Teen Leadership Camps
Empower your teen to grow, lead, and thrive through adventure, teamwork, and hands-on experiences.
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Teen Programs Overview: Our Teen Programs—POLARIS and CIT—offer teens the chance to develop leadership, independence, and strong friendships in a hands-on environment. Whether they're exploring the wilderness while hiking and backpacking in POLARIS, or honing leadership skills with CIT, each program provides teens with opportunities to grow in meaningful ways.
POLARIS Program
Overview:
POLARIS is an outdoor adventure program that focuses on hiking, backpacking, and building independence. Teens will embark on multi-day hikes, camp under the stars, and face outdoor challenges that foster self-reliance, collaboration and resilience. Teens will navigate trails, set up camp, and develop leadership skills while building lasting friendships in a supportive environment.
Program Details:
- Location: Overnight Camp and Foothills Academy Society
- Length: 3 Weeks (Monday to Friday)
- Ages: Teens entering grades 7-12
- Highlights:
- The first week spent at Overnight Camp being immersed in the outdoors
- Hiking and backpacking through beautiful outdoor landscapes
- Developing independence and self-reliance
- Building deep, lasting friendships in a supportive, fun environment
CIT (Counselor-in-Training) Program
Overview:
The CIT program bridges the gap between camper and counsellor, helping youth with ADHD and/or learning disabilities develop leadership and workplace readiness skills. Over three weeks, participants shadow counsellors, lead activities, and gain hands-on experience in camp facilitation, safety, and building connections. With training and feedback, CITs will learn valuable skills for success at Camp Amicus and beyond.
Program Details:
- Location: Foothills Academy
- Length: 3 Weeks (Monday to Friday)
- Age Range: Grades 11 and 12
- Highlights:
- Understand and learn the responsibilities and skills needed to be a camp counsellor
- Develop leadership and mentorship skills
- Shadow a camp counsellor during week 3 and lead activities/ guide younger campers
Before and After Care
Before care is offered on the first day of Overnight sessions. After care is offered on the last day of Overnight sessions.
- Hours: 8:00 AM–9:00 AM and 4:00 PM–5:00 PM
- Cost: $25 for each offering
Registration and Intake Process
Campers with ADHD and/ or Learning Disabilities within the accepted grade/ age range are eligible.
New Campers: Complete the Intake Process to determine eligibility. Eligible families will receive registration details.
Returning Campers: Families will receive a direct registration link. A $100 deposit secures your child’s spot.
**Once approved, you do not need to re-complete the intake process for subsequent camps or programs. This is only for first-time families.
Financial Accessibility
POLARIS is eligible for FSCD funding, but CIT typically is not. For more information and other options, visit our Financial Accessibility page for support.
Teen 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 Training, 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.