Youth Leadership Programs

The YMCA of Oakville’s Youth Leadership Engagement Strategy creates a structured pathway for youth, teens, and young adults to grow personally and professionally while developing the skills needed to become strong community leaders. Through a combination of leadership-focused programming and supportive mentorship, participants strengthen their confidence, resilience, well-being, and sense of identity.

As a charitable organization dedicated to community development, the YMCA encourages young people to stay active within both the YMCA and the broader Oakville community. Each level of the strategy includes opportunities for community / Volunteering service, meaningful engagement, and connection with other emerging leaders.

This strategy helps youth recognize their strengths, interests, and values while giving them the tools to set goals and work steadily toward them.

Programs are tailored to the unique needs of each participant, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and habits required for future success.

Through hands-on experiences, youth learn how to guide others, contribute positively to the community, and act as role models in their everyday lives.

Beyond meeting basic developmental needs, this leadership-focused approach prepares youth to step confidently into roles at school, at work, and within their communities. The strategy welcomes participants of all abilities and backgrounds, meeting them where they are and helping them grow through a three-level structure:

Outcomes

Youth who participate in the YMCA of Oakville Leadership Development:

  • Recognize and appreciate their talents, abilities, and potential.
  • Strengthen skills that support success in diverse environments.
  • Explore ideas, programs, and opportunities that ignite curiosity and passion.
  • Develop a clear understanding of their leadership pathway and long-term goals.
  • Understand Self-leadership, Discipline and Public speaking.
  • Gain the knowledge and confidence needed to make positive contributions to their community.
  • How to build integrity and progressive daily habits.

For inquiries, please email Supervisor, Community Outreach, Oscar Okeke at [email protected]

Fall 2026 Registration

Junior Leadership Program (Ages 10 to 13, and youth turning 14)

Dates: September 17 to December 10, 2026

Day: Thursdays

Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Location: YMCA of Oakville, 410 Rebecca Street, Oakville

Program Fee: $130 for the full program (13 sessions)

Cost Per Session: $10

What Youth Will Learn

This interactive leadership program is designed to help young people build confidence, develop character, and strengthen practical life skills through engaging activities, discussions, role-playing, and real-life scenarios.

Topics include:

  • Self-leadership and personal responsibility
  • Identity and the psychology of identity
  • Building confidence and self-awareness
  • Healthy relationships, conflict resolution, and knowing when to repair or end relationships
  • Communication skills, including tone adjustment, body language, active listening, and communication etiquette
  • Understanding how to communicate on the same frequency with different personalities
  • Respect, boundaries, empathy, and emotional intelligence
  • Service, purpose, and sense of duty
  • Leadership foundations and leadership styles
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Networking and building positive connections
  • Decision making and problem solving
  • Goal setting and personal growth
  • Interactive leadership challenges, simulations, and real-life scenarios

Community involvement: Participants can earn volunteer and community service hours throughout the program.

Register Today »

For inquiries, please email Supervisor, Community Outreach, Oscar Okeke at [email protected]

Senior Leadership Program (Ages 14+)

Dates: September 15 to December 8, 2026

Day: Tuesdays

Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Location: YMCA of Oakville, 410 Rebecca Street, Oakville

Program Fee: $130 for the full program (13 sessions)

Cost Per Session: $10

What Youth Will Learn

The Senior Leadership Program prepares youth for employment, leadership opportunities, post-secondary education, and community impact through practical learning and hands-on experiences.

Topics include:

  • Advanced leadership principles and ethical leadership
  • Self leadership and accountability
  • Public speaking and presentation skills
  • Professional communication and workplace etiquette
  • Networking and relationship building
  • Job readiness, resume building, interview preparation, and workplace professionalism
  • Financial literacy and healthy money habits
  • Work-life balance and personal adjustment skills
  • Time management and productivity
  • Mentorship and peer leadership
  • Community leadership and service learning
  • Planning and leading a community impact project
  • Critical thinking and decision making
  • Problem solving and conflict management
  • Team leadership and project management
  • Confidence building and personal branding

Throughout the program, participants will engage in leadership simulations, case studies, group discussions, presentations, and real-world scenarios that strengthen their confidence and prepare them for future leadership roles.

Community involvement: Participants can earn volunteer and community service hours through mentorship, leadership activities, and community projects.

Register Today »

For inquiries, please email Supervisor, Community Outreach, Oscar Okeke at [email protected]