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Leadership programs for teens

The leadership programs at Camp YMCA Kanawana give teens aged 15 to 17 much more than a summer at camp. Over several weeks, they build independence, leadership skills and self-confidence through hands-on training, real responsibilities and memorable experiences in the great outdoors.

Whether they want to become a camp counsellor or a canoe-camping guide, or simply learn to take on new challenges, our programs help them grow, learn and discover their full potential.

Find your leadership program.

Why choose our leadership programs?

Our programs are designed for teens who want to go further, take on more responsibility and build skills that will serve them long after the summer ends.

Through experiential learning, group challenges and guidance from experienced mentors, each teen builds practical skills while gaining maturity and confidence.

Real responsibilities

Planning an activity, guiding a group, supporting a team or helping run the camp... every day, teens develop their sense of responsibility in a hands-on, stimulating setting.

By taking an active part in camp life, they become more independent and self-assured.

Leadership in action, every day

Leadership is built through action. By working with their peers, mentoring younger campers and tackling challenges as a team, participants learn to communicate, collaborate and take initiative. Every experience becomes a chance to learn to lead with confidence and authenticity.

Skills for the future

Leading activities, planning, risk management, communication, outdoor survival and working with children: teens gain practical skills they can carry into their studies, future jobs and personal lives.

An experience that leaves a lasting mark

Shared challenges, expeditions, training and group living create strong bonds and lasting memories.

For many teens, these programs become an important milestone in their personal growth.

A typical day in a leadership program

Leadership at camp

This typical day applies to the following programs: 48-Day Trailblazers | Counsellor-in-Training and 24-Day Rangers

Morning: get involved and lead

Teens start the day by taking part in camp life, supporting groups or attending training workshops.

Afternoon: learn and put it into practice

Afternoons combine training, working with campers, activity planning and building practical skills.

Evening: reflect, connect and grow

Evenings are a time to strengthen bonds, look back on what they learned that day and live the Kanawana spirit to the fullest.

Leadership on expedition

This typical day applies to the following programs: Voyageurs Ultimate and Foresters

Morning: prepare, collaborate and take initiative

The day begins deep in nature with wake-up, breakfast prep and the first expedition tasks. Gathering firewood, helping organize gear, breaking camp and loading the canoes are all part of the daily routine.

From the very start of the day, these moments help teens build independence, organizational skills and teamwork.

Afternoon: paddle, explore and adapt

Afternoons are filled with paddling, beach breaks, swimming and learning outdoor survival skills. Kilometre after kilometre, teens learn to navigate as a team, adapt to their surroundings and take on new challenges.

Evening: set up camp and share the experience

At the end of the day, teens help set up camp, prepare dinner and take care of the necessary expedition chores. Once the work is done, it's time for stories around the campfire, moments of reflection and the bonds that form naturally in the wilderness.

These simple moments often become the most memorable ones. 

Our leadership programs for ages 15 to 17

Mixed (Ages 15 to 17) 26-Day Voyageurs Ultimate

An immersive leadership experience focused on planning and co-leading an extended canoe expedition.

Mixed (Ages 15 to 16) 24 jours Rangers | Leadership Development Program

An ideal bridge program for taking on first responsibilities at camp and building a strong foundation in leading large groups.

Mixed (Ages 16 to 17) 52-Day Foresters | Canoe-Guide-in-Training Program

An immersive experience to learn how to work with children, plan activities and build the skills needed to join the camp team.

Mixed (Ages 16 to 17) 48-day Trailblazers | Counsellor-in-Training Program

Comprehensive training for teens who want to develop their expedition leadership and guide other campers on canoe trips.

How to apply?

Admission to our leadership programs is by application. 

Each teen must complete their registration, then submit a creative application that shows us their personality, their motivations and what they hope to bring to the Camp YMCA Kanawana community. 

Learn about the application process