Leaders In Training

About Leaders in Training

Leaders in Training is a camp unlike any other that we offer. This camp is our most focused opportunity on growing in faith; giving campers the opportunity to ask hard questions and helping them discover how Jesus is calling them to serve.

We have created two opportunities that we believe work together to help campers discover gifts, talents, and opportunities for improvement in their leadership: LIT 1 for ages 15-17 and LIT 2 for ages 18-19.

LIT 1 and LIT 2 will begin together at Pioneer Ranch, Rocky Mountain House for common focusing on spiritual growth and maturity, cabin leading skills, growing in loving, serving, and finding the unique story that Jesus has given them to share.

The tracks will then split for the second half of LIT and consist of a practicum component leading Day Camp at each of our respective sites. (LIT 1 will move to our Pioneer Lodge, Sundre location and LIT 2 will remain at our Pioneer Ranch, Rocky Mountain House location.)

The teaching and learning will continue in the evenings throughout practicum times.

These camps will both include significant times in bible discussions, individual discipleship opportunities, opportunities to practice leadership in tangible ways, and a whole lot of fun along the way!

LIT Sample Schedule

8:00 am Wake Up
8:30 am Breakfast/Clean-up
9:30 am – 12:00 pm Scripture Study
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Free Time
12:30 pm Lunch/Clean-up
1:15 pm – 2:30 pm Seminar/Leadership Training
2:30 pm Snack
3:00 pm – 5:30 pm Out-Trip Leadership Skills***

5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Free Time
6:00 pm Supper/Clean-up
7:30 pm – 8:45 pm Small Group Time
8:45 pm Snack
9:00 pm – 10:00 pm Evening Gathering
10:30 pm Cabin Time
11:00 pm Lights Out

Note:

Schedules provided are samples only. Schedules are weather dependent and may be adjusted due to changing weather conditions or due to other camp needs as they arise.

Day 1-2: At Pioneer Ranch
Day 3-5: Campers will depart after breakfast for a 3-day / 2 night Out-Trip on the land.
Day 6: Campers split into LIT1 & LIT2
Day 7-10: Campers work at Day Camp
- LIT1s at Pioneer Lodge
- LIT2s at Pioneer Ranch
- Debrief and training sessions held each evening
Day 10: Campers end LIT with a celebration banquet

Application Process

Part of developing leadership is the ability to self-evaluate, acknowledging where you are at physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As such, LIT is unlike other camps in that it requires an interview and a longer application.

To apply for LIT, please fill out the online application and follow the instructions listed. Successful applicants will submit a completed application form, references and complete an interview. Please note that LIT applications serve as a request to participate in the program and do not guarantee a spot. Once we’ve received your application and references, the LIT director will be in touch for an interview.

*LIT 2 participants ages 18+ will be required to submit a police check with a vulnerable sector check as part of the LIT application process.

Note: A deposit is required at the time of application; with the remainder of the fees to be paid upon acceptance into the program (various payment plans are available). Should an applicant not be accepted into the program, the deposit will be refunded.

Apply Online

Program Components

LIT 1 (Ages 15-16) Practicum Component

After completing LIT 1, campers will need to engage in a practical service component at camp. Campers need to do this in the summer they take LIT 1, with the practicum taking place at either the Pioneer Lodge site, in Sundre, AB or the Pioneer Ranch site in Rocky Mountain House, AB.

The 2023 practicum will take place during HORSEMANSHIP 1 (July 8-14) and BREAKAWAY (July 8-14).

The practicum component offers many opportunities for campers to serve at camp in the form of Junior Roles, which will be discussed with them. The practicum will be structured as a rotation in which each LIT 1 will be able to serve in each area of camp life throughout the week, including shadowing a cabin leader, working in the kitchen, shadowing an activity leader, helping at the barns and more.

During the practicum, one of the LIT 1 leaders will be regularly engaging with campers about their experience, helping to further solidify the leadership lessons learned.

Note: If it is not possible for LITs to remain at camp for the week following LIT 1 for Horsemanship 1 or Breakaway we will discuss other practicum options with them.

OCC Field Leader Certification

LIT 2 participants will receive certification with the Outdoor council of Canada in their Field Leader-Hiking Program.

Certification includes theoretical and practical components and teaches participants effective group management skills in the backcountry environment. More information on the OCC can be found here.

Small Group Discussions

This is a chance for you to debrief the program and have small group discussions on relevant topics such as, the role of personal character in leadership, how to handle hardship and struggles in leadership, how to deal with difficult people and situations, relevant societal topics and more. These discussions will help you learn valuable facilitation skills, giving each person a better understanding of issues that you encounter in the world.

One on Ones

This is a chance for staff to spend time with you, talking about life and what you are experiencing at LIT. The LIT staff will be there to support, encourage and challenge you as you grow in your faith and as a leader.

Scripture Study

At Pioneer Camp we believe we are deeply known by Jesus and can get to know Him deeply, too! We believe we should follow Jesus’ teaching to love God and love our neighbours, so we spend time looking at what the scripture can teach us about how to know God better and how we should live. These sessions are a foundational part of the Leaders In Training Program.

Volunteer Opportunities After LIT

A large component of LIT is to prepare you for service at camp throughout the rest of the summer. The LIT camp directors will be happy to discuss a good place for you to serve throughout the duration of summer

Program FAQ

Who is LIT for?

15-19-year-olds who have an active and growing faith.
Someone open to having their views of leadership and service challenged.
Someone who desires to be a person of influence, not only in official camp capacities but also in everyday life.

Where is LIT held?

During the course of the program, LIT is held at BOTH Pioneer Ranch, Rocky Mountain House and Pioneer Lodge, Sundre.

When must I apply by?

Fill out the online application and references as soon as possible.

We prefer all applicants to have applied by May 15th at the latest. This allows adequate time for your references to respond and for Directors to schedule interviews prior to the start of the LIT camp session.

Registration for LIT closes on June 15^th. Call the Office if you have missed the deadline. 403-638-2660.

If you wish to apply for LIT following this date, please call the Office (403-638-2660).

Where are reference forms?

Reference information is collected in our online application.

Once your application has been received, reference forms will be electronically sent by the Camp Office to the reference names provided. Please ensure that their contact information is correct.

I finished the online application. Does that mean I have a place reserved?

LIT is an interview-based acceptance program.

The online application is only the first step in the process, so your place is not reserved.

You must complete the online application, ensuring that you have provided correct contact information for your references. Once both your application AND references have been received, an interview will be scheduled with the LIT Director.

When will I find out if I have been accepted to the program or not?

Applicants invited to the interview stage will be notified within two weeks of their interview date regarding their acceptance.

Arrival & Departure Information

Below information is for both LIT 1 & LIT 2 sessions:

Drop-Off: Campers will be dropped off at the start of the program between 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

Pick-Up: Campers will be picked up at the end of the program at 7:30 pm.

Packing List

You can view the packing list here.