Leadership Programs
Outcomes of the Leadership Development Program:
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Teambuilding
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Leadership
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Self-Awareness
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Self-Esteem
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Communication
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Connection
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Problem-Solving
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Confidence
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Appreciation for Nature
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Outdoor Skills
This two-week (coed) program includes a 4-day group canoe trip to one of Minnesota’s beautiful chain of lakes led by qualified leaders. Campers will also participate in numerous team-building initiatives and begin to stretch their comfort zones and gain leadership skills while also having the opportunity to enjoy the traditional camp activities (like sailing, crafts, horseback riding, and archery). While at camp, LITs will stay in our rustic cabins and will stay in backpacking tents in small groups while on trail (single-gender lodging). No experience or special equipment is required.
| Program Itinerary | |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | LITs will participate in various team-building and thought provoking initiatives that focus on cooperation, self-discovery, and leadership. In the afternoons, LITs will have the opportunity to participate in various program areas. |
| Day 4-5 | LITs will continue participating in group initiatives, self-reflection and begin to orient themselves to the skills needed on their camping trip. LITs will spend time working with our outpost staff to learn canoe strokes, packing techniques, and acquaint themselves with their gear. |
| Day 6-9 | LITs will spend 4 days paddling through the waterways or hiking scenic trails of Minnesota’s Northwoods State Parks and Recreation Areas. LITs will be assigned a new role each day of their trip, which may include head chef, leader of the day, tent master, etc. *some trips may include both backpacking and canoeing, or may include only backpacking or canoeing. |
| Day 10-14 | Upon their return to camp, LITs will continue to gain leadership skills and begin to transfer them to the greater camp community, which may include buddying up with younger campers or participating in a service project. Afternoons are sometimes free choice and sometimes have additional programming. |
Leader In Training I (4-Day Canoe or Backpacking Trip Included)
| SESSION | PROGRAM | DATE | AGES | Option A | Option B | Option C | SPACES REMAINING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIT-12 | Leader in Training I | June 8-21 | 13-15 | $2,186 | $2,086 | $1,986 | Male Waitlist |
| Female Waitlist | |||||||
| LIT-34 | Leader in Training I | June 22-July 5 | 13-15 | $2,186 | $2,086 | $1,986 | Male Waitlist |
| 1 Female | |||||||
| LIT-56 | Leader in Training I | July 6-19 | 13-15 | $2,186 | $2,086 | $1,986 | 3 Male |
| 2 Female | |||||||
| LIT-78 | Leader in Training I | July 20-August 2 | 13-15 | $2,186 | $2,086 | $1,986 | Male Waitlist |
| 1 Female |
This two-week (coed) program is similar to the LITI experience, but sessions are more trip-based including an 8-day canoe trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Campers will spend their first few days planning and preparing both mentally and physically for their adventure with our experienced and caring staff. Along the way, they will gain experience and training in leadership, Leave No Trace principles, cooperation, and wilderness survival. LITIIs will reside in tents both at camp and on trail.
| Program Itinerary | |
|---|---|
| Day 1-4 | LITIIs will participate in various team-building and thought provoking initiatives that focus on cooperation, self-discovery, and leadership. LITIIs will spend time working with our outpost staff to learn canoe strokes, packing techniques, and acquaint themselves with their gear. |
| Day 5-12 | LITIIs will spend 8 days paddling through the waterways of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, enjoying a new campsite each night. LITIIs will be assigned a new role each day of their trip, which may include head chef, leader of the day, tent master, etc. |
| Day 13-14 | Upon their return to camp, LITIIs will continue to gain leadership skills and begin to transfer them to the greater camp community, which may include buddying up with younger campers or participating in a service project. Afternoons are sometimes free choice and sometimes have additional programming. |
Learn more about the LITII Experience and Participant Expectations here.
