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Co-operative Young Leaders (CYL) is a leadership camp that takes place at two locations in Ontario, the Gay Lea Foods, Co-operative Education Centre (CEC), in Aylmer and Lake St. George in Richmond Hill. Our locations are surrounded by forests - and provide a truly serene, safe and inspiring place to play, create and collaborate!

 

The camp is run by the Ontario Co-operative Association (OCA), which produces and provides a variety of co-operative education opportunities for both youth and adults as part of its mission. Thousands of young people have participated in the camp since its inception in 1967, thanks to all the amazing organizations that have supported it over the years!

Welcome

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CAMPERS

Empower youth by equipping them with the change-making tools and skills they need to succeed in the world. Campers develop self-confidence, learn from inspiring guest speakers, and have fun with traditional camp activities!

FACILITATORS

Being a volunteer facilitator at CYL is an incredible professional development opportunity, and a chance to further your own leadership and communication skills by engaging the minds and hearts of the next generation of co-operative leaders. 

SPONSORS

Your support helps us provide youth with valuable life and career skills, while gaining important knowledge about the

co-operative sector. There are many ways to support the program through a sponsorship.

The Benefits of CYL

As the world experiences significant change, CYL Guelph offers youth a safe and non-judgemental environment to build self-esteem, share experiences, and find support. It fosters leadership and communication skills, promotes a co-operative mindset, and empowers participants with a deeper understanding of the world around them. This transformative program opens doors for personal and professional development, making it a truly life-changing experience.

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Make a Donation

Your gift to CYL will help us provide opportunities for youth to develop leadership, communication and teambuilding skills, while instilling in them co-operative values and a greater understanding of the world around them.  

Donations to CYL can now be made through Co-Unity Education Co-operative and qualify for a charitable receipt.  To learn more about Co-Unity visit www.co-unity.org or donate directly below. 

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TESTIMONIALS

As a long-time supporter of the Ontario Co-operative Association’s CYL program, Gay Lea Foods Co-operative is pleased to express our gratitude and endorsement for this exceptional youth leadership program. As a proud sponsor and home of the CYL camp at the Gay Lea Co-operative Education Centre (CEC), Gay Lea Foods has had the privilege of witnessing the positive impact on the young minds enrolled in this youth leadership program. The commitment to nurturing and developing the next generation of leaders is evident in every aspect of CYL.

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Gay Lea Foods firmly believes in investing in the future, and the CYL camp provides a valuable platform for young individuals to discover their potential and channel their energy towards making a meaningful impact in their communities. The program actively encourages participants from diverse backgrounds to participate, creating a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives that enrich the overall learning environment.

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Gay Lea Foods is proud to be associated with a program that is shaping the leaders of tomorrow and making a significant contribution to the development of our youth.

Corporate Secretary/Executive Director of Member Relations

Ove Hansen

Contact
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