Leader In Training Program

The Leaders in Training (L.I.T.) program is designed for youth ages 11–17 who are interested in developing leadership skills, building confidence, and gaining experience in a supportive camp environment. Through a combination of learning, skill development, and hands-on experiences, participants are introduced to the responsibilities and expectations of leadership at an age-appropriate level.

The L.I.T. program is structured across multiple levels, allowing youth to progress as their skills, confidence, and readiness grow. Each level builds on the previous one, supporting youth as they move from learning foundational leadership concepts to taking on increased responsibility within the camp setting.

Leader In Training – Level 1

Level 1 of the Leader In Training (L.I.T.) Program is the entry point into leadership for youth aged 11-13 years old who are beginning to explore what it means to be a leader in a fun, supportive environment. Participants engage in a structured day that is evenly balanced to support learning, practice, and fun, including:

  • 30% Leadership Learning
  • 40% Hands on Leadership Skill Development
  • 30% Camp Activities

Throughout the program, participants will:

  • Build confidence and independence
  • Develop communication and teamwork skills
  • Learn how to participate positively in group settings
  • Begin understanding what it means to be a leader

LIT Level 1 focuses on building a strong foundation and helping youth develop readiness for future leadership opportunities

Dates, Fees & Registration Information

Program Dates

Youth registering for level 1 of the L.I.T. Program can choose between two date options:

Session 1: July 6th – July 17th

Session 2: July 20th – July 31st * (Closed July 24th)

Youth are strongly encouraged to complete both level 1 and level 2 in the same summer.


Program Time

Youth registered for L.I.T. level 1 will attend program Monday-Friday during their selected session from 9-4pm. Please note that while our program runs from 9-4pm, supervision is provided from 8-9am and 4-5:15pm and youth can be dropped off/picked up between those times. 


Program Fees & Payment Schedule

Program Fee: $375.00

Payment Schedule 2026: The total owing amount for the summer will be split into 4 equal payments (if you do not pay in full at time of registration) and are due on the following dates; May 1st, May 15th, May 29th and June 12th.


More Information

Ages: For youth aged 11+

Registration Opens:  Monday March 23rd at 9am

All Summer Leadership Program registrations will occur via RecDesk. Youth in LIT 1 and 2 are subject to the same registration limits (6 weeks maximum registration and no more than 3 consecutive weeks).

Location: BGCB Clubhouse (2 Edge St.)

Contact: Kendra Earl (kearl@bgcbrant.ca)

Leader In Training – Level 2

LIT Level 2 builds on the foundations introduced in Level 1 and is designed for youth, 11-13 years old, who are ready to take on increased responsibility and deepen their leadership skills. Participants follow a balanced daily structure that includes:

  • 25% Leadership Learning
  • 25% Hands on Leadership Skill Development
  • 25% Volunteering in Camp Groups
  • 25% Camp Activities

Throughout the program, youth will:

  • Strengthen leadership and communication skills
  • Practice decision-making and problem-solving
  • Model positive behaviour and teamwork
  • Build confidence in leadership roles

LIT Level 2 prepares participants for progression into higher levels of the Leaders in Training program.

Dates, Fees & Registration Information

Program Dates

Youth registering for level 2 of the L.I.T. Program can choose between two date options:

Session 1: August 4th – August 14th * (Closed August 3rd)

Session 2: August 17th – August 28th

Youth are strongly encouraged to complete both level 1 and level 2 in the same summer.


Program Time

Youth registered for L.I.T. level 2 will attend program Monday-Friday during their selected session from 9-4pm. Please note that while our program runs from 9-4pm, supervision is provided from 8-9am and 4-5:15pm and youth can be dropped off/picked up between those times. 


Program Fees & Payment Schedule

Program Fee: $375.00

Payment Schedule 2026: The total owing amount for the summer will be split into 4 equal payments (if you do not pay in full at time of registration) and are due on the following dates; May 1st, May 15th, May 29th and June 12th.


More Information

Ages: For youth aged 11+

Registration Opens:  Monday March 23rd at 9am

All Summer Leadership Program registrations will occur via RecDesk. Youth in LIT 1 and 2 are subject to the same registration limits (6 weeks maximum registration and no more than 3 consecutive weeks).

Location: BGCB Clubhouse (2 Edge St.)

