Co-operative Young Leaders:
A Look Back at 2025

On behalf of the Ontario Co-operative Association, thank you for supporting the Co-operative Young Leaders (CYL) leadership camp. Your contribution provided youth with an invaluable opportunity to develop leadership skills, build lifelong friendships, and strengthen their communities. These experiences help shape the future leaders of the co-operative sector. 

 

Your sponsorship provides an opportunity for youth to come to a leadership camp where they can simply be themselves. The sponsorships cover camp fees, accommodations, meals, supplies, and activities such as swimming, a pontoon boat ride to learn about the eco-system, and an adventure farm visit, where participants learned the value of co-operation.

 

In the current economic climate there are many families who simply cannot afford to send their child to camp without your support. This summer, we are asking you to once again provide an opportunity for youth to enjoy the many benefits that CYL and learn about the contributions that co-operatives make to their communities. 

 

In 2026 CYL will host three weekly sessions in Aylmer ON and two in Richmond Hill ON, with plans for future expansion.

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Co-operative Young Leaders Program Overview

 

Explorer (Ages 13-14): First-time campers experience leadership activities, sports, and co-operative learning through a snack shack and an off-site trip to Cloverland Adventure Park. Link to Video 

 

Trailblazers (Ages 14-16): Campers build on prior learning, focusing on leadership, communication, diversity, and equity while enjoying traditional camp activities. Link to video

 

Visionaries (Ages 16-18): Youth explore co-operative sectors and innovative ideas for collaboration. The week concludes with a banquet celebrating their graduation and lifelong friendships. Link to video

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Adventurer (Age 13-16): Campers work with the facilitation team to mentor first time campers and earn volunteer hours for school.  Returning CYL campers increase their knowledge of the co-operative sector and enjoy many outdoor activities. Link to video 

 

Here is what campers had to say:

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• I love CYL, it was fun, and I made a lot of friends.

• CYL is great with lots of opportunities to improve my leadership skills.

• CYL is a one-week summer leadership camp which supports individuals on their path to communication success.

 

Here is what parents had to say :

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• CYL turned out to be somewhat life-changing for our daughter. She truly came back from camp a stronger, more focused, and a confident young lady. It’s been rewarding seeing the difference that attending CYL camp has made in her life. We are grateful for the opportunity!

• Our son had an amazing time and is still talking about the different experiences he had. He is already looking forward to coming back next year!

 

Our Sponsors

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Your sponsorship had an extremely positive impact on the youth who participated in our program. CYL is rooted in leadership, co-operation, and an understanding our principles and values. We came together with facilitators from the co-operative sector and CYL Alumni to help prepare youth to go out into their communities, lead by example, and be a champion for the greater good. We know that campers leave with an understanding that the very best of leadership is about listening and learning from others and the smallest things they do can have a major impact on those around them. Our participants recognize their worth and the personal satisfaction they receive by being a great leader. 

 

Sponsoring or donating to CYL will have a positive impact on your co-operative or credit union. For more information about our sponsors, please click here.       

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WE CAN'T WAIT TO WELCOME OUR CAMPERS TO CYL 2026!

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