Project North

The YMCA offers an innovative leadership experience for students in Grades 9 to 12x from Sarnia and surrounding First Nations communities. This project follows the successful YMCA Project Kenya which occurred in Sarnia-Lambton (2012-2013), Project Guatemala in Chatham-Kent (2014-2015), and Project North (2017-2019, 2023, 2024).

Our 2024 team successfully travelled to Alberta in August for a 6-day trip travelling from Sarnia ON to Calgary, Mountain View County, and Canmore AB. The Project North team experienced many firsts during their trip and explored locations such as the Painted Warriors Ranch, Chester Lake during their day-hike with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, the Shane Homes YMCA @ Rocky Ridge, the TELUS Spark Centre, and were able to meet and thank our sponsors at NOVA Chemicals. Our Youth committed to various projects during 2024 including: A Blind Date with a Book fundraiser (April-July), the Celebration of Youth Awards Ceremony (May), volunteering with YMCA camp and children's programming (Jan-July), the Mitton Village Block Party (August), Fright Fest in the Village (Oct) and collaborated with the Leaders of Tomorrow for Truthsgiving (Nov).

Want to keep up to date with what we're up to? Follow or visit us at ymcaswo.youth on Instagram.

Project Impact

This project has many potential impacts, bringing together a group of young people who have committed to an incredible leadership development initiative. These participants will need to be extremely motivated to learn and grow and make a difference in their community. This project will create an opportunity for the YMCA to work in partnership with the community, including Sarnia’s surrounding First Nations communities. The project will also help to increase the YMCA’s profile as an organization committed to youth and leadership development.

The project creates a tremendous opportunity for participants to learn more about fundraising and embrace philanthropy. The young people developing their leadership potential will have a cumulative impact on their families, schools, friends and the greater community.

Project North Forms

Project North is in the recruitment phase of 2025. Here are the necessary documents for the registration process:

Registration Form

Download

Photo Consent

Download

Youth Questionnaire

Download

Please review and complete these documents by February 19th, 2025, to be considered for the 2025 Project North team. Once completed, your documents can be sent to the Youth Engagement Coordinator @ maggie.calderone@swo.ymca.ca

Interviews for the team will be held in the evening of February 24th and 25th 2025.

Project North Information Night:

If you have any other questions or want to hear from our 2024 Project North participants, we encourage you to attend our youth information night held on Tuesday February 18th between 4-6pm at the YMCA Learning and Career Centre (660 Oakdale Ave, Sarnia ON)