Discover Your Personal Legend with YMCA Lifelong Leaders
A Future Full of Possibilities Awaits You
Carve your path, find your passion, and unlock your potential with the Midland YMCA’s Lifelong Leaders Program. Inspired by The Alchemist‘s concept of the “Personal Legend,” this youth-led community equips you with practical skills, transformative experiences, and a group of like-minded peers to take on life’s adventures.
Start your journey at the Midland YMCA on your way to becoming a Lifelong Leader!
What is the Lifelong Leaders Program?
Lifelong Leaders is more than a leadership initiative; it’s your gateway to a future where you lead, grow, and thrive. Rooted in personal discovery, the program is designed to help youth uncover their unique passions while gaining real-world experiences and essential life skills.
Through a variety of enriching activities like international travel, national exchanges, day trips, and immersive workshops, Lifelong Leaders empowers you to shape your destiny and make a lasting impact in your community and beyond.
Why Join Lifelong Leaders?
✈️ International Travel
Broaden your worldview by participating in global experiences that spark growth and inspire leadership.
🌍 National Exchanges
Connect with peers from across the country and discover diverse perspectives while forging lifelong friendships.
🏕️ Camps & Retreats
Immerse yourself in nature, bond with your community, and develop hands-on leadership skills at unforgettable retreats and overnight camps.
🎓 Workshops & Training
Gain critical skills like babysitting certification, mental health first aid, resume building, and more through our tailored workshops.
🤝 A Supportive Community
Join a network of like-minded leaders who uplift, encourage, and grow together as they pursue their passions.
Choose Your Leadership Stream
For every step of your leadership journey, there’s a stream designed just for your age and aspirations:
Turtles (Grades 5-6)
Self-Leaders: Build self-awareness and communication skills in a supportive environment. Includes a babysitter’s course to kickstart your responsibility and caregiving skills.
- Weekly 1.5-hour sessions, 10 weeks in winter/spring 2026
- Special perks include a weekend conference and a spring camp at Camp Kitchikewana
Eagles (Grades 7-8)
Tactical Leaders: Develop your unique identity, discover your tribe, and earn certifications like ‘Leave No Trace’ and ‘Project WILD.’
- Weekly 1.5-hour sessions, 10 weeks in winter/spring 2026
- Highlights include team-building events, certifications, and outdoor skills
Wolves (Grades 9-10)
Strategic Leaders: Push your boundaries, discover your passions, and gain hands-on experience with jobs and volunteer opportunities.
- Weekly 2-hour sessions, 20 weeks in fall/spring, starting October 14th, 2025
- Includes resume building, job shadowing, first aid certifications, and more
Bears (Grades 11-12)
Executive Leaders: Fine-tune your leadership abilities, build an impressive portfolio, and gain valuable micro-credentials for your future career.
- Weekly 2-hour sessions, 20 weeks in fall/spring, starting October 16th, 2025
- Key benefits include Mental Health First Aid training, volunteer recognition, and career mentorship
Affordability and Benefits
Lifelong Leaders is designed to be accessible to all youth. Here’s how it works:
- Free for YMCA members
- $130 for non-members, which includes a free YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatics membership during the program
Also includes special perks like leadership awards, food at every session, and opportunities to participate in Indigenous and community events.
Start Your Journey as a Lifelong Leader
Are you ready to uncover your Personal Legend and shape the future you’ve always dreamed of? Join the Midland YMCA’s Lifelong Leaders Program and set your leadership development in motion today.
Contact Us
Got questions? Reach out for more information!
Contact Mitch LaChance, Supervisor of Leadership, at mitch.lachance@sm.ymca.ca.