Building Skills for Tomorrow's Leaders
The Camp Stephens' Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a 6-week co-ed camper experience designed to build the skills and confidence to become a leader at camp and in life! Leadership Development is for youth who have completed grade 10 or 11 and are 16 - 17 years old.
Leadership Development Program campers will spend their time in all areas of camp life learning how to deliver camp activities, focusing on team building and understanding the communication and group care skills necessary to be a strong leader in a camp setting or elsewhere.
- At the beginning of their time at Camp Stephens, LDP campers will participate in a 2-week Wilderness Canoe trip where valuable skills such team-building, communication, group dynamics and wilderness tripping will be taught.
- Once LDP campers are back on the island, participants will continue to grow as leaders with a focus on increased responsibility and more intentional skill development. Youth will gain a solid foundation in delivering all types of camp programming while learning how to support others.
- In the final portion of their stay, a series of placements will allow participants to practice their skills and leadership styles under the supervision of experienced staff.
The Parent Handbook will serve as your complete guide on everything Camp Stephens. Inside you will find information on camp policies, travel arrangements, health and wellness, program overviews, camp mail, food and nutrition, tips on preparing for camp and so much more! (2024 editions available soon)
Opportunities for Employment
Many Leadership Development Program (LDP) campers choose to apply for future positions at camp following completion of the program to continue sharing their experiences and introducing young campers to camp life. Some LDP graduates even work within the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg branches as children's programming leads, lifeguards, swim instructors or day camp counsellors!
