Camp Huronda’s Leadership Development Programs (LDPs) are designed to teach youth leadership lessons which are applicable to all areas of their life. By building self-esteem and confidence, learning about community service, and understanding group dynamics and team building, our youth will leave these programs ready to lead themselves and others through their transition from teenagers to young adults.
Camp Huronda offers two Leadership Development Programs. LDP1 is a two-week program, offered throughout the summer. And LDP2 is a one-month program, offered twice a summer. LDP1 is intended to be the first step of the now two-part Leadership Development Program, focusing on soft skills and laying the foundation for LDP2. It is catered both to participants who are interested in future employment with D-Camps and those who are simply looking for leadership and professional development opportunities.
Camp Life
Participants live in rustic cabins with their cabin mates and a leadership development instructor. Cabins are equipped with cots or bunk beds and bed-side dressers, a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors, and have emergency exits in the rear of the cabins. Each cabin has an area for blood glucose testing and low-supplies which are checked and replenished on a daily basis.
Washroom and shower facilities are located in buildings close to the cabins and campers have scheduled shower time every 48 hours. In addition to shower times, participants have the opportunity to swim almost every day.
Please feel free to send participants mail clearly labeled to this address. Please note that all packages and large mail are opened prior to delivery due to allergies and food content.
Parents and guardians may also email their participants at camphuronda@diabetes.ca. Please note that this is only an outgoing email service; campers are unable to reply to emails.
About the Camp
Campers & Staff
Our participants
LDP1 is aimed at teens age 16, while LDP2 is aimed at teens age 17. Participants must be of the required age by the start date of the program. These programs both operate in conjunction with our overnight summer program.
Our staff
The Leadership Development Program is supervised by the Leadership Director as well as two leadership development counsellors per program.
Our program team all complete a comprehensive one-and-a half week of staff training as well as various assignments prior to camp. Staff provide 24-hour supervision and live in the cabins with participants.
Camp Huronda staff are all certified in Standard First Aid and CPR Level C, Bronze Cross assistant lifeguard certification and have a clear criminal background check. Staff working on the waterfront are National Lifesaving Society Lifeguards, Water Safety instructors, Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayak Instructors, or have other relevant certifications. Our challenge course, out-trip and other skill area staff possess Advanced Wilderness First Aid certifications as well as Challenges Unlimited Ropes Course facilitator training.
Health-care team
Led by our medical director Dr. Trent Mizzi, the Camp Huronda medical leadership team is comprised of:
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Dr. Karen McAssey (assistant medical director)
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Amanda Coschi (nursing coordinator)
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Andrea Martikainen (dietetic coordinator)
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Two on-site physicians
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Two medical residents/fellows
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One nursing team lead
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Eight nurses (including out-trip-specific nursing staff)
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Eight camp aides
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Two dietitians
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Dietetic interns
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Nutrition students
Activities
LDP 1 session
All LDP1 participants will take part in a two to three-night unique trip experience with an opportunity for further certifications.
LDP 2 session
All LDP2 participants will take part in a five or six-night out-trip in Algonquin Park. Under the supervision of a trip nurse and the leadership counsellors, participants will learn through experience the fundamentals of leading and facilitating wilderness experiences.
Throughout LDP2, participants will work on achieving the follow certifications:
- Standard First Aid with CPR-C
- Bronze Medallion/Cross
- HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development
- Entry to Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award
The leadership out-trips will be more challenging than previous Camp Huronda out-trips. Participants are encouraged to check the LDP handbook for additional packing and prep information.
Our multi-day canoe trip planning, preparation, and participation satisfy the requirements for the practice journey component of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Guides
In the guide, you will find information on:
- Packing lists
- Directions and transportation for drop off and pick up
- Mailing address
Dates & Rates
| Sessions | Dates | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| A | June 28 - July 10, 2026 | $2600 |
| B | July 12 - July 24, 2026 | $2600 |
| C | July 27 - August 8, 2026 | $2600 |
| D | August 10 - August 22, 2026 | $2600 |
| Sessions | Dates | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| A | June 28 - July 24, 2026 | $2850 |
| B | July 27 - August 22, 2026 | $2850 |
Diabetes Canada offers subsidies to families who qualify for financial assistance. These subsidies are made possible through the generous support of various donors.
It is our responsibility to ensure that donations go to support families experiencing financial hardship that would make attending camp impossible.
To determine eligibility for a subsidy, you will be asked to complete a financial assistance application. When reviewing applications, income will not be the only consideration in whether an applicant qualifies for subsidy. Our goal is to ensure that all campers have an opportunity regardless of their financial situation while using donations as prudently as possible.
Who is eligible for financial support?
You may be eligible for a subsidy if you:
- Receive financial assistance from an identified government program, OR
- Experience financial hardship and do not receive government financial assistance.
What does financial hardship mean?
Financial hardship means that a person has difficulty paying for basic daily living expenses (e.g. food, shelter, clothing), and does not have access to savings or other financial resources.
Note: Supporting documents will be required to determine eligibility. Please be prepared to provide a copy of your paystub, T4 or Notice of Assessment to accompany your application.
Important to Note:
To ensure that we are providing equitable access to financial assistance we will not be able to consider you request until you have completed the financial assistance application form in full. This includes the requested supporting documents.
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