Camp Elphinstone: Leadership Development

A 2-stage program developing future leadership skills. For ages 14 to 16.

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Camp Elphinstone: Leadership Development

Program Description

The Leadership Development program transitions participants from campers to leaders, providing the experience needed for entry-level jobs in childcare and the outdoors. For ages 14 to 16.

Summer
Starts at $1355.77/camper
Group sizes vary
Y Membership Required: No
Camp Elphinstone: Leadership Development
Program overview

Our Leadership Development programs (LD1 and LD2) serve as the bridge between being a camper and becoming a confident, capable leader. Designed for teens aged 14 to 16, these programs transition participants from foundational teamwork to professional-level skills in the outdoor and childcare industries.

The YMCA Leadership Development pathway is designed to foster communication, inclusion, and practical management skills through immersive camp experiences.

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LD1: Foundational Leadership (Ages 14–15)

The LD1 program acts as the vital stepping stone from participant to leader. Campers engage in a series of team initiatives that introduce the basics of group facilitation and inclusive leadership.

  • Key Feature: A 4-day out-trip with a qualified guide.
  • Skills Learned: Group management techniques, communication, and personal reflection on leadership growth.

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LD2: Professional Readiness (Ages 15–16)

The LD2 program elevates these skills to a professional standard. It aims to provide participants with the concrete experience and qualifications needed for entry-level jobs in camping, childcare, and the outdoor industry.

  • Focus: Advanced facilitation and industry-standard leadership.
  • Outcome: Readiness for employment in related outdoor and youth-focused fields.

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About YMCA Camp Elphinstone

The place of a million memories, YMCA Camp Elphinstone is located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of BC—just two kilometres north of the Langdale ferry terminal on the shores of Howe Sound and a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. With 144 acres of oceanfront property, lush rainforest and quiet creeks, YMCA Camp Elphinstone offers outdoor adventures for all ages.

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  • Open year-round
  • Cozy lodges and rustic cabins that can accommodate up to 450 people
  • On-site catering offering healthy and delicious meals
  • Waterfront activities including, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding, with sailing during the summer months
  • Land-based activities including, low and high ropes courses, a climbing wall, archery ranges, hiking trails, gaga ball courts and basketball courts
  • A dedicated and experienced staff team
  • Modern meeting spaces, including our YMCA Exploration Hall facility, which offers a stage, fireplace, audio-visual systems and catering.

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At YMCA Camp Elphinstone, we are committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) and we will continue to learn, grow and strengthen our Inclusion Program.
Program schedule
  • Leadership Development 1 Session 1: July 6 – July 17
  • Leadership Development 1 Session 2: July 20 – July 31
  • Leadership Development 1 Session 3: August 3 – August 14
  • Leadership Development 1 Session 4: August 17 – August 28

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  • Schedule for Leadership Development 2 coming soon!
One-to-one Support
  • One of the ways we facilitate inclusion at camp Elphinstone is through one-on-one support. YMCA Camp Elphinstone offers one-to-one support from our Inclusion Counsellors for two overnight camp campers every week. If your child receives full-time, shared or one-to-one support in the school system, our Inclusion Program may be a good fit
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  • If you believe your camper may require one-on-one support to have a successful camp experience, please email camp.elphinstone@bc.ymca.ca to discuss your child’s needs prior to registering for a camp session. We'll give you a phone call, and if - in collaboration with you - we agree that one-to-one support is appropriate for your child, you’ll be advised to register in one of our reserved inclusion spaces. While our Inclusion Counsellors are experienced in supporting children with perse abilities, they are not educational assistants (EAs), behavioral interventionists, occupational therapists (OTs), etc.
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  • All campers must have control of bowel and bladder, the ability to wipe independently as well as listen to basic instructions. One-to-one inclusion is available for five-day programs; this policy aims to maximize the number of kids that get to come to camp

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Financial assistance
  • The YMCA raises money year round in order to offer financial assistance so that every child has the opportunity to attend camp
  • Financial assistance applications are open and will be accepted until two weeks prior to the requested session date
  • Please email us at camp.elphinstone@bc.ymca.ca with any questions about the application process
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Camp Elphinstone: Leadership Development
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