OUR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
At Camp Kahquah, we believe that leadership is developed through opportunities to learn, serve and lead. These pillars are the foundations of Aspire, Crew & LIT. As youth journey through these programs, they gain the skills and experiences to become successful leaders at camp and in their communities upon returning home.
1. GROW
We believe that learning the teachings of Jesus will equip participants to understand how He lead and will enable us to serve and lead others more effectively. Participants learn through sessions, personal devotional time and hands-on learning experiences with each other and campers.
2. SERVE
We believe serving Jesus is synonymous with serving those around us. Our programs offer many opportunities for participants to follow His example and serve campers, showing them what it means to put others before themselves. There is also a focus on developing a servanthood mindset where we are transformed from the inside out and ultimately will not just serve others at camp but in our communities at home.
3. LEAD
We believe that our youth are not only the future leaders of the church but also our current ones. Not only do we learn about leadership styles but participants are given daily opportunities to put them into practice and reflect on their development as a leader. Our hands-on approach and intentional reflection equip our participants with a better understanding of who they are as leaders which helps them flourish at camp, in their schools, and in society as a whole.
“(My time in a leadership program) taught me about who I am and who I can become at camp and in everyday life.”
| STUDENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS | DATES | REGISTRATION FEES |
| Aspire (going into grade 9 & 10) | July 16 – 22, 2023 | $590 |
| Crew Session 1 (going into grade 11) | July 2 – 15, 2023 | $600 for two weeks |
| Crew Session 2 (going into grade 11) | July 16 – 29, 2023 | $600 for two weeks |
| Leaders In Training (LIT) (going into grade 12)* | June 29 – July 29, 2023 | $800 for five weeks |
CREW and LIT by application only. *LIT includes Teambuilding Weekend (May 26 – 28)
THESE PROGRAMS RUN ALONGSIDE KIDS CAMPS
ASPIRE
Do you want to begin your journey as a staff member at Kahquah? Feeling too old for SUMMIT, but not old enough for CREW? ASPIRE is a one-week camp for younger teens, going into Grade 9 & 10, who desire to become leaders at camp and in their communities. Running alongside BLAZE, ASPIRE campers have the unique opportunity to participate in Kids Camp programming and also receive leadership training. Highlights include team challenges, shadowing a CREW member for a day, and gaining a basic understanding of the principles of servant leadership. Participants will be challenged to grow in their faith and are given opportunities to practice their new skills in different settings.
July 16-22, 2023 — Age: Grade 9 & 10 — $590
Registration opens on February 1st!
CREW
CREW is a service-oriented program for teens wanting to make the transition from camper to staff. If you are interested in taking this step, join us for one of our two-week sessions that include a mixture of service, team-building, and recreation, with an emphasis on spiritual growth. Are you ready to get your hands dirty as you serve during Kids Camp, performing kitchen, cleaning, and maintenance duties? Do you want to grow in your relationship with God and make friendships that will last a lifetime? Then consider joining our CREW this summer!
Session One – July 2-15, 2023 — Session Two – July 16-29, 2023 — Age: Grade 11 — $600 for two weeks
Applications open on February 1st!
LEADERS IN TRAINING (LIT)
Leaders in Training (LIT) participants begin their five-week development program during a pre-summer LIT retreat weekend, and continue the program through staff orientation and the four weeks of Kids Camp. This program includes extensive preparation for roles as cabin leaders or other leadership positions, as well as a four-day canoe trip in Algonquin Park where they have the opportunity to learn team-building skills and be personally challenged. Participants conclude the program with a two-week practicum as assistant cabin leaders, where they are placed with and mentored by an experienced cabin leading and staff member. LITs must have a growing faith and a commitment to Christ as they will represent Him to campers throughout the summer. Individuals applying for this program are not assured a place until their application is reviewed and accepted.
June 29 – July 29, 2023 — Age: Grade 12 — $800 for five weeks
Applications open on February 1st!
“It was an amazing summer and brought me closer with lots of people and in my relationship with God. It definitely helped me grow as a person and taught me many lessons that I have, and will learn from in the near and far away future.”