Our Program
We believe youth are capable of more than what is asked of them and so we challenge them to rise above, inspire them to pursue, and coach them on becoming a leader capable of creating their own success.
Social Innovation Academy
This unique 5-month program, in partnership with the City of Toronto, University of Toronto, and Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, connects youth with cutting-edge thinking and practical experience of solving community issues.
Through 8 workshops led by industry experts, we cultivate participant’s interest and engagement in contributing solutions to community issues. At the end of the program, participants will have developed a social impact project, executed a pilot and pitched their idea at Demo Day to potentially gain resources and ongoing mentorship to scale their idea.
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Outdoor Leadership
Leadership is a skill that can be learned and practiced. We believe the outdoors provides an excellent environment to experience taking charge and working as a team outside of their elements. Don’t worry if you have no experience in camping or hiking, we teach you all of the basics to let you thrive in this exciting experience.
Certified First Aid courses are provided prior to their expeditions. In addition to safety reasons, the purpose of this is to ignite a sense of community responsibility where they are empowered to make a difference.
Our Program Extensions
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Participants who complete the Outdoor Leadership program is eligible to participate and obtain The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, an internationally recognized award program.
Bark Lake Outdoor Leadership Retreat
Participants go on a 3 days-2 nights leadership training retreat. The retreat provides a fun and safe environment that enables participants to learn and apply team building and leadership skills.
Toastmasters International Public Speaking Training
This 9 sessions workshop enables participants to overcome the fear of public speaking, lead meetings and provide positive feedback to peers.
“The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”
What People Are Saying
“My time at Vision Youth provided me experiences that I would not have had in school. I was forced out of my shell and challenged to work in dynamic teams. Most importantly, I learned how strong I was and can be when I'm pushed to my physical, mental and emotional limit. There were sweat, tears and laughter throughout the summer but I signed myself up and I had a blast. Looking back now, I recognize those summers kick-started my self-confidence, and desire to continue to develop myself.”
— Shirley, 2005 Silver Graduate
“My high school career was definitely enhanced by the opportunities and experiences that I had in Vision Youth. Aside from the outdoor camping, VY gave me the confidence to reach out to others and make new friends. It also made me realized that aside from physical strength, mental strength is what keeps you going during the hikes and portages. The hikes and portages give you a great feeling of achievement when completed, and building this strength has given me the self-confidence to know that I can achieve anything when I set my mind to it.”
— Judith, 2006 Gold Graduate
“Vision Youth was a life-changing experience. Through this program, I was pushed out of my comfort zones and I grew into a more mature, well-rounded person. Along the way, I met many life-long friends whom I still talk to this day.”