Our teen leadership program is centred on the development of independence and social skills
POLARIS (Personal Opportunities for Leadership, Activities, Recreation, Inclusion and Social Skills) is a teen leadership program that focuses on personal development, working cohesively with others and integrating their long-term goals into their daily lives.
What will POLARIS campers be doing?
Our teen leadership program develops independence and social skills through backpacking and outdoor experiences. The first week of this program is spent at our overnight camp (Intervarsity Pioneer Lodge in Sundre) building hiking skills, group dynamics and comfort in nature. The second week of the program is based out of Foothills Academy with day hikes to Kananaskis and additional wilderness skill development that will be needed in week three. In the final week of the program, the group will complete a front or back country hiking trip to put all the skills they have learned in action with their new friends!
Camp Goals:
The goals of Camp Amicus are to increase the campers’ self-esteem, make friends, learn social skills, have a ton of fun and make lasting friendships! POLARIS focuses on personal development, working cohesively with others and integrating their long-term goals into their daily lives. We typically include an overnight hiking trip and its preparation as the main tool for integrating our participants' individual learning into the program.
Intake Criteria:
Teens entering grades 7 - 12 can attend Camp Amicus POLARIS Leadership camp if they meet our Intake Criteria and complete the Intake process.
- POLARIS I for teens entering grades 7 - 9.
- POLARIS II for teens entering grades 10 - 12.
Schedule:
| Program | Grades | Dates | Dates Cancelled | Cost | Registration Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris II | 10 - 12 |
July 2 - 5 |
July 1st, Canada Day | $3,080 | Limited spaces remaining |
| Polaris I | 7 - 9 | July 22 - 26 July 29 - Aug 2 Aug 6 - 9 |
August 5, Holiday | $2,800 | Limited spaces remaining |
Location:
Week 1 - Sunday to Friday based at Pioneer Camp Lodge Overnight Camp
Week 2 - Monday to Friday based at Foothills Academy with day hiking trips (9 am - 4 pm)
Week 3 - Monday to Friday based at Foothills Academy with overnight hiking trips.
- POLARIS 1 will do 3 day/2 night front country hiking trip.
- POLARIS 2 will do a 4 day/3 night hiking trip.
Registration Process:
If your child has never attended an Amicus program before, please complete the Parent Intake Form to begin the process. Once it is determined that your child is eligible to participate in Camp Amicus' POLARIS program, you will be sent registration forms. Returning camper families will be sent an email with a registration link. The completed registration form and a $100 deposit are necessary to secure your child's spot in the camp.
Cost:
Please see the schedule above. The fee is eligible for FSCD funding. We are able to bill FSCD directly for camp fees.
POLARIS Leadership Camp
Jana has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary, and is registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers. She has a history of working with children, youth, and families, and is passionate about early intervention, prevention, and meeting children’s social, emotional, and developmental needs. Jana is trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Traning, and the Nurturing Parenting Program Curriculum. She utilizes a trauma-informed and strength-based approach in her social work practice, aimed at mitigating the effects of trauma, strengthening family resilience, increasing natural supports, and building on existing strengths.
Intake Criteria
Check our Intake Criteria to ensure that we can meet the needs of your child.
New Campers
Intake approval is needed prior to registration. Please complete the Intake Form to begin the process.
Returning Campers:
If your camper has been to Camp Amicus before, do not complete the Intake Form. You can register directly. Please check your email for a registration link.
Camp Amicus is a member of 
Thank you also to all the generous donors who have contributed to the Camp Amicus Bursary Fund: The Prosser Family Foundation, B’Nai Brith and Children’s Hospital Aid Society and many individual donors. With their support, we try to keep Camp Amicus financially accessible to all eligible campers.