LEAD

Mentorship

In order to have confident youth they need safe, supportive places to practise making real life decisions, having responsibilities, and honing their instincts.

Part of Fraser Lake Camp’s role in the community is to provide young people with their first jobs.

Many youth have not had the opportunity to develop life skills which can make stepping into a job feel massive! So before becoming a staff member, campers first need to become LEADers.

The LEAD program was developed by an Ontario Certified Teacher, and is led and coordinated by engaging, supportive young adults.

These young adults are uniquely positioned to provide modern mentorship and leadership training. Who better to walk our youth through what it is like to grow up in today’s climate?

Belonging & Engagement

In order to have social and involved youth, they need engaged communities to play a role in - a village!

Fraser Lake Camp provides youth with first-hand experiences that prove they matter, and shows how their actions have impact.

The reality is that many youth live with increased social isolation, aware of the world’s many problems, but overwhelmed by how huge, and unsolvable these issues seem. Growing up in this context can feel helpless when so much feels outside of their control.

By being in nature, and contributing to a tight-knit community, LEAD provides youth with the chance to witness the impacts of their involvement, and offers the reward of being a part of something greater than oneself. This alone can increase our desire for engagement and social involvement.

Growth & Resilience

If youth are to believe that they can do hard things, they need to practice having responsibilities in supportive environments.

Simply put, Fraser Lake Camp’s supportive community empowers youth by providing them with a safe space to fail.

Resiliency only comes from first falling down, and then getting back up again. Which means that without access to learning opportunities, and larger responsibilities, youth cannot learn resiliency.

LEAD puts youth in nature, and assigns simple, safe, but necessary tasks around camp for youth to challenge themselves with.

Under the patient care and supervision of their leaders, LEADers learn how to seek and provide peer-support, and find the perseverance that comes alongside rising to life’s necessary challeneges.

LEAD Academy

LEAD Academy is the foundational component of Fraser Lake Camp's LEAD program, designed for youth entering grades 10 - 12. This immersive experience offers participants a unique blend of leadership training, team-building activities, and hands-on responsibilities, all while enjoying the fun of camp life. Through LEAD Academy, LEADers develop essential skills like confidence, communication, and resilience, preparing them for future leadership roles and employment opportunities. Click here for a sample LEAD Academy weekly schedule.

LEADers who complete the LEAD 1 and LEAD 3 Academy programs will receive 30 hours of volunteer service hours. LEADers who complete the LEAD 2 Academy program will receive 42 hours of volunteer service.

LEAD Practicum

Building on the foundation of LEAD Academy, the LEAD Practicum offers select participants an advanced opportunity to further develop their leadership skills in a more hands-on environment. This program is extended to those who have demonstrated exceptional potential during their first year, allowing them to take on increased responsibilities and mentor younger campers. LEAD Practicum participants gain valuable work experience, refine their leadership techniques, and play a crucial role in shaping the positive camp experience for others through a week long cabin group or program placement.

LEADers who complete the LEAD 1 and LEAD 3 Practicum programs will receive 60 hours of volunteer service hours. LEADers who complete the LEAD 2 Practicum program will receive 72 hours of volunteer service.