The LTD Program
Take the next step as a leader and follower of Christ.
Intro
The LTD Program is not just another high school leadership course—it is an unmatched, three-year deep dive into discipleship and transformative leadership. Designed for students ready to go beyond the surface, the Leadership Training and Discipleship Program (LTD) provides experiential learning and year-round connection found nowhere else. Over three intensive years, students receive rich teaching and dedicated mentorship in spiritual disciplines, communication, and teamwork, all forged through experiences like cabin leading, mountain hiking, and dedicated spiritual formation retreats. This program exists to equip students to be lifelong, transformed participants in the Kingdom of God.
The Vision of the LTD Program
The LTD Program is built on three pillars: Mentorship, Leadership, and Community.
Our vision is a focused progression: as students advance through the levels, they assume greater ownership and responsibility, culminating in Level 3 where they are expected to lead fully while their staff mentor transitions to a supportive role. We are committed to fostering growth through real experience, walking intentionally alongside students as they encounter challenges and moments of failure, helping them learn and grow through each step. We create intentional space for students to step up and lead, deepen their focus on God, and actively live out their faith within their community.
The Cost of the LTD Program
The LTD program operates on a group fundraising model. This approach is key to keeping the program affordable for families, ensuring sustainability for the camp, and fostering a heightened level of ownership, engagement, and learning accountability in our students. We encourage many creative fundraising methods, from detailing cars and baking cookies to reaching out to friends and family.
Financial Requirements
Initial Deposit: A payment of $300 is due upon acceptance to secure the student's spot.
Minimum Requirement: Each LTD student is required to fundraise a minimum of $1,750 per year.
Target Goal: The optimal fundraising goal for each student is $2,500 per year.
Balance Deadline: The balance of the fundraising is due on the first day of LTD Week.
An Incredible Value
The financial contribution represents an incredible bargain for the depth of training provided. It includes:
An extended, intensive LTD Week at camp.
An incredible week-long Out Trip (options include canoeing, backpacking, or white water rafting).
Week-long practicums at Gull Lake during the summer.
Three dedicated weekend camps throughout the year focusing on goal-setting, leadership, and celebration/graduation.
Our Commitment
We, as a camp, are committed to ensuring finances are never a barrier to participation. We will actively assist in the fundraising process by orchestrating camp-wide initiatives, including the "Conquer the Camp" Adventure Race held each fall.
Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding fundraising.
Support the LTD Program or provide for a specific student
Our LTD program depends on the hard work of our students and the generosity of people who see the value in investing in young leaders financially.
To donate to a specific LTD student enter their name in the comment section.
If no student’s name is given, we will designate your donation to the student with the greatest need.
A Year in the Life as an LTD
LTD Week
Summer kicks off with LTD Week, an intensive training week set aside exclusively for the LTD students. This isn't just orientation—it's specialized preparation. Each level receives high-caliber teaching delivered by expert speakers who tailor curriculum specifically to that stage of development.
Throughout the week, students are deeply mentored by staff to help them navigate the intensive learning as they dive into Biblical understanding, spiritual disciplines, personal development, leadership skills, and the intricate workings of camp operations. Of course, this is still camp, so students can expect ridiculous fun, high energy, and the guarantee that they will get messy.
Practicums
During the summer, each LTD student is required to serve a minimum of one week-long volunteer practicum at camp. Students are assigned to a staff mentor and dive into the mentor's actual role. This could involve leading a cabin, running the climbing wall, photography, or serving in any other operational job that happens at camp. Practicums are the essential setting where the students' training transitions into real-world experience, allowing them to learn how to serve and lead those that Gull Lake Centre cares for.
Out Trips
Each summer, every level of LTD students participates in an "Out Trip"—a week-long trip away from camp. These trips rotate through unique wilderness experiences, including a backpacking trip in the mountains, a river canoe trip, and a white water rafting trip. While these trips are designed to challenge students, we ensure that every LTD is able to participate fully, regardless of their current level of outdoor or physical experience. These journeys help students learn about God, deepen their relationships with each other, and appreciate the world around them. It serves as a time of significant connection as LTDs journey with other youth who are also intensely pursuing God.
Fall, Winter, and Spring Retreats
The LTD Program includes three weekend retreats held year-round for all three levels of LTD students. These retreats are vital times for the entire cohort to gather, support each other, foster deep community, and have heaps of fun. They serve as crucial checkpoints throughout the year to connect with mentors and peers. (See the dates of upcoming retreats down below.)
Mentorship
Mentorship is a cornerstone of the LTD experience, operating through two distinct channels:
Year-Round Mentorship
Throughout the year, every LTD student is required to meet regularly (at least once a month) with a dedicated adult mentor. The student is responsible for thoughtfully choosing their own mentor, fostering a deep, trusting relationship. This year-round mentor provides consistent support, offers thoughtful challenge for growth, and ensures the student is faithfully prayed for.
Summer Practicum Mentorship
During the summer practicum, students are intentionally paired with a camp staff member who acts as their mentor for the week. This mentor guides them through their assigned job, offering direct, hands-on leadership training and support in the practical context of camp operations
LTD Projects & Badges
Throughout the year, LTD students can expect to be assigned a small number of projects or ‘badges’ intended to deepen their discipleship and leadership training. These experiential tasks may include Bible readings, community service projects, or public presentations.
We understand that students often lead busy lives alongside their school work. Therefore, we ensure these projects are not extremely time-intensive outside of the summer. However, LTD applicants must be willing and able to prioritize and commit time for these projects throughout the year. Students are encouraged to communicate immediately with their leaders if time commitments become challenging.
Things to know!
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2025 LTD Program:
LTD Week: June 28-July 4, 2025
LTD Out-trip Week: July 6-11, 2025
LTD Practicum Weeks: July 13- August 15
LTD Fall Retreat: September 19-21, 2025 (7pm Friday to 1:30pm Sunday)
LTD Winter Retreat: January 9-11, 2026 (7pm Friday to 1:30pm Sunday)
LTD Spring Retreat: May 8-10, 2026 (7pm Friday to 1:30pm Sunday)
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To apply you must fill out an application form and provide the name and email addresses of your references.
Applications will close on February 15.
After this date, we will be filling the program and conducting interviews. You may apply after this deadline and if there is still a spot and if you are a good fit for the program, we will contact you.Level 1 students need to provide contact info for 3 references; one from each of the following:
A pastor or youth leader from their church
A parent or guardian
One other adult
Level 2 and 3 students need one reference from each of the following:
Their mentor
A pastor from their church
A parent or guardian
If you have any questions you can contact us for more information!
FAQ
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Students currently in grade 9 are the ideal age to enter Level 1 of the program. Students currently in grade 10 may also be considered.
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You bet! LTDs will receive a discount for attending Sr Teens as campers.
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Students at minimum will be required to be at camp for 3 weeks of their summer: an LTD training week, one week on out trip, and one week volunteering in practicum, however many LTDs enjoy serving multiple practicum weeks and prefer to be at camp as much as possible! Students are also expected to attend 3 weekend retreats during the fall, winter, and spring. Additionally, assigned projects may take 10-40 hours spread throughout the year.
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After you apply, our Program Manager, Carrie, will contact you to schedule a follow-up zoom interview. If and when you are accepted into the program, you will receive an acceptance letter with more information. Before you know it, it will be summer break and time for LTD Week, where you will first meet your Level peers and leaders!
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We would still love to receive your application. If you don’t have a pastor or youth pastor who is able to give you a reference, another leader who has walked with you in your faith may be acceptable. Contact us to find out more about reference alternatives.