Free for every grade 10 ambassador

Where young leaders are developed.

COLS (Central Ontario Leadership Seminars) is a free, three-day leadership seminar for grade 10 students. Every May, schools across Central Ontario each send one student for a weekend of speakers, teamwork and new friends.

Nominate a student Explore the seminar

psst, know a future leader?

COLS volunteers in matching teal T-shirts posing together on the steps of a red-brick building

3 days of speakers & socials

$0 cost to students

How to think, not what to think
Positive mental attitude
Teamwork
Community involvement
Lifelong friendships

our promise, for over 40 years

Socioeconomic status should never be a barrier.

Every year we host a three-day leadership conference for grade 10 students across Central Ontario, at no cost to the student, thanks to generous donations from service clubs (including Optimist clubs), individuals, alumni and businesses.

Food, two nights of accommodation, speakers and activities: all covered.

Sponsor an ambassador Nominate a student

The whole COLS group, in white and teal T-shirts, posing together on the wide steps of a red-brick building — $0 for every single ambassador

Free to students for: 40+ yrs
Volunteer staff each year: 40–50
Of donations go to the program: 100%
Sends one student: $400

What we're about

Four things every ambassador takes home.

pack your bag!

Ambassador takes home

Youth empowerment

Ambassadors go home ready to be “the change they want to see” in their own communities.
Ambassador takes home

Personal development

Positive thinking, goal setting and getting involved in your community, practised all weekend.
Ambassador takes home

Lifelong relationships

A safe place to meet other young leaders. Plenty of ambassadors are still friends years later.
Ambassador takes home

Critical thinking

Our motto is “how to think, not what to think.” Ambassadors learn to weigh ideas and make up their own minds.

The seminar, in pictures

COLS in action

spot the teal shirts! (tap to enlarge)

hands up for COLS!
panel time
team building
dance-off!
new friends

Get involved

Pick your path.

pick one, or a few!

Every way to get involved

not sure where you fit? Which path is for me? Answer up to three quick questions and we'll point you the right way. Take the quiz

The seminar

Friday morning to Sunday afternoon. Zero boring bits.

3 keynote speakers
A social every night
Food & 2 nights' stay included

See the full weekend

Friday

Arrive & break the ice

Meet your group, ice breakers, the first speakers and the opening social.
Saturday

Give back & go deeper

A morning volunteer project, team-building workshops, panels and table topics.
Sunday

Choose & carry it home

Choose your own adventure, the parent seminar, and lots of hugs goodbye.