Leaders In Training
Ages 16-19 // Co-ed Program
Ages 16-19
Co-ed Program
Apply code for discount: EARLY20
The Leaders-In-Training (LIT) program at Pioneer Camp Alberta has been developing young leaders at Pioneer Camp Alberta for more than 30 years. During this eleven-day co-ed program, participants will discover more about themselves, God and the adventure of leadership.
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 6: Following breakfast, the Backpacking Leaders in Training track departs on their Out-Trip.
*Days 6-9: Backpacking Leaders In Training track: Will be on their Out-Trip during this time, returning to camp on the afternoon of Day 9.
*Days 6-9: Wranglers In Training track: Wrangler Out-Trip: Schedule to be determined.
During Out-Trip Leadership Skills: Campers will be learning the skills necessary for leading their respective Out-Trips
About Leaders In Training
Leaders In Training (LIT) is a leadership camp for ages 16-19 that will help them grow in a variety of leadership skills and contexts. Through scripture study, spiritual discussions and service opportunities, participants will discover their own giftings and the areas of leadership that God is inviting them to grow in. Mentorship, spiritual leadership, service at camp, outdoor skills development, as well as decision making opportunities are all part of the Leaders In Training development program at Pioneer Camp Alberta.
Historically, there was one track in LIT for participants to be involved in and it was focused on those interested in being equipped as a cabin leader. However, LIT is about so much more than equipping cabin leaders; it is about equipping every participant in leadership skills that will impact themselves and those around them for a lifetime! Not everyone desires to be a cabin leader, but everyone desires to know themselves better and to have a greater understanding of God’s call on their life. Whatever your interests or wherever God is calling you to go, LIT is a foundational way to start that journey.
For all LIT participants, the first week is spent in scripture study, spiritual discussion, leadership and service.
As part of the LIT program, participants will also receive certification in either the Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) Field Leader – Hiking program or in the Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) Field Leader – Equine program. We are proud to say that these certifications are part of our ongoing commitment to excellence in outdoor leadership and teach participants effective group management skills in the backcountry environment.
During the second week, participants have the opportunity to choose an out-trip and the out-trip skills that interests them. Available options are: a Backpacking Out-Trip or a Wrangler Out-Trip.
Application Process
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.
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.
Program Components
Participants will receive certification in either the Outdoor Council of Canada’s (OCC) Field Leader – Hiking program or in their (OCC) Field Leader – Equine 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.
Out-Trips are a big part of who we are at Pioneer Camp Alberta and a significant experience for many of our campers. Participants who have chosen the back-packing out-trip go on a 3 night/4 day adventure in the backcountry that provides opportunities to try out and develop leadership skills with other LITs as everyone take turns leading, setting up camp and trying not to burn supper over the fire! It is also a great time to enjoy creation and have fun getting to know each other.
Horses are also a big part of who we are at Pioneer Camp Alberta! Participants who have chosen the wrangler out-trip will spend time improving their wrangling skills and learn what it means to connect kids to God through the horse-back riding programs at camp. They will work at the barns and receive hands-on horsemanship and leadership experience as they work with our staff to lead a week-long horsemanship program.
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.
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.
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.
Once you have successfully completed LIT, you may have the opportunity to join us at Pioneer as a volunteer for one of our many other summer camp sessions! This will require submitting an online volunteer application and if you are 18 or older, a valid Police check. Please see our Volunteer FAQ page for information about volunteering this summer!
Program FAQ
- Ages 16-19 year olds who have an active and growing faith.
- 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.
LIT is held at our Pioneer Ranch, Rocky Mountain House site.
For campers participating in the LIT program and attending the camp session following SUCH as Sr. Girls’ campers, there is NO overnight option to stay between these two sessions. Please make arrangements for campers to return home between sessions, as this is an important time of rest and refocus.
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.
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.
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 15th, 2021.
If you wish to apply for LIT following this date, please call the Office (403-638-2660).
Applicants invited to the interview stage will be notified within two weeks of their interview date regarding their acceptance.
You can view the packing list here.