2022 Summer Programs for Young Men

We present an overview of educational and character building programs offered for young men across Canada this summer of 2022. The chaplain for these activities is a priest of Opus Dei.

The summer days provide a special opportunity for fellowship and enjoyment while developing useful skills and habits, in an atmosphere open to both fun and service to others. In this article, we present an overview of educational and character building programs offered for young men across Canada this summer of 2022. The chaplain for these activities is a priest of Opus Dei. More information is available at the Canadian Youth Leadership Institute's website.

Summer Big Picture Seminar, Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver, July and August

For students entering Grade 9, the summer Big Picture Seminar is designed to help students develop a clear vision of their future, starting now. Through activities, advice and sound direction, students get to see their high school years as an opportunity to develop the personal qualities that lead to happiness and success in life.

Big Picture Seminar. Two boys reading at a table with a full bookshelf in the background

Sunshine Coast Environmental Stewardship Project, July 25-30

This camp is designed for Grade 10 to 12 students. Participants work with staff and volunteers of the Ruby Lake Lagoon society to enhance and preserve the stunning natural habitat and wildlife of the Sunshine Coast region. The work involves removal of invasive species on land and water, trail clearing and maintenance, setting up compost bin units, installing habitats for birds and other wildlife on the coast, and much more.

Sunshine Coast. Three kayakers rowing on a lake towards a rocky shore containing some pine trees.

Quebec City Citizens Project, July 12-16

This is a program for Grade 10 to 12 students who can speak French and would like to help people with intellectual disabilities. It takes place at various L’Arche homes in Quebec City, where volunteers will assist with such tasks as housekeeping, gardening and cleaning. It teaches the importance of helping those in difficulty and of doing every task well.The evenings will include visits to cultural and historical sites in Quebec City.

L’arche. Three students painting a shed outdoors.

Manitoba Social Work Project, August 12-20

For Grade 11 and 12 students. Participants in this project will volunteer with a local Catholic parish in a native reserve on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg. They will help with repairs and construction work at the church and also tutor local youngsters in English, math and other subjects. A day-long excursion to the islands on Lake Winnipeg is part of the plan.

Practical Leadership, July 8-9

For Grade 11 and 12 students. In the context of a two-day canoe-camping expedition in Quebec’s back-country, the participants will deepen their understanding of leadership and reflect on how to develop and practice leadership in everyday life, be it at home, at school, in nature, or in one’s social circles. The trip starts and ends at Riverview Centre, and includes driving to the canoe-camping location, a considerable amount of paddling, talks on leadership, and of course, a lot of good time with friends.

Practical Leadership. Two boys paddling in a canoe on a lake with trees in the background.