The Seminar
Instead of just giving paragraphs of explanations we think it's best to do this as a question and answer area.
The Who's
Who runs the seminar?
The seminar is run by a group of volunteers who each take on various tasks and roles throughout the planning stages as well as at the seminar. All volunteers were once previous COLS ambassadors and over all there are around 50 junior and senior staff.
Who can attend COLS?
COLS ambassadors are grade 10 students from all over central Ontario. Schools get to nominate and select one student who they believe is a leader.
Who pays for the seminar?
COLS is 100% funded by donations from the community it serves. This allows us to deliver the seminar to all ambassadors at no cost to them!
The What's
What are the students taught?
The main focus of the seminar is to teach students "how to think, not what to think." By opening up communication channels and interactive panel discussions students are able to express their views in an accepting environment.
What kind of speakers and panels are brought in?
We try to our best to bring in well balanced individuals who have a message. For example, Sunjay Nath talks about not conforming to group desires. A typical seminar also includes 2 or 3 panel discussions on topics from volunteerism, to education, and media. (See our previous speakers and guests!)
What other activities do the students get to partake in?
The weekend has a full itinerary from the moment the students arrive Friday morning to the moment they leave Sunday afternoon. We have team building exercises, table topics, group and club meals, a video dance provided for free by Sights and Sounds, a variety show - "COLS Got Talent", and much more.
What if my son or daughter was not selected to attend COLS?
Have no fear! As much as we would like to take every student, we just cannot. BUT! Our local clubs plan a PLAY (Promoting Leadership Among Youth) Day where they take even more students from local schools and offer a condensed version of the three-day seminar. Learn more about PLAY-Days.
The Where's
Where is the seminar held?
The 2011 seminar is being held at the University of Toronto at Mississauga. A beautiful campus with an abundance of wild life and security.
Where do the students stay?
The students and volunteers are housed in campus townhouses. There are 4 people to a townhouse and each room is individually locked and opened with a key card.
When
When is the seminar held?
The 2011 seminar will be held from May 27-29 (the last weekend in May).
Why?
Why do you do this?
Our mission is the following:
- To prepare the next generation of Canada's civic, social and corporate leaders.
- To provide young leaders with forums to learn how to think, not what to think, by offering independent and interactive opportunities for critical thinking.
- To encourage personal growth by promoting positive thinking, goal setting and community involvement.