Arthur Kidston Memorial Camp

• Learn to lead by example for the younger campers during legendary camp games

• Develop your communication and teamwork skills

• Workshops, training sessions, practical experience working with campers and leading activities

• Explore your interests and beliefs

• Set intentional goals with the support of Camp Kidston’s Personnel Director and Leadership Program Assistant to guide your own personal and professional growth

• Learn outdoor skills, including paddling

• This week includes an overnight Out-Trip to one of the wilderness campsites on our grounds. ​

• Develop new confidence

Like all Kidston programs, the Junior Leader Program has a strong focus on fun, adventure, and connecting with community! JLs will still stay in cabins, eat meals together, and have opportunities to participate in the classic camp activities like camp-wide games, swimming, canoeing and kayaking, arts and crafts, improv, and campfires.

In addition to this, JLs have JL-specific training sessions and will spend time learning about working with children, leading activities at camp, and the importance of self-care (among other things!). JLs will have the opportunity to move from participant to leader, with the support and supervision of the Personnel Director and Leadership Program Assistant. For example, JLs may lead cabin games, camp-wide games, interest sessions, campfires, and more!

The JL program is also designed to facilitate your professional growth while you experience the magic of camp. With workshops to develop your communication and teamwork skills, design your resume, and practice answering questions in an interview setting, you will develop confidence in navigating professional environments.

The Junior Leader Program is open to youth ages 14 through 16, and we have participants begin the program at all ages!

The JL Program is an inclusive leadership development experience, and requires a level of maturity and commitment. Successful JLs are usually enthusiastic about living and working with others, flexible, kind, energetic, responsible, open-minded, and willing to learn and try new things.

JLs live and learn as part of a small and tight-knit team, and should be prepared to contribute to an intentional, diverse, and caring community.

If you have questions about the program, or would like to discuss your specific situation, please reach out to director@campkidston.com!

There are two steps to register for the JL Program:

1. An online registration must be completed by a parent/guardian (on or after Feb. 1st). This can be completed on Kidston's online registration system, located at campkidston.campbrainregistration.com. All applicants will be waitlisted until they are accepted into the program.

2. All JLs are required to fill out a brief application form (this must be filled out by the JL, not a family member or friend!). This form is linked above (available on Feb. 1st), and we ask JLs to complete it within two weeks of their online registration. We review all applications to ensure that JLs are a good fit for this leadership program. While it is rare, should we feel that an applicant is not yet ready for the JL program, we will reach out directly to the applicant and their parent/guardian. Our application is also good practice for future job applications!

Yes! If you are not yet old enough to apply to be a staff member, or feel that you would benefit from further experience as a Junior Leader, you are welcome to complete the JL Program multiple times.

In summer 2026, there are two JL sessions, one in July and one in August. Both sessions offer the exact same programming. If desired, and if there are still spots available, you may do the program twice within the same summer.

Yes! Many campers participate in both Senior Camp and the Junior Leader Program in the same summer. However, it is important to understand that being a JL is different than being a camper. For example, you may have some privileges as a JL that you will not have as a camper.

Kidston's Junior Leader program can count as credit towards multiple external programs and awards!

​For example, the JL program may:

• count as your Gold Project for the Duke of Edinburgh Award

• count as a practice journey (specifically the JL out-trip) for any level of Adventurous Journey in the Duke of Edinburgh Award

​Kidston staff are happy to help Junior Leaders fill out required forms and sign off on completion records for any of the above.

In addition, you could use the Personnel Director or Leadership Program Assistant as a professional reference in the future!

If you have previously participated in a Leadership program (Junior Leader, CIT, LIT, etc.) at another camp, please reach out to director@campkidston.com to discuss which program will best fit your experience.

Please reach out to director@campkidston.com!