VYLC is dedicated to creating opportunities for young people to build life skills, social connection, and a community of like-minded individuals. We do this by combining group adventures in the outdoors and 1:1 mentorship geared toward helping youths become more self-propelled and confident, transforming into the leaders other their generation.
Check out our 3-day Salty Express: Tofino Surf-Camp
October 4-6, 2024
Vancouver Youth Leadership Centre – in collaboration with Fireside Adventures – is excited to offer a spectacular youth outdoor learning experience visiting Tofino, one of our favourite spots to adventure on Vancouver Island. Our Salty Express youth leadership weekend is a unique opportunity to have an epic overnight camping/surf adventure while enhancing your outdoor leadership training.
Click here to learn more and join the adventure!
What makes us special
VYLC is not a single physical location. We blend virtual and in-person meetings at a location near you (all across Metro Vancouver) in a highly flexible network that connects 13–18 year old youth leaders with peers, mentors, and leadership skill-building activities. We specialize in supporting, teaching, mentoring, and inspiring youth individually and in groups. Click here to learn more about how it all works.
The VYLC Guarantee
Leadership is a skill. In addition to mentorship and support, we provide dynamic youth leadership courses, from outdoor expeditions to climate science education to capacity-building certifications. We guarantee that all of our VYLC youths will enter adulthood as skilled, self-propelled leaders with a world of opportunities ahead of them.
How to become a YVLC member
Step 1: Register interest
Register here to tell us a bit about yourself and arrange a first meeting/interview.
Step 2: First Meeting/Interview with an instructor
We will arrange a half-hour first meeting between you, your child, and one of our instructors.
Step 3: Pay your Membership Fee
Once you’ve had your first meeting and are ready to join, make your first membership payment.
Step 4: Become the ultimate youth leader
Welcome to our community of young leaders! We look forward to sharing profound learning experiences and memorable adventures with you.
Here are just a few of the ways our youth centre is unlike any other:
Celebrating individuality through relevant opportunities intended to cultivate passionate, lifelong learners
We don’t shy away from the commotion of young people’s lives. In the pursuit of those meaningful connections with peers and adult mentors, we celebrate the opportunity to plan in the face of it all. Facing the significant life transitions, milestones, and choices that youths face as they navigate their day-to-day experience means coming back to our fundamentals: guidance, support, and relevant skill-building. Our 1:1 meetings are intended to work together with youths to figure out what their goals are, what their barriers are, and how to overcome them. This can range from mentorship on high school/post-secondary social transition to Duke of Ed prep to resume workshopping. Whatever our young leaders need, we’re there for them.
Dozens of Flexible locations near YOU
We do not rely on a central physical facility/building but rather deliver our programs in parks, forests, and community facilities all around Metro Vancouver. We have practised this model for over 10 years and it has allowed us to keep things place-based, novel, experiential and relevant to your community. Our blend of in person and virtual meetings keeps the network alight and tailors your support to you.
Our only shareholders are our youths, families, and community partners
Co-shape your learner’s leadership journey. VYLC is a shared investment between mentors, parents, and youths to co-create a unique and life-changing leadership experience that matters to them.
Affordable, custom, and high quality service
We know everyone is looking to save. That’s why we’ve consulted with parents and young people to find the middle ground on affordability and scheduling. We are using our 30 years of experience as an OEE industry leader to push the limits of variety, richness, friendship, mentorship and learning into each opportunity. The Centre is structured to focus on outdoor, community-based programming that is perfect for supporting adaptable and skills-driven activities to help youth reach those high benchmarks.
Leadership and Growth Mentorship
Our core program, providing the support, guidance, and experience that young people need in a way that is relevant and tailored to their own interests and goals. Some features of the Leadership Training:
- Building Perspective: Monthly in person small group meet ups to launch a theme of the month for our “sowing thriving leadership” structure.
- Bespoke Execution: Monthly virtual 1:1 check in with their Leadership Coach for structured monthly planning of short to long term goals, retrospective planning, goal setting and execution, employment preparation.
- And so much more!
Tools for Leading One’s Future
Leadership is an action based on a set of skills that are learned through trying, failing, and refining. Hands-on activities that we teach leadership through include:
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: get the prestigious, internationally recognized outdoor leadership award through VYLC
- Climate Leadership Workshops: learn how to take real climate action in your community
Community Connection
Community connection is the cornerstone of what VYLC is founded upon, supporting young people in building connections with peers, mentors, and local organizations and helping them expand beyond. We build community by:
- Monthly Saturday Leadership Workshop – seasonal activities that range from sailing, paddle boarding, hiking, snowshoeing and other skill-based activities
- Vertical peer mentorship structure and support transition to high school and/or for post-graduation life
- And so much more!