Junior Leadership Program
Junior Leadership Camp is currently full. Thank you for your interest!
The Junior Leadership Program invites youth ages 13–15 motivated to learn more about themselves as leaders at Camp Tiffin. Whether they’ve already found their leadership voice or are still figuring out what leadership means to them, this program offers the space, guidance, and challenge to help them grow.
Over the course of two weeks, Junior Leaders will develop important skills, like communication, problem-solving, and responsibility while also exploring their own leadership style. By working closely with mentors, campers, and peers, participants help create a positive, memorable, and inclusive camp community.
This is more than a leadership program — it’s an opportunity to take on real responsibilities, make lasting friendships, and gain experience that stays with participants well beyond their time at Camp Tiffin.
We are located at the
Tiffin Centre for Conservation
Just 15 minutes from Barrie, Angus and Innisfil
Over two weeks, Junior Leaders will take part in interactive workshops, outdoor skill-building, and real camp experiences — all designed to help them build practical leadership skills while learning about themselves. Both weeks will take place at the Tiffin Centre for Conservation.
- Week 1 – July 6-10, 2026: During this mandatory first week of training, you’ll focus on team-building, leadership training, and preparing for your practicum placement with campers!
- Week 2 – Choose Your Week: During Week 2 you’ll return for a one-week volunteer practicum. This is your chance to put your skills into action as part of the Camp Tiffin leadership team. To ensure a meaningful experience, we stagger Junior Leader placements. Week choices are on a first come first served basis so please send your top three preferred weeks to outdoored@nvca.on.ca as soon as you can!
Please include “Junior Leadership Placement Week” in the subject line.
Available Practicum Weeks:
Week 2 – July 13 -17
Week 3 – July 20 – 24
Week 4 – July 27 – 31
Week 5 – August 10- 14
Week 6 – August 17 – 21
Week 7 – August 24 – 28
Week 8 – August 31 – Sept.4
Note: Week 2 is a volunteer placement and is provided at no cost.
New: If you need your child to join us earlier or stay later than the regular camp times of 9:00 – 4:00, you can add extended care hours for an additional fee. However, if your child is happy to help with the younger children who are also in extended care, you do not have to pay the additional fee. Just send us an email with your intention.
Week 1 — Learning and Training
July 6-10, 2026
9:00am – 4:00pm
Junior Leaders spend the first week learning about themselves as leaders and what leadership looks like in a camp setting. Through games, scenarios, group discussions, and outdoor experiences, they will:
- Develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
- Explore their own leadership style, values, and strengths
- Learn about child development and how to support campers of different ages and needs
- Build outdoor skills, including canoeing, hiking, orienteering, and basic wilderness survival and associated safety protocol
- Propose and develop a Leadership Project that they will bring to life with campers during Week 2
Week 2 — Volunteer Practicum
Choose Your Week
8:30am – 4:30pm
In the second week, Junior Leaders volunteer alongside experienced counselors.
They will:
- Assist with activities, games, and camper supervision
- Build relationships with campers and fellow staff
- Put their Leadership Project into action
- Practice adaptability, responsibility, and teamwork in a real-world setting
- Receive ongoing guidance and feedback to help them grow
This placement is designed to feel like a first step into the world of work and leadership — complete with responsibility, expectations, and support.
- A deeper understanding of themselves as leaders
- Communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- First-hand experience working with children
- Confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment
- New friendships and mentorship connections
- A digital and printed Junior Leadership Certificate, unique to Camp Tiffin, recognizing the effort, growth, and leadership skills demonstrated throughout the program
- Volunteer hours that may count toward community service requirements
- Practical experience that many participants use later when applying for jobs, volunteer placements, or leadership roles — and Camp Tiffin staff are happy to act as a reference for those who complete the program
The Junior Leadership Certificate is awarded to participants who complete both weeks of the program and demonstrate:
✔ Full attendance and active participation
✔ Commitment to learning and growth
✔ A positive attitude and respectful teamwork
✔ The successful completion of a Leadership Project
✔ Growth in foundational leadership qualities such as initiative, responsibility, and care for others
Junior Leaders are encouraged to challenge themselves, try new things, and develop their skills — but they won’t be doing it alone.
Throughout the two weeks, participants will receive ongoing guidance, encouragement, and feedback from the program lead and camp staff. Regular planned check-ins, reflective conversations, and plenty of informal moments are built into the experience to help each Junior Leader feel supported as they stretch and grow throughout the program.
The program is designed to meet participants where they are and help them grow at a pace that feels right. Our goal is to make sure every Junior Leader walks away not only with new skills, but also with a real sense of accomplishment and belonging.
Program Details
- Duration: 2 weeks (staggered)
- Location: Tiffin Centre for Conservation
- Week 1: Training | 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Week 2: Placement | 8:30am – 4:30pm
- Week 2 is volunteer-based with no additional fee
Pricing and Hours
| Pricing | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
|
Junior Leadership Camp |
$257.30 for Week 1 |
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
|
Extended Care (weekly rate) |
$47.70 / week |
8 a.m. – 9 a.m. |
|
Extended Care (daily rate) |
$9.54. Cash only. Must be pre-arranged |
8 a.m. – 9 a.m. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Youth ages 13–15 who are motivated to grow, participate fully, and interested in developing their leadership skills — whether they have leadership experience or not.
No! All that’s needed is the commitment to participate and a genuine interest in learning.
Week 1 is part of the camp registration fee. Week 2 is a volunteer placement with no additional cost. Participants may count those hours toward high school community service requirements.
If you need to drop your child off early or have them stay past the end of camp at 4:00, as long as they are helping camp or campers, you are not required to pay for extended care time.
Each Junior Leader will plan and deliver a small project — such as a game, activity, or creative camp initiative — as part of their learning and growth.
Absolutely. Many Junior Leaders use what they’ve learned — and the certificate — when applying for summer jobs, volunteer roles, or leadership opportunities.
Absolutely! We are proud to support our Junior Leaders beyond the program. For those who complete the full program and demonstrate commitment and growth, Camp Tiffin staff are happy to act as a reference — often including not just confirmation of participation and leadership skills, but also personal feedback and quotes from mentors who worked closely with them.
This program is designed to help youth discover their own leadership style, whether they lead quietly, creatively, boldly, or in other ways. What matters most is that they are motivated to participate and learn.
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