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Teaching how to think, not what to think.

COLS is a three-day leadership seminar for grade 10 students, held each May at the University of Guelph. Ambassadors hear from keynote speakers, talk things through in small groups where nobody gets judged, and work in teams all weekend. Most leave with friends they keep long after Sunday.

(seriously, zero boring bits!)

    keynote time!

    3 keynote speakers

    40+ volunteers

    Who we are

    A history of leadership & independence.

    40+ years and counting!

    the 2024 team

    What we do

    Developing the leaders of tomorrow, today.

    Through interactive speakers, panels, discussions and activities, we grow each ambassador's leadership and community involvement. When they share those lessons back home, our communities, and our country, grow too.

    1. ’82: Where it started

      COLS and its sister seminar in Eastern Ontario began as one of three Ontario seminars affiliated with the internationally recognized Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership organization, with Optimist club volunteers there from the very start.

    2. ’04: Going independent

      The combined seminars developed an independent, Canadian-based program.

    3. ’06: A registered charity

      COLS became a not-for-profit Canadian charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that oversees legal, financial and policy decisions.

    4. Now: Run by people who've been there

      A dedicated Seminar Planning Committee registers students, builds the three-day program, invites speakers and guests, and makes sure every student is welcomed and supported. Most of our 40+ volunteers are former ambassadors, and no one is paid.

    The weekend

    A weekend of collaboration, teamwork & communication.

    From the moment ambassadors arrive Friday morning until they leave Sunday afternoon, they move through activities that build verbal and non-verbal communication, teamwork and the confidence to think on their feet.

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

    your itinerary!

    1. Friday

      Arrive & break the ice

      • Morning arrival and meet your group
      • Ice breakers
      • Speakers kick things off
      • Nightly social

    2. Saturday

      Give back & go deeper

      • Morning volunteer project for local & international communities
      • Team-building workshops
      • Discussion panels & table topics
      • Nightly social

    3. Sunday

      Choose & carry it home

      • Choose your own adventure
      • Parent seminar
      • Afternoon departures (and lots of hugs)

    Speakers

    A talented line-up of world-class speakers.

    Each year ambassadors hear from, and get to talk with, three keynote speakers from diverse backgrounds. Here are some of the people COLS has been honoured to host.

    collect 'em all!

    Activities

    Leadership is something you do.

    Ambassadors share their views in an accepting, judgment-free environment, and practice leading in every activity. By Sunday, you'll have filled the whole card.

    COLS bingo, play along!

    • Ice breakers
    • Team building
    • Table topics
    • Discussion panels
    • Volunteer project
    • Keynote speakers
    • Choose your own adventure
    • Nightly socials

    Questions? Good.

    curiosity is a leadership skill!

    Still curious?

    A volunteer will get back to you. Parents, teachers and sponsors can also find answers on our questions page.

    See all questions
    What is COLS?

    COLS stands for Central Ontario Leadership Seminars. It's a free, three-day leadership seminar for grade 10 students, run by volunteers since 1982. COLS has been a registered Canadian charity since 2006.

    Who can attend?

    Grade 10 students from public and private high schools across Central Ontario. Each school nominates the student who attends.

    What is an ambassador?

    That's what we call the students who attend. Each school sends one ambassador, who brings what they learn back to their school and community.

    When and where is it?

    Friday to Sunday on a weekend in late May. Since 2023 the seminar has been held at the University of Guelph. Schools get the dates for the next seminar in their invitation package.

    How much does it cost?

    Nothing. The seminar has been free to students for over 40 years. It costs $400 per student, covered by donors and sponsors, including three days of food and two nights of accommodation.

    How is a student chosen?

    Each fall, COLS sends invitation packages to hundreds of eligible schools. The school selects and nominates a student, who then receives an email from COLS when registration opens. See how nominating works.

    Who looks after the students?

    A team of 40–50 trained volunteer staff, including senior and junior leaders and first-aid staff. All staff over 18 provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Police Check, and all staff are trained before the seminar.

    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.