Seminar
Unwrapping COLS 2023
Back in person for the first time since 2019 and, for the first time in 15 years, in a brand-new home at the University of Guelph.
- ambassadors
- 83
- schools
- 73
- cities
- 22
- volunteers
- 40+
Less than three months ago, the three-day 2023 Central Ontario Leadership Seminar returned in person for the first time since 2019. Our theme was Birthday Party: we celebrated each other, learned about our passions and explored different styles of leadership. Since then we've spent a lot of time reflecting on how wonderful it was to be together again.
From planning to celebrating
It takes a village to plan, coordinate and run a seminar like this. Over 40 people stepped up: the Board of Directors, the Seminar Planning Committee (SPC) and a newly formed Sponsorship Committee. Led by two Seminar Co-chairs, the SPC planned the program, contacted schools, registered students and selected seminar staff. The new Sponsorship Committee worked to rekindle relationships with donors and find new sources of funding so we can continue for many years to come.
“No one is paid for their work, but the results of their hard work and determination are priceless.”
With the help of generous sponsors
No student pays any fees to attend our conferences. We can only do this with committed, generous sponsors and donors, including 22 clubs from the Central Ontario District Optimists, 52 individuals and alumni, and a number of small businesses and corporations.
Registration
This year we welcomed 83 grade 10 students from 73 schools across Central Ontario, representing 22 cities from the Niagara Region to Guelph, Hamilton, Halton, Milton, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Toronto and the GTA. We also introduced an improved registration system that lets students and parents sign forms electronically, shrinking our eco-footprint.
Program
The COLS program is an interactive experience where ambassadors share their unique perspectives on issues that matter to them and their communities. This year we heard from three talented keynote speakers (Juan Bendana, Sunjay Nath and Jessica Potts) and held two panel discussions: on succeeding for ourselves rather than for others, and on taking time to care for ourselves.
Ambassadors also took part in a volunteer project, team-building activities, a Friday night birthday-party dance from Evolution DJ and a Saturday night talent show extravaganza!
One last big thank you!
We couldn't have done this without our community organizations, businesses, donors, volunteers and, most importantly, the ambassadors. We learn just as much from them as they do from us. To our soon-to-be grade 11s: we hope to see you back next spring as junior staff for COLS 2024!
We are proud of all of you!
