Question 1

What makes CYL special?

Accepted Answer

CYL is a unique summer camp that blends traditional activities like campfires, swimming, and sports with experiential learning. We focus on leadership, strong friendships, and co-operation. Our passionate volunteers are dedicated role models, and we provide engaging workshops on leadership, self-awareness, and communication. At CYL, we create a safe and inclusive environment where youth are valued for who they are.

Question 2

What can my child expect at a leadership camp?

Accepted Answer

At a leadership camp, your child will boost their self-confidence, communication, and independence. They'll learn to lead, collaborate, and tackle challenges from new perspectives through fun activities and guidance from our dedicated volunteers.

Question 3

How are the volunteer staff selected and trained?

Accepted Answer

At each week, our volunteers are a mix of retuning and new employees from the co-operative sector and CYL Alumni. Prior to beginning their training, each applicant must provide a reference and a completed criminal record check. Training includes workshops in facilitation skills, teambuilding, understand and knowledge of cooperation, conflict resolution and inclusivity and diversity. Many of our volunteer facilitators are CYL Alumni who generously donate their time and energy to the CYL program.

Question 4

What is the CYL Code of Conduct?

Accepted Answer

At CYL, we foster a positive and safe camp community where everyone is encouraged to be themselves. Respect and care are key, and all participants must agree to and sign the CYL Code of Conduct upon arrival. This includes both the Camper and Facilitator Codes of Conduct.

Question 5

Are there trained medical staff on site?

Accepted Answer

At each week of CYL there are two designated Frist Aid attendants who will oversee all of the medical needs. Participants are asked to hand in their prescriptions upon arrival that will be overseen by the OCA site staff and one volunteer facilitator. For more details, please click here for our policy.

Question 6

What is the cost to attend CYL camp?

Accepted Answer

The cost to attend one week of CYL camp is $1,500.00. A a non-refundable $100.00 administration fee for all cancellations will apply. If you would like to discuss payment arrangements, please contact our CYL Administration Co-ordinator, Hayden Tugwood at  htugwood@ntario.coop.

Question 7

Can my child receive financial support to attend CYL?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer partial sponsorships on a first-come, first-served basis during registration. For full sponsorships, visit our Funding Support page and complete the application. Carol Fleming, our CYL Director, will review each request and respond via email.

Question 8

What age can my child attend CYL?

Accepted Answer

The target age for CYL is between 12 and 18. Please note the age is determined by the year of their birth. For example, if your child is 11 but turning 12 by the end of year, then they qualify for camp.

Question 9

What is the camper-to-staff ratio at CYL?

Accepted Answer

We ensure everyone's safety and success with a camper-to-staff ratio of 5:1, so your child gets the attention they need.

Question 10

Where is the camp located?

Accepted Answer

The Explorer, Trailblazer and Visionary camp is located at the Gay Lea Foods’ Co-operative Education Centre (CEC) at 48075 Jamestown Line in Aylmer Ontario. Please click here for more details about the CEC.

The Adventurer camp is located at Lake St. George (LSG) Conservation Area at 950 Bethesda Side Rd, Richmond Hill, Ontario. Please click here for more details about LSG.

Question 11

Is CYL only for youth from the co-operative sector?

Accepted Answer

CYL welcomes all youth to camp. Youth will have the opportunity to meet and form lasting friendships with participants from all different backgrounds and communities within Ontario. If your child has specific needs, please reach out to us and we would be happy to talk to you.

Question 12

What is the food like? Can you accommodate special dietary needs?

Accepted Answer

The staff at the CEC and LSG provide healthy meals and snack each day. We are easily able to accommodate any dietary restrictions and special requests communicated to us through the registration process. Please note that the CEC and LSG are nut-free environments.

Question 13

Are cell phones allowed at CYL?

Accepted Answer

Yes, however you will have limited use during the week.  Please refer to the cell phone policy for more information.

Question 14

What should I do if I need to cancel my child's registration?

Accepted Answer

If you need to adjust your registration or switch camp dates, please contact Hayden Tugwood, our CYL Administration Co-ordinator, at htugwood@ontario.coop. Please note the $100.00 application fee is non-refundable. Click here for the CYL Cancellation Policy.

Question 15

What are the CYL policies?

Accepted Answer

Below you will find all of our policies for your reference:

Anti-Harassment policy 
Cancellation policy
Cell Phone policy
Drug & Alcohol policy 
Gender policy 
Inclusion, Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure policy
Medication Administration policy
Nut Aware policy

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