Contact: Kendra Earl (kearl@bgcbrant.ca)

Leader In Training – Level 3

Level 3 of the Leader In Training (L.I.T.) Program, is a 4 week program designed for youth 13-15 years old who are ready to deepen their leadership skills and begin taking on intentional responsibility. This level is designed to offer invited successful participants from level 2 of the L.I.T. Program an opportunity to prepare for positions as camp counselors or recreation leaders. 

In this program youth will focus on:

  • Leadership skill development
  • Personal growth and self-awareness
  • Supporting younger participants and staff
  • Preparing youth for future volunteer and employment opportunities

Throughout the program participants spend their time intentionally building skills through a balanced daily structure:

  • 25% Learning and Formal Lessons
  • 25% Hands on Leadership Skill Development
  • 50% Volunteering within summer camp groups

Participants will continue to build confidence, learn how to lead by example, and develop skills that translate beyond camp into school, work, and community settings.

Dates, Fees & Registration Information

Program Dates & Time

Youth in level 3 of the L.I.T. Program will register for one session from Part 1 and one session from Part 2. Youth attend program Monday-Friday during their selected session from 9-4pm. Please note that while our program runs from 9-4pm, supervision is provided from 8-9am and 4-5:15pm and youth can be dropped off/picked up between those times. 

Part One:

Session 1: July 6th – July 17th

Session 2: July 20th – July 31st * (Closed July 24th)

Part Two:

Session 1: August 4th – August 14th * (Closed August 3rd)

Session 2: August 17th – August 28th


Program Fees & Payment Schedule

Program Fee: $250

Payment Schedule 2026: The total owing amount for the summer will be split into 4 equal payments (if you do not pay in full at time of registration) and are due on the following dates; May 1st, May 15th, May 29th and June 12th.


Registration Process

LIT Level 3 registration is internal only.

Returning Families: Families whose youth completed LIT Level 2 or Level 3 last summer will receive an email in early February outlining the level their youth has been placed in for this year. To register for Level 3, families who received a Level 3 invitation must reply to the email confirming which session(s) they would like to register for. On March 23rd, confirmed participants will be registered internally. Families will then receive their invoice along with any required forms to complete.

New Families: If you are new to the LIT program and believe your youth may be eligible for Level 3, please contact Ashley directly to discuss eligibility requirements.


More Information

Ages: For youth aged 13+

Location: BGCB Clubhouse (2 Edge St.)

Contact: Ashley Gordon (agordon@bgcbrant.ca)

Counsellor In Training Program

The Counsellor In Training (CIT) Program is our advanced leadership and mentorship program for invited youth aged 15+ who have successfully completed level 3 of the Leader In Training Program and are preparing for future roles as staff, volunteers, or community leaders. This program requires a full summer commitment with participants on site every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9-4pm.

In this level youth will focus on:

  • Hands-on leadership experience
  • Mentorship and coaching
  • Professional skill development
  • Career and employment readiness

Participants follow a structured weekly schedule that emphasizes real world leadership experience:

  • 25% Learning and Formal Lessons
  • 75% Volunteering within summer camp groups

Participants gain real-world experience while being supported by experienced staff, helping them build the confidence and skills needed to succeed in leadership roles both within and beyond BGC Brantford.

Dates, Fees & Registration Information

Program Dates & Time

Youth in the C.I.T. Program attend program from 9-4pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for the entire summer (July 7 – August 27). Please note that while our program runs from 9-4pm, supervision is provided from 8-9am and 4-5:15pm and youth can be dropped off/picked up between those times. 


Program Fees

The C.I.T. Program is a free program for invited youth who have successfully completed level 3 of the L.I.T. Program.


Registration Process

Youth from level 3 of the L.I.T. Program who have been selected to participate in the C.I.T. Program will receive an email invitation by Friday February 13th, 2026 for the upcoming summer. This email will outline the next steps of the registration process. Please note that there are limited spots in this program so if interest exceeds availability, participants will be selected through an interview process.

Please note that all youth in the C.I.T. Program must have successfully completed level 3 of the L.I.T. Program and be invited to this program. We do not accept any youth into the C.I.T. Program who have not completed level 3 of the L.I.T. Program.


More Information

Ages: For youth aged 15+

Location: BGCB Clubhouse (2 Edge St.)

Contact: Ashley Gordon (agordon@bgcbrant.ca)