Co-operative Young Leaders Camp 2023

An Unforgettable Summer Learning Program

Apply now for a chance to be sponsored by Luminus Financial to attend CYL this summer! Only four lucky campers will be selected, so don't miss out on this opportunity!

Are you a young leader looking to make a difference in the world? Are you a parent or credit union member interested in helping young people develop their leadership skills? Look no further than the Co-operative Young Leaders (CYL) camp!

CYL is a week-long summer camp for youth ages 13 to 18 held just outside Aylmer, Ont. This unique experiential learning program brings together youth from all across Ontario to learn about and practice communication and leadership through co-operative activities. Participants will gain valuable skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and team-building that they can use in their everyday lives.

"I love CYL so much, it was the highlight of my year! The people I've met and the things I've learned at camp has changed my life for the better. When I'm at CYL, I'm the best version of myself. CYL is the most positive, non-judgmental, and inclusive place I've ever been, and the environment created by the people there empowers me and allows me to just be myself."

"My husband and I are beyond thrilled with the experience our son had at CYL camp. Connecting with peers his age, from other cities and away from video games and other electronic distractions, made a huge impact in his life and brought him so much needed joy."

"Before my CYL experience, I was extremely shy. That week at camp allowed me to gain many friends in the process of learning and experiencing the potential of leadership opportunities. CYL brought me out of my shell and allowed me to experience many great and new things that I would never have participated in if I had not gone to camp."

Build and strengthen leadership and communication skills
Develop more co-operative attitudes, values, and skills
Enhance awareness of and the ability to analyze important and relevant social issues
Meet peers and potential mentors from across Ontario
Oh, and have lots of fun in the process!

What kinds of activities are there?

Recreational (campfires, movie nights, dinner banquet, etc.)
Sports (volleyball, dodge ball, soccer, baseball, reverse tag, reverse paintball, etc.)
Artwork Project
Participation on a committee (social, sports, collective memories, media moments, rules & regs)
Talking Stick
Snack Shack

EXPLORERS: ages 13 - 14

Explorers Camp Details

Participants will explore the wonder of co-operatives, as they learn about their history and discover the CYL community that awaits! They will gain an understanding of the values and behaviours of leadership, team-building, and communication skills, and learn what makes a “great” leader in a judgement-free environment where everyone is welcome. They will have fun meeting new friends and enjoying traditional camp activities, all while learning to lead a week at camp. This week is open to participant’s ages 13 to 14, and is a great introduction to CYL!

Group 1 – Sunday, July 23 to Friday, July 28, 2023

Group 2 – Sunday, July 30 to Friday, August 4, 2023

TRAILBLAZERS: ages 15 - 16

Trailblazers Camp Details

Participants will blaze a trail towards co-operation, as we focus on our CYL community, learn to overcome communication challenges, and lead the way towards building great teamwork and co-operative leadership skills. Activities focus on stereotyping, the rumour mill, the influence of social media, as well as diversity and equality. Participants will begin to take over leading their camp, while having fun exploring the great outdoors and enjoying traditional camp activities. This is a great opportunity to reunite with old friends and meet new ones in a safe and supportive environment. This week is open to participants ages 15 to 16, and/or participants that have completed Explorers.

Saturday, July 15 to Friday, July 21, 2023

VISIONARIES: ages 17 - 18

Visionaries Camp Details

Participants will implement the vision and imagination to shape the future of co-operatives, as they become innovative young leaders with the knowledge and skills to change the world! This week, we help them solidify basic knowledge of the co-operative business model, support and foster the co-operative leaders of the future, and provide them with the tools to make a difference in their communities. Participants work in teams to create a co-operative that addresses a need in their community, and to develop a communication and marketing plan which is presented to a panel of senior co-operative representatives for constructive feedback. Visionaries take over the responsibility of leading the camp with the support of their facilitators. This week is open to participants ages 17 to 18, and/or participants that completed Trailblazers.

Saturday, July 8 to Friday, July 14, 2023

Co-operative Young Leaders Application Submission Form.

Don’t miss your chance to be sponsored by Luminus Financial and attend CYL 2023 as one of the four selected campers. The application deadline is Friday, May 26.

To apply, please input your information below. You are asked to include a brief essay (1 page or less) or link to a video highlighting your leadership qualities, inspirations behind your leadership, demonstrated leadership in your community/peer group/family, and what you hope to gain from the Co-operative Young Leaders program. Get your application in and show us why you should be a part of this unforgettable experience!

Participant Name

Parent/Guardian Name

Participant Email

Parent/Guardian Email

Participant Phone

Parent/Guardian Phone

CYL Age Group Applying For

Provide one character reference (teacher, coach, mentor, etc.) and provide their contact information including name, position, phone, and email address.

Reference Name

Relation to Applicant

Reference Email

Reference Phone

Provide a brief (500 word max.) essay on why you should be considered. (doc, docx, pdf, txt files allowed)

Or, provide a link to your introductory video

Any Questions?

If you have questions about the CYL program or sponsorship opportunity, please send us a quick email. We’ll connect with you directly.