Frequently asked questions.
Answers for parents and guardians, teachers, students, sponsors and volunteers. Pick a group to jump to its questions.
For parents & guardians.
the questions we hear most
Something we haven't answered?
Nominations and registration questions go straight to our registration team.
Send us a messageWhat is COLS, and why was my child nominated?
COLS (Central Ontario Leadership Seminars) is a free, three-day leadership seminar for grade 10 students, run by volunteers since 1982. Your child's school picked them because they see leadership potential in them, and think they'll bring what they learn back to the school.
Is it really free?
Yes. Food, two nights of accommodation, speakers, activities and the seminar T-shirt are all covered by donors and sponsors. It costs about $400 to send one student, and families never pay it.
The one thing families arrange is getting there: students need their own way to the seminar on Friday morning and home on Sunday afternoon. If that's a problem, contact our Registration Lead through the contact form and we'll talk it through.
Who looks after the students?
About 40–50 trained volunteers are on site at all times. During the day, students work in small groups, each led by a junior and a senior leader. Every staff member 18 or older has a clear Vulnerable Sector Police Check.
At night, staff do bed checks to make sure every student is in their dorm, and volunteers watch the common areas along with the venue's own security, including campus police.
Where will my child sleep?
In a University of Guelph residence. Each student gets their own private room that locks. Bathrooms, showers and common spaces are shared, and the bathroom and shower doors lock too. Students are split by gender across the residence buildings.
If your child has rooming needs we should know about, contact our Registration Lead through the contact form.
What about allergies, medication or other health needs?
Registration asks for your child's dietary and medical details. Students need to bring any medication in its original, labelled container, kept somewhere secure.
Depending on the first-aid staff we have that year, COLS may not be able to give students their medication, so plan for your child to take their own. If a medication needs special storage, like a fridge, contact our Registration Lead through the contact form before the seminar so we can arrange it with the venue.
How do I reach my child, or COLS, during the weekend?
For anything urgent during the seminar, call, text or email our Registration Lead. We'll send you their contact details in the lead-up to the seminar.
How does my child get there and back?
Families arrange travel: students need their own way to the seminar on Friday morning and home on Sunday afternoon. We email drop-off and pick-up details before the seminar.
If transportation is a problem, contact our Registration Lead through the contact form and we'll work something out together.
What should they pack?
The venue provides bedding and towels. We'll send a suggested packing list before the seminar.
Can they bring their phone?
COLS has a no-phone policy. Students leave their phone in their dorm room, and can have it during some activities, like the nightly socials. A photographer is around all weekend, so nobody misses out on photos.
Will my child appear in photos?
Probably. Some photos from the weekend appear on our website and social media. We ask for photo consent during registration.
To opt out, let our Registration Lead know in writing through the contact form. We'll take it into account for planned photos like large group shots, but we can't guarantee your child won't appear in any photo at all.
What is the parent seminar?
A 30–45 minute session on Sunday, just before the closing ceremonies. COLS staff give an overview of the organization and the weekend, and answer your questions. We email the details in the lead-up to the seminar.
Will my child miss school?
Yes, the seminar starts on a Friday. Schools often treat it as a school activity, but students and parents should check with their school. COLS can send confirmation or more information if your school needs it.
What do you do with our personal information?
Health and other personal details are shared only with the staff who need them.
Our liability insurance requires us to keep registration records for 33 years. They're stored electronically by the Secretary of our Board of Directors, and removed from our registration system after the seminar.
For teachers & schools.
thanks for nominating!
Who should we nominate?
A grade 10 student with leadership potential, who would bring what they learn back to your school and community. Look for the student who's curious, kind and ready to step up. That isn't always the one with the most awards.
How many students can our school nominate?
One. Each nomination is confirmed once we know we have sponsorship for that school, and we've never had to turn a nominated student away.
You're welcome to suggest a second student, and if your school has the funds, it can sponsor a second student itself.
Is our school eligible?
We invite schools across Central Ontario. Recent ambassadors have come from the Niagara Region, Hamilton, Halton, Guelph, Mississauga and Toronto. Students from outside the area can attend too, as long as there's sponsorship available.
When do nominations happen?
Every fall, the Seminar Planning Committee sends invitation packages to eligible schools, each with a personal nomination link. The nomination deadline is usually in mid to late March, and nominated students register by mid-April. See how nominating works.
We didn't get an invitation, or our contact has changed.
Send us a message with your school's name and the right contact, and we'll make sure you get one.
What do we need for field trip approval?
