Teachers nominate students, nominated students register, alumni and other adults volunteer, and donors cover the cost. Find your part below.
not sure where you fit?
Answer up to three quick questions and we'll point you the right way.
For schools & teachers
know someone with spark?
Each eligible public and private school in Central Ontario can send a grade 10 student to the all-expenses-paid, three-day seminar. Look for the student who's curious, kind and ready to step up, not necessarily the one with the most awards.
Nominations open when invitations go out each fall
Didn't get an invitation?
Send us a message and we'll help you get set up.
four easy steps
Every fall the Seminar Planning Committee sends invitation packages, including a personal nomination link, to hundreds of eligible schools.
Pick a grade 10 student with leadership potential who would bring what they learn back to your school and community.
Enter the student's details and a parent or guardian's contact info for verification.
tip! Use the student's personal email; school accounts often block outside mail.
You'll get a confirmation email. When registration opens, your student hears from us directly with next steps.
For nominated students
congrats, ambassador!
Your school saw something in you. You'll register with the personal link COLS emails you: no account or password needed, and your spot at the seminar (food, two nights' accommodation and every activity) is already covered.
Look for a message from COLS with your personal registration link.
Tell us about yourself, plus dietary, medical and t-shirt details.
The parent or guardian your school listed confirms your registration.
Agree to the seminar declaration and start counting down.
then: see you at the seminar!
Parents and guardians: answers about safety, rooms and what to pack
For alumni & adults
come join the crew!
Volunteers make up 100% of our workforce, from the Board of Directors to the planning committee to three-day staff. That means every donation goes straight into the seminar.
Many of us are former ambassadors, but everyone is welcome. Our volunteers come from:
100%volunteer-run
40–50staff each year
two ways to jump in
You're invited
The SPC runs the day-to-day planning: raising funds, inviting schools, booking speakers and building the program.
Pick your badge
We accept 40–50 staff each year. Like students, staff attend for free.
Staff 18+ provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Police Check, and all staff take part in virtual and in-person training between January and May.
Questions about volunteering? Read the answers for volunteers
For donors, clubs & businesses
A student's socio-economic background should never be a barrier to developing their leadership potential. Because no one at COLS is paid, every dollar goes into the seminar and its ambassadors. Donations over $10 receive a tax receipt.
a big thank-you to COLS 2023's supporters:
COLS SEMINAR
One ambassador · 3 days
Donate a Car Canada handles your car, truck, RV, boat or motorcycle, with free towing in most areas, plus a tax receipt.
Rep COLS in branded clothing. All profits support the three-day seminar.
Want to sponsor in another way, like gifts in kind? Get in touch.
Questions about giving or tax receipts? Read the answers for sponsors
Alumni heading to post-secondary?
Created in 2003 in memory of ambassador Eileen Krieger and renamed in 2015 to honour COLS family members we've lost, the scholarship supports two students heading to university, college, apprenticeships or the trades.
2 × $1,000
Scholarship detailsyour turn!
Every ambassador attends for free because people like you nominate, volunteer and give. Pick your way in.