About Us
A history of leadership and independence.
For over 20 years, the Central Ontario Leadership Seminars (COLS) and its sister site in Eastern Ontario have been affiliated with the internationally recognized Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership organization as one of three seminars in Ontario.
In 2004, the combined leadership seminars developed an independent and Canadian-based program. Then, in 2006, COLS was registered as a not-for-profit Canadian charity and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who meet regularly to discuss and decide on legal, financial, and policy issues.
A dedicated group of volunteers also form the Seminar Planning Committee, which works tirelessly every year to plan the seminar, including registering students, developing the three-day program, inviting speakers and guests, and ensuring every student is welcomed and supported.
Developing the leaders of tomorrow, today.
We strive to spread positive thinking through collaboration, communication, and teamwork. We do this by growing the skills of students from high schools across central Ontario.
Our seminar focuses on developing leadership and community involvement in each ambassador through a series of interactive speakers, panels, discussions, and activities. We focus on teaching how to think, not what to think, and on the importance of community involvement.
By sharing their lessons with other members of our communities, we will be able to grow and change our country – enabling our youth to be more active where they live.