Application

Who can apply?

The application is open to all Canadian residents (recommended ages 14 - 17).

Note, participant interested in enrolling in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (DEA) through our Outdoor Leadership Program are required to satisfy the following age requirements:

  • Bronze - 14 to 17 years old on the first day of the program of the year of your application

  • Silver – 15 to 18 years old and completed DEA Bronze and the Vision Youth Bronze Outdoor Leadership Program

  • Gold - 16 to 19 years old who completed DEA Silver and the Vision Youth Silver Outdoor Leadership Program

When will be the deadline for submitting the application?

We are accepting applications on a first come, first serve basis up until the following dates of the year:

Last Updated for Programs Starting from April 2023 through March 2024

Bronze Outdoor Leadership Program - May 4th, 2024
Silver Outdoor Leadership Program -Apr 15th (Cancelled for the 2024-2025 Program Year)
Gold Outdoor Leadership Program - Mar 15th (Cancelled for the 2024-2025 Program Year)
Social Innovation Academy - Oct 15th (Cancelled for the 2024-2025 Program Year)

What does the application entail?

Upon applying, you will receive an email acknowledging your application within 48 hours. Please contact us at hello@visionyouth.ca if no confirmation is received within a week.

Applicants will be scheduled for a meet and greet with the program coordinators to better understand the participants’ interests, expectations and personalities.

Once all meet and greets are completed, we will officially send off a Welcome Email to you.

For Outdoor Leadership (Bronze Level Only), in your welcome letter, we will invite you (parents and participants) to our Outdoor 101 session to educate you on the proper equipment requirements (i.e. hiking boots, backpacks, etc.) before the start of the program.

Program

What will the program do for me?

The amount of rewards you get out from this program depends, to a large extend, on the amount of effort you put into it. In general, you will gain better self-confidence after trying out a number of new activities and you will establish new friendships. The experience that you gain is very useful reference for entering post secondary and future career.

Do the programs cost anything?

Prices Last Updated for Programs Starting from April 2023 through March 2024

Outdoor Leadership - $950.00 + HST (Includes Social Innovation Academy)
Social Innovation Academy - $100.00 + HST (Originally $700.00 - Subsidized By Sponsors)

Add-Ons

Bark Lake Leadership Experience - $300.00 + HST (with Outdoor Leadership Summer Only)
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Administration - $200.00 + HST
Toastmaster - FREE (with Social Innovation Academy Only)

What does my program fee cover?

Our program fee covers excursions and select transportation, guest speaker workshops, indoor session materials, and outdoor team gear.

Items excluded from the program fees:

  • Food during excursions

  • Outdoor personal gear (backpacks, clothing, shoes, etc)

  • Transportation to and from some trips

When are the programs?

Outdoor Leadership

  • Bronze - Growing Through Exploration
    Summer: Jul ~ Aug (Weekends)
    Fall: Sep ~ Oct (Weekends)

  • Silver - Seeking Purpose
    Summer: Jul ~ Aug (Weekends)
    Fall: Sep ~ Oct (Weekends)

  • Gold - Creating Impact
    Summer: Apr - Aug (Weekends)

Social Innovation Academy
October through February
Bi-weekly on Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Check out our program calendar for the full schedule! Program Calendar

I have no camping experience, will I be able to handle the program?

Absolutely! From our past experience, participants in normal health conditions are able to handle all outdoor activities. You are required to carry a backpack that contains your personal items for hiking and camping trips. A loaded backpack weighs about 11-13 kg (25-30 lbs). However, please seek advice from your family doctor if you have concerns.

Will the program interfere with my school work?

We have considered the challenges of regular school schedule and workload. Most of the activities are on weekends.

Do I need to purchase insurance?

All participants should have valid OHIP health insurance.

I’m interested in getting involved as a volunteer. How can I help?

Vision Youth is 100% run by volunteers. We welcome other volunteers to join us as counselors, mentors, activity organizers, and speakers. You can also help by providing financial support. Please email us at hello@visionyouth.ca.