We can provide whatever your school or board needs: a letter, the schedule, our supervision plan or proof of insurance. Just send us a message.
Does the seminar count toward volunteer hours?
Ambassadors can earn some volunteer hours through one or two activities on the Saturday and Sunday.
What does the student bring back to the school?
We encourage ambassadors to share what they learned with their student council, teachers and guidance staff. Some are also invited by their local Optimist club to speak about their experience at a dinner meeting or event.
Can teachers volunteer or visit?
Yes to both. To visit during the weekend, send us a message. Anyone can join the Seminar Planning Committee, and adults can apply to join the seminar staff. Find out about volunteering.
I've been nominated. What now?
Congratulations! Look for an email from COLS with your personal registration link. You'll tell us about yourself, your parent or guardian confirms, and you're in. No account or password needed. Register by the deadline, usually in mid-April. See the registration checklist.
I won't know anyone. Is that OK?
Totally. Almost every ambassador arrives without knowing anyone. You'll meet your group on Friday morning, and the ice breakers start right away. Most people leave with friends they keep for years.
What actually happens all weekend?
Speakers, panels, team-building workshops, a volunteer project, table topics and a social every night. See the whole weekend.
Do I have to pay for anything?
No. Your food, two nights of accommodation, every activity and your seminar T-shirt are covered. You just need a way to get there on Friday morning and home on Sunday afternoon.
Can I come back next year?
Yes! Recent ambassadors can apply to be Junior Leaders or join the logistics team. Staff applications open each fall, with virtual training sessions and in-person training between January and May.
What if I can't go anymore?
Tell us as soon as you can through the contact form. If it's before the final registration deadline in April, your school can nominate someone else.
For sponsors & donors.
every $400 sends one student
Is COLS a registered charity?
Yes. COLS is a registered Canadian charity (business number 85949 2969 RR0001). Donations over $10 receive a tax receipt.
Where does my money go?
Straight into the seminar. Everyone at COLS is a volunteer, so 100% of your gift goes to the program. It costs about $400 to send one student, which covers food, two nights of accommodation, speakers and activities.
When do I get my tax receipt?
Online gifts are receipted by email straight away. Cheques and e-transfers are entered by hand, and we aim to email your receipt within 30 days.
How much should I give?
Whatever works for you. No gift is too small: a little goes a long way toward snacks, meals, T-shirts and insurance. About $400 sends one student for the whole weekend.
Get in touch if your club or business would like to talk about sponsoring.
Can we sponsor students from our own community?
Yes, you can direct your sponsorship to a particular student or area. But many areas go unfunded or underfunded each year, so please consider letting COLS put your gift where it's needed most.
How do I know it makes a difference?
Read about past seminars in our news stories. As a registered charity, our annual return is also public on the Canada Revenue Agency's charities listing. We're planning to publish short impact summaries in the coming years.
Are there other ways to give?
Yes. You can give online (one-time, monthly or yearly), by cheque or e-transfer, by donating a vehicle, by buying COLS gear, or with gifts in kind. If your employer matches donations, COLS is on Benevity Causes, which many employers use. See every way to give.
Can sponsors visit the seminar?
Yes. Please arrange your visit with our Registration Lead through the contact form.
For volunteers & alumni.
once COLS, always COLS
Who can volunteer?
Anyone. Many volunteers are former ambassadors, but everyone is welcome. Join the Seminar Planning Committee (no experience needed), or apply to be one of the 40–50 seminar staff.
Do volunteers pay to attend?
No. Like students, staff attend for free.
How much time does it take?
The Seminar Planning Committee usually meets once a month, and more often as the seminar gets closer. Its meetings are public and online, so anyone can join one.
Seminar staff do virtual training sessions and in-person training between January and May, then work the whole weekend.
What do staff need?
Staff 18 and older need a clear Vulnerable Sector Police Check, and all staff take part in training. Police services don't do Vulnerable Sector Checks for anyone under 18, so younger junior staff don't need one.
How do I apply?
Applications for seminar staff open each fall. Until then, get in touch and tell us how you'd like to help, or join the mailing list to hear when they open.
Can volunteers earn volunteer hours?
Yes. Staff who volunteer for the whole weekend can earn hours based on their duties.
I'm an alum. How do I stay connected?
Join the mailing list, follow @keepingitcols, and watch Events for alumni hangouts. Graduating this year? Apply for the Memorial Scholarship.
your turn!
Be the change you want to see.
Every ambassador attends for free because people like you nominate, volunteer and give. Pick your way in.