Smiling Youth Smiling Youth

Junior and Senior Leaders

YMCA leadership programs are founded on our long-standing commitment to youth development, community engagement, and personal growth. With deep roots in our local communities and the foundation of inclusivity, healthy living, and social responsibility, the goal of YMCA leadership development is to guide and inspire young people, fostering a safe and supportive environment for leadership growth.

Leader Skills

Junior and Senior Leaders will cover a total of 10 skill categories, each diving into specific areas of each skill:

Skill Categories

  • Self-Awareness
  • Communication  
  • Teamwork
  • Decision Making  
  • Responsibility
  • Adaptability  
  • Ethics and Integrity
  • Motivation  
  • Organizational Skills
  • Interpersonal Skills  

Junior Leaders: Grades 7-9

  • Self-reflection
  • Active listening
  • Collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Flexibility
  • Understanding fairness
  • Setting personal goals
  • Task prioritization
  • Empathy 

Senior Leaders: Grades 9-11

  • Emotional regulation
  • Public speaking
  • Conflict resolution
  • Critical thinking
  • Accountability
  • Resilience
  • Ethical decision-making
  • Self-discipline
  • Delegation
  • Networking 

Junior Leaders

Our JL program is designed for emerging leaders or individuals new to leadership roles. It focuses on the fundamentals of leadership through interactive workshops, case studies and self-reflection, with the goal to build a strong foundation.

Jerry McCaw Family Centre YMCA

Start date-Feb 7, 2025

Senior Leaders

Our Senior Leaders program is designed to be more advanced. Focused on individuals who are ready to develop more strategic leadership skills, this is accomplished through leadership challenges, and hands on learning.

Stoney Creek Community Centre, YMCA & Library

Senior Leaders participants will also earn volunteer hours based on the experiential nature of the program.  

Family YMCA of St Thomas Elgin

Coming Spring 2025