Leader In Training II (8-Day Canoe Trip Included)
| SESSION | PROGRAM | DATE | AGES | Option A | Option B | Option C | SPACES REMAINING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LITII-23 | Leader in Training II (Coed) | June 15-28 | 14-16 | $2,233 | $2,133 | $2,033 | Male Waitlist |
| Female Waitlist | |||||||
| LITII-45 | Leader in Training II (Coed) | June 29-July 12 | 14-16 | $2,233 | $2,133 | $2,033 | Male Waitlist |
| Female Waitlist | |||||||
| LITII-67 | Leader in Training II (Coed) | July 13-26 | 14-16 | $2,233 | $2,133 | $2,033 | Male Waitlist |
| Female Waitlist |
This two-week (coed) program is an invitation-only leadership program for experienced campers ready for a trip of a lifetime. LITIII campers will spend a minimal amount of time in camp bonding as a group and preparing their equipment before departing on a 9-day backpacking trip to beautiful Isle Royale. Prior trip experience is required but prospective campers can provide a recommendation from another trip experience if they have participated outside of Camp Olson. LITIIIs will reside in tents both at camp and on trail.
| Program Itinerary | |
|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | LITIIIs will participate in various team-building and thought provoking initiatives that focus on cooperation, self-discovery, and leadership. LITIIIs will spend time working with our outpost staff to practice hike, learn packing techniques, and acquaint themselves with their gear. |
| Day 3 | LITIIIs will travel north towards Grand Portage where they will stay overnight before boarding the ferry bright and early to the Island! |
| Day 4-12 | LITIIs will spend 9 days backpacking across Isle Royale from Windigo to Rock Harbor, enjoying a new campsite each night. LITIIIs will be assigned a new role each day of their trip, which may include head chef, leader of the day, tent master, etc. |
| Day 13-14 | Upon their return to camp, LITIIIs will continue to gain leadership skills and begin to transfer them to the greater camp community, which may include buddying up with younger campers or participating in a service project. Afternoons are sometimes free choice and sometimes have additional programming. |
Learn more about the LITIII Experience and Participant Expectations here.
Leaders In Training III (9-Day Backpacking Trip Included)
*Invitation Only*
| SESSION | PROGRAM | DATE | AGES | Option A | Option B | Option C | SPACES REMAINING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LITIII-78 | Leaders in Training III (Coed) | July 20-August 2 | 14-16 | $2,446 | $2,346 | $2,246 | Waitlist |
View the 3 page guide above for more information or email demi@campolson.org! The application can be completed at https://forms.gle/b5N3GeQzC8nWu2RJ9. To receive priority in the selection process, please apply by Nov 10.
The Counselor in Training program offers the ultimate leadership experience for those who aspire to work as a camp counselor in the future or desire to be leaders in their own community. This is a highly competitive and space-limited program. Application is required.
Traditional Option: The CIT Program is a four-week long experience where your campers will get to enjoy being a camper for one week, before spending over a week on the Superior Hiking Trail, bonding and pushing their limits. The lessons learned on the trail will be immediately put to use upon return to camp through leadership training and instruction in each of Camp Olson’s program areas.
Alternate Option: If for any reason, a 4-week program and/or 8-day backpacking trip is not accessible to you, reach out to us to discuss options.
| Program Itinerary | |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | CITs plan and pack for a weeklong trip along the Superior Hiking Trail and are allotted time to have some fun at program areas, setting an attitude of pulling away from the easy time of camper-hood. CITs will participate in team-building and self-reflection initiatives as well as pre-trip preparations. |
| Week 2 | CITs spend the next 8 days backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail, becoming members of a functioning unit that work as a team. Members are given the opportunity to experience nature in a new way, learn outdoor skills, practice leave-no-trace principles, lead a group, and discover unrealized strengths and potential. |
| Week 3 | Upon their return to camp, CITs will continue to gain leadership skills, learn the specific skills of a camp counselor, and begin to transfer what they are learning to the greater camp community. CITs will complete a service project and take on a new role assisting and learning at Program Areas. |
| Week 4 | CIT’s spend their last week in assigned cabins working with campers and learning from experienced counselors. |
Counselor In Training (8-Day Backpacking Trip Included)
*Application Required - Please email margret@campolson.org for more info*
| SESSION | PROGRAM | DATE | AGES | Option A | Option B | Option C | SPACES REMAINING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIT-2345 | Counselor In Training (Coed) | June 15-July 12 | 16-17 | $3,046 | $2,946 | $2,846 | 2 Space(s) |
| CIT-4567 | Counselor In Training (Coed) | June 29-July 26 | 16-17 | $3,046 | $2,946 | $2,846 | Waitlist |
| CIT-5678 | Counselor In Training (Coed) | July 6-August 2 | 16-17 | $3,046 | $2,946 | $2,846 | Waitlist |
