Co-operative Young Leaders is a summer experience unlike any other.  This week-long camp brings young people together from all across Ontario to learn about, and practice, communication and leadership through co‑operative activities.  Since its inception in 1967 to its 44th year in 2011, more than 2800 young people have gone through Ontario co-operative young leaders programs.

Every summer, Ontario credit unions and co-ops give 200 young people a chance to attend Co-operative Young Leaders.  CYL is a program of the Ontario Co-operative Association.

2012 CYL Registration

Registration began Wednesday, February 15th. Participant application information and the link to the registration system is on this page. (Those interested in facilitating should check out the Facilitator pages first, and use the Facilitator application link on that page.)

• PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION - Please follow these FOUR steps. The actual application link is found at step 4.

1.  DOWNLOAD and read this year's CYL newsletter. It tells you about the program and highlights what is new and exciting this year.  Click on the CYL newsletter link under the 'Related Documents' area at the right of this page.

2.    CONTACT your sponsoring co-op or credit union and have them confirm your qualification to apply for camp.  Make sure they have also read this year's CYL newsletter.

3.  CLICK HERE to download the file that explains the information you must provide during the online application.

• IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT PARTICIPANTS GATHER ALL OF THE INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR THE ONLINE REGISTRATION QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU START TO APPLY ONLINE.
• If you do not answer all of the questions during your registration session, your appplication will NOT be accepted and you will not have a spot 'saved' for you while you gather the remaining information. 
• Please do not attempt to register more than once. You cannot go back later and add information to your application - you must complete it in one online session. There will be a $25.00 charge for duplicate applications.

4.    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR CYL CAMP, after you have gathered all the required information

• Double check all of your information before completing the online application. There will be a $25.00 charge to switch a registered participant from one session to another - and only if there is available space.
• CYL sessions tend to fill up quickly so be sure to apply early.  Vacancies in each session will be updated on a regular basis as the registration progesses throughout the Spring.
• For more information, visit our FAQ page.
• All CYL sessions will be held at Lake St. George Field Centre, part of the Toronto Region Conservation Authority.
• Please do not register more than once.  You must complete your application in one online session - you cannot go back later and add or make changes!

 

SESSION INFORMATION

DATES, WEEKLY SPONSORS, AND SPACES REMAINING

JUNIOR (first-time participants 14–15 years old):

• A: June 30- July 7 (sponsored by Alterna Savings & On Co-op) - 14 spaces remaining as of April 30th, 2012.
• B: July 7–14 (sponsored by Gay Lea Foods Co-operative) - 18 spaces remaining
• C: July 14–21 (sponsored by CHF Canada) - 20 spaces remaining

INTERMEDIATE (for Junior graduates or 16–17 year olds participating for the first time)

• A: July 21–28 (sponsored by The CUMIS Group) -  18 spaces remaining
• B: July 28 – August 4 (sponsored by UPI Energy LP) - 9 spaces remaining

SENIOR (for Intermediate graduates or 17–18 year olds participating for the first time)

• A: August 4–11 (sponsored by GROWMARK Inc.) - 14 spaces remaining
• B: August 11–18 (sponsored by Ontario Student Co-op Association) - this week is at capacity

 COSTS

• Participant Contribution: $200 (plus HST)
• Co-op/Credit Union (Sponsor) Contribution: On or before May 25th, $610, and $710 as of May 26th and later (plus HST) 
• CHANGE FEE: $25.00 charge to move a registered participant from one CYL session or week to another - and only if there is room in the new session to accomodate.
• DUPLCATE FEE: $25.00 charge per occurence if a duplicate online application is made.
• CANCELLATION FEE: $75.00 if cancellation received in writing by the On Co-op Education Manager within 13 days of your session's start date.  No charge for cancellations or substitutions made 14 days or later from your session's start date.

 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

CYL has three main goals:

• To provide young people with a fantastic summer camp experience
• To develop leadership and communication skills and foster self-confidence
• To create a stronger awareness of co-ops and co-operative principles

This week-long camp brings young people from all across Ontario together to learn, grow and have fun. Along the way, amazing things happen—a touch of magic you’ll only find at CYL.

CYLers develop new support networks and peer groups. They have the opportunity to learn more about themselves and their world. They discover new ideas and perspectives.

CYL has all the traditional things that make summer camps fun—hikes, campfires, swimming, sports and hanging out—but CYLers also participate in activities that emphasize teamwork and group development. They even create and operate their own co-op store called The Snack Shack! CYL is all about exploring new possibilities in a safe, supportive environment.

CYL is organized into three sessions:

CYLers who enrol in all three levels sequentially over three to four years will get the most out of the program.

JUNIOR: For first time participants (14-15 yrs - must be 14 at start of your camp session)
Discover more about yourself and others. Learn how to become a leader, a co-operator and a team player. Take part in activities about co-op history and the principles of co-operation spur new ways of thinking.

INTERMEDIATE: For Junior graduates or 16–17 year olds participating for the first time
Take your leadership and communication skills to the next level. Explore co-operatives and the community.

SENIOR: For Intermediate graduates or 17–18 year olds participating for the first time
A challenging yet fun program that further develops team-building, facilitation and co-operation. Hone your communication and life-balance skills.

Each day of camp is structured around specific goals combining recreation, learning opportunities and fun. Daily themes may include self-awareness, communication, team building, conflict resolution, decision making, leadership, and general co-operative and credit union knowledge.

And unlike many other summer camps, participants have a say in what happens. As a group, the young leaders help decide on social activities, sports, and the rules and regulations of your stay. CYL sessions incorporate hands on activities, where participants get to DO as opposed to just watching or listening. It's eight days that will change lives!

CYL provides:

• A flexible curriculum that balances outdoor activities, participatory learning sessions and personal development opportunities.
• Guest speakers, field trips and participant-driven sessions to keep the program relevant, interesting and fun.
• Discussions on hot topics that affect young people and their sponsoring co ops.

To find out more...

If you want to know more about being a participant in the CYL program, we have the answers to frequently asked questions provided on this page.

If you're interested in getting involved as a sponsor or facilitator, click on one of the links to the right.

You can head over to On Co-op's YouTube Channel to see a short video describing Ontario's CYL program in the words of our participants and facilitators. Check them out if you want to know more!

"Two of my three children (so far) have attended the camp and it has changed their lives, and mine too. How can a week-long camp have that kind of impact?  One of the things that CYL brings out in the youth is their self confidence, helping them believe in themselves, believe they can accomplish what they put their mind to, believe that speaking up for the right reasons at the right time is the right thing to do. This camp is helping my children develop into healthy, responsible, self assured adults.  My advice? Send your kids to camp even if they think they don’t want to go! It’s an experience they’ll appreciate for the rest of their lives!"  Barb G., Parent

"CYL was one of the greatest weeks in my life. I formed lifelong friendships and created memories that will last forever. "  David J., Participant

CYL - Experience the Magic