SALT: Skills And Leadership Training
4-week session: July 5 – 31, 2026
Training resilient, Christ-centred helpers to be leaders through adventure, discipleship, and service. Widjiitiwin’s Skills and Leadership Training (SALT) Program provides a remarkable experience to shape participants into servant leaders. SALT is designed as a transitional program to grow participants in character and competence to be leaders at camp and in future ministries.
For youth ages 14-16 years old.
LITE: Leaders in Training Experience
2-week session: August 9 – 21, 2026
The two-week LITE (Leaders in Training Experience) Program is patterned after the four-week SALT program and is designed to inspire and equip future leaders for whom a two-week experience is a better fit. It allows participants to catch the vision of what leadership in ministry is all about!
For youth ages 14-16 years old.
What Our SALT Crew Has to Say!
Program Highlights
The SALT and LITE Programs have an active schedule combining camp activities, discipleship and leadership opportunities. Community is at the heart of the program as the participants live and learn together through many fun and challenging activities.
- Participants get to enjoy the Widjiitiwin camp experience through participating in and learning to lead campfire songs and skits, activity groups, Choose Your Own Destiny, evening games and chapel singing.
- Participants develop leadership skills through intentional experiences in camp activities, outdoor safety, out tripping, worship services, sharing from the Bible, and community living.
- Participants are encouraged to grow in their faith through daily devotional time, Bible studies, prayer partners and group prayer, community worship, guest speakers, testimonies, and discussions about what the Bible has to say about a wide range of issues.
- Wilderness skills will also be developed in preparation for overnight camping experiences. LITE goes for one overnight to Widjiitiwin Island; SALT goes for one overnight to Widjiitiwin Island as well as a four-day canoeing out-trip.
- These programs conclude with a graduation ceremony where family is invited to come and celebrate what each participant has learned and experienced before it’s time to head home.
- SALT participants can elect to work towards an Ontario Grade 11 Healthy Active Living Education credit (PAD3O).
- SALT Participants can elect to try for Bronze Medallion lifesaving qualifications.
- Both SALT and LITE participants receive training for Emergency First Aid certification.
Application Process
This application is a request to participate in Widjiitiwin’s SALT program and should be completed in partnership between the participant and their parents. It does not guarantee a spot or a preferred placement option. Since the placement phase gives real leadership opportunities at camp, each applicant will be interviewed, and references checked. Applications submitted in December will be followed by interviews in January and acceptance will be communicated at the beginning of February. Applicants who submit after these dates will be informed whether there are any spots remaining and will be processed accordingly. Once acceptance has been communicated, parents/guardians will be expected to complete a medical form as well as a conditions of enrolment form before participants can be confirmed for their participation in SALT.
The total cost for a SALT participant to take part in the full 4-week program is $2, 250+HST.
The total cost for a LITE participant to take part in the full 2-week program is $1, 250+HST.
Note: For SALT participants, please note that a $250 fee applies for those who choose to register for PAD3O.
If this sounds like you, sign up today!
Stories From Past SALT Participants
What is PAD3O?
Thanks to a partnership with Toronto District Christian High School, participants in Widjiitiwin’s SALT Program have the option of working towards an Ontario high school credit. The course code PAD3O refers to the Grade 11 physical education credit entitled “Healthy Living and Outdoor Activities”. There are no prerequisites to this course.
SALT programming is designed to meet the curriculum expectations of PAD3O, fully integrating it into regular programming. Campers who elect to participate in PAD3O will receive regular feedback, a midterm update, and a final report card. This report card can be submitted directly to a guidance counselor to be added to the student’s high school transcript.
PAD3O units are as follows: Healthy Living, Outdoor Physical Activity Safety, Aquatics Active Living & Competence, Canoeing Active Living & Competence, Outdoor and Out Tripping Living Skills, and Leadership in Active Living.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I stay during the program?
SALT and LITE participants have their own cabins located alongside camper cabins in the Boys End or Girls End of Widjiitiwin. The cabins contain bunk beds and some storage and shelving options. Bathrooms are located in a nearby building.
What is the schedule like?
Participants wake up at the same time as Widjiitiwin campers to get ready for breakfast at 8:30AM. The morning contains time for devotions, activities and learning. Lunch happens at 12PM and is generally followed an active afternoon with blocks of time for outdoor activities as well as topical learning. Dinner is at 5:00PM and is followed by involvement in Widjiitiwin activities and some quality SALT/LITE community time. Curfew is generally around 11PM, depending on the nature of the day.
What about phones?
SALT and LITE participants turn in phones when they arrive at camp. The phones are provided once a day for a short period to allow campers to communicate with family and friends. Participants should bring their own chargers; a station for plugging in and charging will be provided.
What happens on weekends?
Participants are encouraged to stay at Widjiitiwin for the weekend, but can also sign out in order to visit or stay elsewhere.
What if I have never been camping before?
Our program contains intentional preparation lessons to equip anybody for overnight tripping experiences. Don’t be afraid!
Why are PAD3O and Bronze Medallion only offered at SALT?
Both of these accreditations have time requirements set by the Ministry of Education or the Lifesaving Society. PAD3O requires 110 classroom hours and Bronze Medallion requires 16 classroom hours. It would be difficult to fulfill in these requirements while still running a balanced program during the two weeks of LITE, but the four weeks of SALT provide ample time.
What should I pack?
Take a look at the following packing list to get an idea of what to bring to camp!
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:13-16
Media Kit
If you need any promotional material to share, you can download posters and slides from the links below.
