When was the last time your 15-year-old unplugged himself / herself from technology for a few hours, let alone a few weeks? This is exactly what a group of youths did this summer during the Counselor-in-Training and Leader-in-Training Programs. They actually survived! Unplugging themselves for 2 to 7 weeks for an intense opportunity to learn, play, and develop life skills.

“To say the least, participants have a jammed packed summer full of many new experiences” Kaitlyn Patterson; CIT Coordinator, Quebec Council Youth Commissioner

This summer we hosted two different overlapping programs for 15-year-old youths, the CIT (Counselor-in-Training) Program, which included six weeks of training followed by a one-week camping trip, while the LIT (Leader-in-Training) Program was three separate two-week programs that consisted of placements, certifications, hands-on application, and the ACQ (Accreditation of the Quebec Camping Association) process. The youths began by creating their own full value contract as a collective, whereby they individually decided where they wanted to go with this program and what they want to get out of it, how they would achieve their goals, and ensuring at the same time, they had the best summer of their life. The program finished with a 7-day canoe trip with a full debrief. Each adolescent would definitely take something different from this experience, depending on their personal perspective, goal-setting and objectives; however, they would all leave the program with a set of helpful skills for the future.

All of these youths had to apply for this life-changing summer camp, and agreed to unplug from the rest of the world for the duration of the program. The focus was to “download” life and enjoy the moments for what they were and what they brought to the experience.

“I really enjoyed the summer in general. I liked how we got to try different camp jobs and learn about them to better know which ones suit us best. It gave me a chance to get to know the staff better. I also loved how over the course of the summer we (the CIT’s) became less like friends and more of a family.” Shaelen; CIT

During their stay, the youths partook in internships in all the areas at camp from High Adventure (climbing, camping, trekking, outdoor cooking, fire building, shelter and survival training), Waterfront (canoeing, kayaking, recreational options), Kitchen (prepping, cooking, dishwashing), Maintenance (cleaning, repairs, site improvements), Day Camp (supervision, problem solving, games and activities) and Program (archery, riflery, orienteering and navigation, camp wide games, ecology, sustainability, and many more), so that by the end of the six weeks they had earned a healthy and realistic understanding of various roles and responsibilities required of staff at any camp or recreational program. These instinctive and experiential learnings allow for the foundation of future employable youth with a strong work ethic that have a variety of skill sets, transferable skills, and fundamental comprehension of all of the working pieces in any employment environment.

“I found that it was a very educational experience and even though we do not realize it, we all came out a different person. It was very character-building. But the most memorable is the canoe trip” Felana, CIT

The skill sets gained included a variety of certification and training opportunities, including Standard First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Bronze Medallion/Cross, and the ACQ CIT certifications. Informal trainings were in Herbertism and Team Building, belaying for Challenge Courses and Rock Walls. Further training was provided weekly on how to prepare and plan an off-site excursion which is a 7-day canoe trip in the La Verendrye Provincial Park, taking into consideration risk management, safety, food, and all other aspects of being in a remote northern environment.

“Dave (medic) on the canoe trip made a huge impact in the way I live my life now, thank you for believing in me” Ben; CIT

Taking along a medic and canoe-tripper, they not only fulfilled their goals but they also experienced an enlightenment that can only be found through a similar experience. This final experience provided them the opportunity to watch the Perseid meteor shower (the original screensaver) every night, apply and improve their “hard skills” on flat and moving water, watching native wildlife in its habitat, and allowed them to “download” their full experience without the daily influence of technology. The trip’s objective was based on the most fundamental needs of physiological satisfaction, safety, belonging, self-esteem and self-actualization. The bonding and support that the youths underwent during the summer was cemented during this trip.

“On the canoe trip, I really liked how all of us worked together in almost all of the things we had to do. That wasn't just on the canoe trip; it was the whole summer, too.” Devlin; CIT

The progression of the youths’ confidence over the summer was obvious, and we wish all of these wonderful young adults the best in all of their future endeavors. We would also like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to the parents/caregivers of these youths and to the phenomenal staff and support teams that enabled this group of youths to achieve their goals through this life-changing experience.

“As the summer progressed it was fantastic to watch the participants grow into hard-working and skilled individuals” Kaitlyn Patterson; CIT Coordinator, Quebec Council Youth Commissioner

We are eagerly awaiting the new group of 15-year-olds next summer!