers engaged throughout their session!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is wearing the camp T-Shirt mandatory?

For the Leaders-in-Training & Junior Leaders, the camp T-shirt identifies them as a volunteer working with campers. For safety reasons, it is extremely important that they are readily identifiable and, as such, must wear the T-shirt every day while with the various camps. If they wish, Leaders can bring another shirt to wear during the theory sessions and while they are not working with campers.

Is the swim mandatory?

While placed with the camps, the expectation of Leaders-in-Training & Junior Leaders is that they are functioning as a staff member in training. As such, they are required to complete any duties that staff would normally have to do. This includes swimming with the camp at the scheduled time. If a Leader is unable to swim with the camp, they may be asked to help out with non-swimmer duties (which include supervision of non-swimmers).

Will the Leader-in-Training/Junior Leaders ever be left alone with a group of campers? 

No! This is a chance for the LITs/JLs to learn about leadership, develop their own skills and receive feedback as to their performance. All camps have strict guidelines about supervision of campers. Staff are directed to supervise Leaders-in-Training & Junior Leaders when they are with campers.

First Day Check-In

Please refer to the “Drop-Off & Pick-Up” section for information on dropping campers off to camp.

LITs/JLs should report to the Sport Hall Gymnasium. In the morning, they will receive information about the upcoming day and be briefed on any modifications that might happen (due to weather, etc.). It is important the LITs & JLs are prompt each morning, as attendance is taken.