Fostering a sense of belonging for our youth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply? How do I apply?
The first step of becoming a Catapulter is to be nominated for Camp Catapult by an educator in your school or by a community organization. You must be entering grade 10 the September following camp. A typical Catapulter has these qualities:
Natural leadership qualities
Limited opportunities to develop your leadership skills. Examples of barriers may include economics, family Issues, geographic isolation, lack of accessible programs, and challenges associated with minority groups.
Entering grade ten in September
If this describes you…ask your teacher, guidance or school counsellor to nominate you.
Why should I go to Catapult camp?
Catapult is a unique and life-changing leadership experience where you will enjoy adventure activities, motivational speakers, and skill-building sessions. AND you will meet 50 other bright youth like yourself. You’ll step outside your comfort zone – and learn to embrace it. You’ll make amazing friends you can count on for support. And if you choose to continue your journey with Catapult through the Catapult Plus and Alumni programs, you will benefit from mentorship, employment support, post-secondary planning and additional leadership conferences each summer to further your talents so you can build a positive future.
When and where is Catapult Camp?
Held at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia in August of each summer.
How much does Catapult camp cost?
Zip, nadda, nothing! There is no cost to the student to attend Catapult camp. All transportation, meals, and accommodations are paid through the generous support of our sponsors and community partners.
What is the application deadline for Catapult camp?
Nominations must be received by the end of the first week of April each year.
How do I submit a nomination?
Camp nomination forms are mailed to all Nova Scotia schools (with grade 9 students) and community organizations in February. Nominations can be submitted via mail: Catapult Leadership Society, 201 Philip Drive, Fall River, NS B2T 1H7, by fax at (902) 576-3270 or email.
When will I know if I have been selected?
Selections are made at the end of April and all nominators and nominees receive a response by early May. Results will be mailed to the school (c/o the nominator) for hand delivery to the student.
What is a typical day like at Catapult Camp?
Catapult Camp is a jam-packed week where you will be learning while having loads of fun. A typical day at Catapult (that is never typical!) could include:
“Basically when it all comes down to it, I have said it before and I will say again, Catapult really changed my life, and no matter where I go in life I will remember that unforgettable experience of that summer.”
Morning – a motivational speaker who will inspire you for the day.
Afternoon – an adventure activity to stretch your limits and show you that you can!
Evening – social activities that test your skills and make sure you have tons of fun before lights out.
How many staff members are there at Catapult camp?
At least 15 amazing role models staff our camp, including directors, counselors, junior counselors, a nurse and a videographer. That’s a student to staff ratio of 3:1! Counselors are typically university or college students and must be at least age 20. Our junior counselors are recruited from our Catapult alumni. All staff live in residence with our students to ensure that all aspects of the experience exceed expectations.
What are the living accommodations like?
Catapult has the exclusive use of Dennis House for the week, where students will share a double dorm-room. The ground floor of Dennis has plenty of common area space where the students can play cards, board games or ping pong, jam with their musical instruments, do crafts and “hang out”. The Camp Directors and Nurse live on the 2nd Floor and are accessible to students at all times. Male-identified students and counselors occupy the 3rd floor, with female-identified students and counselors on the 4th floor. Each floor has several washrooms with showers as well as a laundry room. Each floor also has a small kitchen area (stocked with snacks) and private lounging area. Access to the building is controlled by security key-cards. Dennis House is adjacent to Wheelock Dining Hall, Acadia’s student cafeteria with lots of healthy choices. It has been extremely popular among our students and is a beautiful facility.
May I leave the program to attend another event or can friends or family come and visit?
While we understand why parents, friends or relatives may want to spend time with you while you are attending the program, we are not able to accommodate visitors as it can prove disruptive to the program and other students. The program is very busy and any absences can impair the overall impact to the student. Absences, late arrivals and visitors are generally not permitted unless for emergencies.
What is Catapult Plus?
Catapult Plus is an optional program following Catapult camp for students to continue to develop leadership skills. Participating students will gain a greater understanding of themselves as leaders and access Catapult resources/tools to help them with questions regarding the transition into post-secondary education or the workforce . Participants must sign a contract of commitment to focus on five core areas over the course of the next year. Students are provided with a workbook to provide guidance, templates and reports for each of these areas. Each summer our students submit a final report on their progress and thereby earn their way to our 4-day Summer Conference back at Acadia (also provided at no charge to the student).
What is the long-term impact of the program?
Our mission is to make Nova Scotia a stronger province … 50 students at a time. Students who might otherwise lose themselves in misguided mediocrity. Catapult shows them that anything is possible … and that current circumstance does not define who they are or who they can become. We encourage them to dream big, to believe in themselves, and to pay it forward by making a difference in their communities. Perhaps Jeremy (2010 Catapulter) sums it up best – “Looking back now, it’s very clear that Catapult was the “TSN Turning Point” of not only my teenage years, but my life. It’s hard to imagine what path I’d be on today had I not been given the amazing opportunity to attend Catapult”.
Is there a program for Catapult Alumni?
After attending Catapult Camp and/or Catapult Plus, students will have access to further programs for all Catapult Alumni including an alumni conference that focuses on life skills like healthy eating on a budget, renting an apartment, money management and much more!