About Leadership Programs
Leadership Programs offer excellent experience and training for potential camp counsellors and future community leaders.
Our two Leadership Programs are designed to encourage participants to share ideas and participate in experiential leadership activities.
The overall objective for campers in our Leadership Programs is to develop and refine their communication skills, learn how to build consensus and develop a sense of self within a group, and to build confidence while engaging with others.
Leadership campers develop skills, work through group challenges and gain experience in group dynamics and risk management.
Please note that these programs are only offered on specific weeks of the summer and space is limited.
Registration opens January 15, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Get ready for a summer to remember! YMCA Camp Otonabee is where adventure, learning, and new friendships come together in a safe, supportive environment. Spaces fill quickly, so be sure to register early and secure your spot for an unforgettable summer at the Y!
Leadership Programs - Ages: 12Y-16Y
Young Leaders is an introductory leadership program for campers to build confidence, teamwork, and communication skills. Campers develop leadership through hands-on challenges, team building activities, and opportunities to lead camp games with younger campers. By week’s end, they’ll discover their own leadership style while having a blast exploring the great outdoors through classic camp activities like swimming, archery, kayaking and high ropes.
Please note: This is a small ratio program and space is limited to 12 campers per session.
| *Jun 29 - Jul 3 $300 | July 6 - 10 $375 | July 13 - 17 $375 |
| July 20 - 24 $375 | July 27 - 31 $375 | *Aug 4 - 7 $300 |
| Aug 10 - 14 $375 | Aug 17 - 21 $375 |
* Short week - prorated fee.
Leaders in Training (LIT) is a two-week program that focuses on developing hard skills such as canoeing, kayaking and rock climbing. Campers will learn how to instruct these activities safely, while building their critical thinking skills and confidence as a leader. Leaders in Training is a hands-on program where campers work together and learn to problem solve as part of a team.
Each session will include one day of placement at camp, where Leaders will gain hands-on experience working with younger campers.
LITs are able to gain up to 7-hours of high school volunteer service hours during this program.
Please note: This is a small ratio program and space is limited to 15 campers per session.
| *Jun 29 - Jul 10 $612 | July 13 - 24 $680 | *Jul 27 - Aug 7 $612 |
| Aug 10 - 21 $680 |
Plus applicable taxes. * Short week - prorated fee.
YMCA Camp Otonabee Counsellors in Training (CIT) is a three-week program meant to build on skills acquired through the Leaders in Training program, but does not require it as a prerequisite to attend. It is, however, helpful to have had some leadership or camp experience prior to enrolling in the program. Counsellors in Training will expose participants to the skills that are important to counsellors and community leaders.
The first two weeks of the CIT program focuses on group dynamics, behavior management, risk management, and program development. The CITs will then be given the opportunity to shadow experienced staff and help deliver programs in a placement during their third week at camp. CITs are able to gain up to 35-hours of high school volunteer service hours during this program. Campers will also have the opportunity to participate in all our traditional camp activities such as archery, arts and crafts, orienteering, and more, all while learning about themselves as a leader!
If you would like more information or to discuss this program in greater detail with the Camp Director, please contact the camp office.
Please note: space is limited to 15 campers per session. If the program is full, please reach out to the Camp Office for possible volunteer opportunities for campers 16Y and up at day.camps@ymcaottawa.ca
| July 6 - 24 $790 | *Jul 27 - Aug 14 $711 |
Plus applicable taxes. * Short week - prorated fee.
Camper Care Program | Ages: 4Y-13Y
This program is for campers who need extra support while they are at camp. Campers are matched one-on-one to a counsellor. The camper will be supported to integrate into programming with other campers in their age group. There are no extra fees.
These counsellors are not trained to help with medical equipment or procedures, such as G-tube feeding or catheter care. They are not able to provide washroom help, including lifting, wiping, or diaper changes.
This program has a separate application and registration process and limited space. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each camper is assessed independently. Please get in touch with the camp office at day.camps@ymcaottawa.ca or 613-832-1234 for registration information.
Join Our Camp Staff
Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? At the Y, you will be part of a diverse team whose shared vision is to build vibrant communities where everyone can shine.