All campers interested in our Counsellor Skills Development Programs must submit a Leadership Application for consideration. Applications close on October 29th, 2024. To apply, sign-in to the online portal and select “Leadership Applications”. All campers accepted into the program will be able to register following their acceptance to the program.

Not neccessarily – but foundational swimming skills will be important for any camper who is hoping to achieve their bronze medallion or bronze cross. Our staff are prepared to help campers build their skills over the duration of the course, and build up towards the skills that are neccessary in order to recieve the bronze awards. If a camper has previously attended camp and has recieved a ‘Green’ string on their swim check, this is a good sign that they have the foundation that they will need to work towards success in this program. 

If you cannot swim or don’t feel comfortable in the water, please reach out to our team ahead of your application. We strive to ensure equal access to our leadership programs wherever possible, and want to work with candidates to support them where needed. 

If you have nerves or questions about the swimming portion of CSD, please reach out to our team toensure you recieve the support that you need. 

*Please note: It is not a guarantee of the CSD program that every camper will achieve their bronze award. This is subjective to the judgement of the swim instructor and the swim examiner. Campers must demonstrate spesific fittness and swimming skills in order to recieve their award. 

No. Our WCSD program is designed to meet participants where they are at when they enter thr program, starting with the foundational skills. All campers headed out on trip do need to pass a swim check, and must be deemed healthy enough by our healthcare team before they can head out – but these remain the only two requirements to going on canoe trip. Campers will be taught all the skills they need as they prepare to go on canoe trip!

If you have nerves or questions about the canoe trip portion of WCSD, please reach out to our team to ensure you recieve the support that you need.

Typically, the CSD campers will swim each morning from about 9:50am – 12:30pm, for two out of the four weeks of the program. The afternoons and evenings are spent building leadership skills, engaging in other areas of camp, planning programs and more! Additional swim time may be added in where required to help campers build up their skills enough to complete the requirements of the course, but we try to stike a good balance between swim time and other activities so that campers get a mix of everything.

If you have nerves or questions about the swimming portion of CSD, please reach out to our team to ensure you recieve the support that you need.

Yes! CSD and WCSD start with campers heading into grade 10, but with some campers preferring to start their leadership jouneys a little bit later on, the program will often be a mix of campers going into Grade 10 or 11. 

Moderately challenging. Both programs are designed to challenge campers and push them to explore a little bit outside their comfort zone – all while supported by our Leadership Directors. Campers can expect to have moments of challenge in either program – moments that lead to growth, learning, and resiliency. If at any point a camper is finding any element of either program too challenging, they can collaborate with their Leadership Director on the best way to move forward. 

Reach out to us! Our summer camp team will be happy to talk with you in-depth about each of the programs, and help you find a program that will be a good fit for you. You can reach our summer camp director at emma@campkawartha.ca