LEADERS-IN-TRAINING Autism Program and Registration Package

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1 LEADERS-IN-TRAINING Autism Program and Registration Package Contents: About Kinark Outdoor Center Program Information Participation Information Application Process Application This summer the Kinark Outdoor Center will be offering a Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program to support our core autism programs and the communities served through these programs. The LIT program will provide participants with knowledge on how to work with special needs populations, increased leadership capacity and specific leadership training, and direct experience in planning and executing camp programs and special events Queens Line Rd. Box #730 Minden, ON K0M 2K info@koc.on.ca

2 Kinark Outdoor Centre The Kinark Outdoor Centre (KOC) has delivered recreational programs to the social service sector for nearly thirty years; they have specialized in autism specific programs for over a decade. The KOC is located outside of Minden, three hours north and east of Toronto. The facility has a trail system, high ropes course, private lake, sustainable building, large recreation hall, and dining hall facility. As a residential camp, the KOC delivers enhanced respite and therapeutic, recreational programs for campers with complex needs, including children with a mental health diagnosis and children with Autism. Every weekend and throughout the summer months, the KOC is host to children with complex neurological challenges requiring comprehensive behavioral supports. Schools and other community groups support our special needs operation in the shoulder season.

3 The LIT Program Our LIT program is designed to develop the group of LITs as individuals and as a team for the responsibility of working in a camp environment and for working with children who have ASD. At no time will LITs be solely in care for any child or person at camp but they will have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to directly and positively impact camp programming and camp life. The LIT program is a two week program for up to 5 persons at a time. LITs will be exposed to both traditional summer camp programs for kids with autism and family camp programs. LITs will equally participate in their own leadership program and personalized learning. Leaders in Training at the KOC will learn about: 1. All aspects of activities and programs delivered in the summer at camp including risk management, planning, delivery, and evaluation. 2. Leadership, through the daily frontloading and debriefing of participation in camp life. 3. Effective communication, group management, conflict resolution, goal setting, professionalism, and team work. 4. Successful delivery of specific programs. Leaders in training at the KOC will be evaluated on their attitude, values, character, judgment, participation, social relationships, and development as a leader in the context of the ongoing camp programs. Expectations For our part, the Kinark Outdoor Center is committed to working with any candidate who is accepted into the program, actively participates with full value, does not abuse time off, and shows enthusiasm for the program and experience. It is important that all participants respect and abide by program expectations, including: Treating all campers, staff, and other LITs with respect and openness Maintaining professional relationships with all campers, staff, and other LITs Following Kinark Outdoor Centre policies and procedures, which will be introduced during the program Being on-time for programs, and after hours check-ins Contributing positively to the maintenance of a safe environment and program For participants in this and all programs, the Kinark Outdoor Center will have a zerotolerance policy on drug and alcohol use. These substances can not be used or allowed on the property at any time.

4 Who are the LITs? As an integrated LIT program we are welcoming year old teens (entering grade 11, 12, or first-year of post-secondary) into this leadership program. Candidates accepted into this program will have an interest in working with or learning about kids with special needs. A previous experience at a summer camp and/or defined interest in recreation is important. Our LITs are independent, able to self-regulate, able to demonstrate responsibility and accountability, and fun! What s in it for me? A good question! Yes LITs do contribute to the experience of other campers and visitors to the outdoor center and this can feel like volunteerism, which is a great opportunity! Apart from the obvious tangibles like room and board, each LIT will go through an amazing learning experience. Each day there will be at least a 4-hour period of time dedicated to leadership development; participants will receive guided and targeted feedback on their peer to peer social interactions and contributions to camp programs; they will have the responsibility to manage their own independence; and, they will have fun. Successful LITs will also receive a full report and character reference from Kinark Outdoor Center. This can be quite useful when applying for paid positions in the future.

5 Application Process To apply to the LIT program we require the LIT Candidate to submit the following information. LIT Application and Statement Parent Consent Form Reference Letter Interview Deposit The cost of the LIT program is $1350+HST. A 10% deposit is required with your application. All deposits are refundable if the LIT candidate is not accepted into the program. The deposit is non-refundable after being accepted into the LIT program. All parts of the application are available on our website at Leaders-In-Training-Program and printed on the following pages. We are requesting that all parts of the application, including deposit, are mailed together to our office in Minden, ON. Application Checklist Cost Before mailing your application to the Kinark Outdoor Center please ensure that you have included all components in your application. Registration form complete with answers to questions 1 and 2 Answer to question 3 attached Parental sign-off Letter from at least one reference Deposit (will not be processed until accepted into the program) The cost of the 2-week LIT program is $1350. We are requesting that a 10% deposit ($135) is mailed to us along with the application. Once the applicant has had an interview with the Autism Program Coordinator and/or LIT supervisor, successful LITs will receive an acceptance letter. Once an individual has accepted the position as LIT, the deposit will be processed and will be non-refundable at that time.

6 Application page 1/3 Please complete the following registration form and application questions. Be sure to include all required supporting documents for your application to be considered. Submission can be made via or mailed to: Applicant Information KOC Leaders-in-Training Mail: KOC Leadership Program 1766 Queen s Line Road PO Box 730 Minden, ON K0M 2K0 info@koc.on.ca First Name: Last Name: Address: City/Town: Postal Code: Birth Date: Current Grade: Registration and Application Form Program Dates Please mark the program dates you are able to attend in order of preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd choices). If you are not able to attend during certain dates, please cross them out entirely. June 29-July 10 July 12-July 24 July 26-August 7

7 Application Page 2/3 Parent/Guardian Consent As the guardian of, I give permission for my child to participate in the KOC Leader-in-Training program. I am aware of the program expectations (page 3 and 4) and have reviewed them with the applicant. Name (please print): Relationship to Applicant: Signature: Date: Application Questions (for the LIT candidate to complete) 1. As of today, how many of your high school community service hours do you have: 2. What have you done to gain these hours? 3. Over the past year, what extracurricular activities have you been involved with, both inside and outside of school?

8 Application Page 3/3 In the space below, please answer the following question and submit it along with your application (approximately 500 words): 4. Why do you want to be considered for the Kinark Outdoor Centre Leader-in-Training Program and what qualities will you bring to our community? That s it! We will be in touch with you to arrange an interview! Review the checklist below don t forget anything! Application Checklist Registration form complete with answers to questions 1 and 2 Answer to question 3 attached Parental sign-off Letter from at least one reference Deposit (will not be processed until acceptance to the program confirmed)