W: WILLING
Y: YOUTH
L: LEADING
D: DIVERSELY

GRADE 8+

So, you’ve heard about a WYLD Leadership program, you’re thinking, “What is that all about?” Look no further, the information below has you covered. Are you interested in spending your summer working with kids? Do you want to be a leader in your community? Let us help guide you in your leadership and skill building journey.  Join us for a meaningful mentored placement. Spend your days learning applicable skills for a summer camp job, instructing swimming lessons, or working specialty programs and beyond.  You'll learn to teach and play all of the best games, gain confidence in leading activities with groups, and cover all the important aspects of working in a team environment.  Work closely with our leadership coordinators and staff mentors during your summer placement.  The guided curriculum will help youth set goals and reflect on this meaningful hands-on experience.

This program is an excellent stepping stone for individuals who are considering a future in the fields of:

• Recreation
• Teaching
• Early Childhood Education
• Child & Youth Care
• Social Work
• Counselling
• Human Services
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech & Language Pathologist
• Physiotherapist
• First Responder
• Medical Care, and so much more.

FALL 2026

WYLD Introduction to Leadership Program

Next Intake: Fall 2026

Are you interested in opportunities to work with kids and community? Do you love special events and want to help behind the scenes? What about learning skills for interviews, first aid and professional communication? Youth enrolled in this program will have the opportunity to participate in special workshops and programs that will help grow your leadership journey. Join our WYLD Introduction to Leadership Program. This program runs from October to June. For more information and to register, click here.

SUMMER 2027

WYLD Leadership Summer Program

Next Intake: Spring 2027

Summer program placements are located at:

• The Saanich Neighborhood Playground Program (SNPP) Park Locations
• Saanich Commonwealth Place, Gordon Head Recreation Centre
• Participants must be flexible in their ability to receive their placement at any of the locations listed above.

Summer application and enrollment process

We’re so grateful for your excitement and interest in our WYLD Leadership Program. In the past few years, the WYLD Program has grown exponentially. Last summer, we received over 100 applications between Step One and Step Two. Seeing so many wonderful applicants demonstrates the enthusiasm youth in our community have for leadership. That said, due to limited program space and available trained mentors, our program only holds spots for:

• Step One: Learn to Lead – Up to 30 spots
• Step Two: Lead to Succeed – Up to 15 spots

New to the WYLD Program?

We warmly welcome applications from youth across all corners of the community. This program is rooted in supporting the ongoing growth of youth who contribute meaningfully to their surroundings through:

• Extracurricular activities
• School and community leadership
• Coach-in-training
• Referee programs
• Volunteering
• Babysitting
• Other forms of responsibility

Our intention is to walk alongside youth who are interested in commitment and initiative. We strive to help them strengthen their skills, confidence, and positive impact in ways that feel authentic to their experience. We truly wish we could accommodate every young applicant who is interested in this program. Unfortunately, we are limited by program space and available trained mentors.

• Your interest matters to us
• We absolutely want you involved
• We carefully review every application

Our goal is to create a joyful, supportive, and enriching experience for all. We are so thankful you want to be part of it.

WYLD PROGRAM COORDINATOR:

Maddie.parks@saanich.ca
250-475-7624