LIT Week 4

Hello Adventurers,

I can hardly believe it, but Week 4 has come to an end, thus marking the conclusion of our Leaders-in-Training program 2023. It has been an unforgettable journey filled with growth, camaraderie, and learning. I am so immensely proud of our LITs for all that they have accomplished. As Adventure Valley bids farewell to this exceptional group, I am also brimming with excitement at the wonderful memories they leave behind.

This week, some of our LITs accomplished a significant milestone by completing the Canadian Red Cross Babysitter’s Course. After days of dedication, note-taking, and demonstrations, they successfully finished the course on Tuesday. This new skill set will undoubtedly serve them well in the future (perhaps even as AVDC camp counsellors!).

Placements continued to be a resounding success this week. Our LITs embraced the opportunity to spend time with our Bunny cabins, recording and soccer specialists, and sunshine counsellors. We were particularly impressed with KB, who once again displayed remarkable leadership by independently leading a specialist activity in his supervisor’s place. Your consistent display of leadership is truly commendable, KB! Throughout the entire week, our LITs experienced a wonderful mix of both familiar and novel experiences. I have witnessed tremendous growth in all of them since the start of the program in Week 1. The diverse experiences and knowledge they encountered have undeniably bolstered their leadership capabilities.

During our time together this week, the LIT crew delved into the realm of social-emotional learning. By exploring goal setting, emotional awareness, self-reflection, building healthy relationships, and self-motivation, the LITs have evolved into even more capable leaders. These crucial skills will certainly aid them in all facets of life.

On Wednesday, we had the pleasure of celebrating KB’s fourteenth birthday! As per Adventure Valley tradition, KB was allowed to splash a camp counselor in the face with water and spin the birthday wheel. To everyone’s delight, KB’s spin landed on a freezie party for our entire group! It was an absolute blast, and we were all grateful to share in this celebration together. Wednesday also had another surprise in store for our LIT crew. Alongside several Tiger cabins, our LITs participated in a magic trick workshop. The workshop was a huge hit, and the LITs were eager to showcase the new tricks they had learned.

On our Friday, we gathered at the Schmooze Field one last time. Here, both AM and KB were honored with Big Chair charms to acknowledge their continuous display of Adventure Valley’s core leadership values. Initially, KB was somewhat nervous to approach the top of Schmooze Field on his own. I was so touched when the rest of our LIT crew walked up with him for support. It was such a momentous display of kindness and compassion! Although I have said it many times before, I could not be prouder of all of them.

As we close the chapter on this year’s LIT program, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible LIT crew, their families, and our entire leadership team. Your support and participation have made this summer truly unforgettable. Adventure Valley hopes to see all the LITs next summer for new adventures and to make even more cherished memories.

The LIT’s #1 fan,

Nova (LIT Director 2023)