Junior Instructor - LIT for Teens (Ages 15–17)
A leadership program for teens & high school students ages 15–17 seeking to improve their leadership skills while gaining volunteer experience.
Junior Instructor LIT Program Description
The Junior Instructor Leader in Training (LIT) Program at WILDE School is a two-week immersive leadership experience designed for youth ages 15–17 who are ready to step into meaningful responsibility within a nature-based learning community.
Grounded in WILDE School’s belief that leadership is learned through lived experience, the program places participants directly into daily camp life as Junior Counsellors, embedded within existing WILDE programs. Supported by experienced educators, LITs grow their confidence, communication skills, outdoor competence, and leadership identity through real responsibility, guided reflection, and mentorship.
This program bridges the transition from participant to leader by combining hands-on leadership practice, intentional skill-building, and deep reflection, all rooted in connection to land, community, and self. At the end of this program our goal is to have LIT participants ready to move on to become successful leaders, counselors, and staff in any role they pursue!
LIT Program Intentions
The LIT program supports participants in:
- Developing confidence and responsibility as emerging leaders
- Practicing mentorship and support of younger campers
- Strengthening communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills
- Learning to lead with empathy in outdoor group settings
- Building self-awareness through reflection and feedback
- Experiencing leadership as service to community and place
The Details
Structure: Two-Week Junior Counsellor Model
LIT participants are embedded within a host camp group for the majority of each day across both weeks. Leadership learning is scaffolded through daily check-ins, short targeted skill sessions, and regular reflection with a designated LIT mentor.
Responsibility increases over time:
- Week 1 focuses on observation, support, and learning
- Week 2 emphasizes initiative, independence, and leadership integration
Daily Rhythm Overview
- Morning Check-In (15–20 min)
- Leadership intention for the day
- Review responsibilities and support needs
- Majority of the Day
- Embedded as Junior Counsellors in camp groups
- Supporting activities, transitions, safety, and group culture
- Modeling WILDE values and outdoor ethics
- Midday LIT Session (20–30 min)
- Focused leadership skill, scenario work, or reflection
- Peer sharing and mentor feedback
- End-of-Day Reflection (15 min)
- Journaling or reflection circle
- Preparing intentions for the following day
Two-Week Leadership Progression & Outline
Week 1 — Foundations & Observation
Theme: Stepping Into Leadership
Focus: Awareness, communication, and understanding the role
- Orientation to expectations and community agreements
- Introduction to Junior Counsellor responsibilities
- Observing staff leadership styles and group dynamics
- Practicing supportive communication and presence
- Building confidence in outdoor routines and safety awareness
Embedded Role: Supporting group routines, assisting with activities, modeling engagement, learning names, helping maintain group flow
Week 1 Outcomes: Participants understand their role, feel grounded in the community, and begin leading through support and presence.
Week 2 — Initiative & Integration
Theme: Leadership in Action
Focus: Confidence, initiative, and mentorship
- Taking increased responsibility within the camp group
- Anticipating group needs and stepping in proactively
- Supporting individual campers with greater independence
- Co-leading small activities or transitions
- Practicing decision-making and leadership judgment
Embedded Role: Actively supporting group leadership, co-facilitating activities, helping manage challenges, modeling leadership with confidence
Week 2 Outcomes: Participants demonstrate leadership readiness, confidence, and accountability within a real camp setting.
Daily Leadership Themes
- Day 1: Orientation & leadership mindset
- Day 2: Communication & group dynamics
- Day 3: Outdoor skills & risk awareness
- Day 4: Mentorship & initiative
- Day 5: Reflection & integration
- Day 6: Stepping into greater responsibility
- Day 7: Leading with confidence
- Day 8: Supporting challenges & problem-solving
- Day 9: Leadership as service & stewardship
- Day 10: Integration, reflection, and celebration
Mentorship & Support
Each LIT is paired with a designated staff mentor who:
- Facilitates daily check-ins and reflections
- Provides ongoing feedback and encouragement
- Supports problem-solving and growth
- Ensures a safe, supportive leadership learning environment
Participant Outcomes
By the end of the two-week program, participants will have:
- Meaningful experience mentoring and supporting younger campers
- Increased confidence in leadership and outdoor settings
- Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
- A clear understanding of leadership within community contexts
- Preparation for future leadership roles at WILDE and beyond
Who This Program Is For
The LIT program is ideal for youth ages 15–17 who:
- Enjoy working with children and being outdoors
- Are curious about leadership, mentorship, or education
- Are ready to take responsibility and learn through experience
- Want to contribute meaningfully to the WILDE community
Will seriously consider applications from your campers if it is a great fit!
Equipment Needed
- life jacket/PFD
- rain gear (jacket, pants, boots)
- hiking boots, running shoes, water shoes (no crocs)
- backpack
- sun protective wear
- water bottle
- packed lunch
Program Dates:
Summer Sessions (10 Days)
- Session 1: June 29 - July 10
- Session 2: July 13 - 24
- Session 3: July 27 - Aug 7
- Session 4: Aug 10 - Aug 21
Cost for Program:
- Minimum 1 Session (2 weeks consecutively)
- Early bird: $330 / week (register before April 1st, 2026)
- Regular price: $350 / week
FAQs
Curious about WILDE School and our programs? Contact us anytime and we'll be happy to walk you through our programs, our approach, and answer any questions you might have.
We’re looking for high school students who have a passion for the outdoors. Students who are willing to take on a challenge and push themselves.
You will get the opportunity to help teach and support elementary students, developing your leadership and outdoor skills.
You will be joining a group of highly trained teachers, outdoor educators, and therapists providing fun and experiential education to youth.
Our leadership program compliments the Ontario curriculum for high school education. Not only will students participate in teaching and leading younger students, they will gain hard skills in a variety of outdoor pursuits, develop their soft skills of organisation, responsibility, public speaking, and critical thinking and they will help to design and lead a community outreach program.
There are no high school credits given for participating in this program.