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

To apply, please read all of the information below, then, scroll down and select the program that is right for you.

WYLD Leadership Summer Program

So, you’ve heard about a WYLD Leadership program in the community and you’re thinking, “what is that all about?” Look no further, the information below has you overed. 

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 lead and play all the best games, gain confidence in planning activities with groups, and cover all the important aspects of working in a team environment. You will 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 steppingstone for individuals who are considering a future in the fields of Recreation, Early Childhood Education, Teaching, Child & Youth Care, Social Work, Counselling, Human Services, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Pathologist, Physiotherapist, First Responder, Medical Care, and so much more.

Program placements are located at multiple different Summer Camp locations. Including, outdoor playground camps and recreation centres. WYLD Leaders must be flexible in their ability to complete their placement at either location. The one-day Police Leadership Certificate is located at The Saanich Police Department. 

• Eligible applicants must be completing Grade 8 or older in June 2025
• All WYLD Leaders must complete the Step One Program before applying to Step Two.
• This program receives a high volume of applications. Successful candidates have enthusiasm, show initiative, professionalism and have experience with leadership involvement in their community or school.
• All applicants must have an independent email address. We strongly encourage youth to communicate independently with our WYLD mentors. This is the first step to entering the world of employment.
• Interviews are held over multiple days and are one hour in length. Candidates who are offered an interview can choose what day and time works best for their schedule.

IMPORTANT DATES

Applications Accepted: April 1 to May 1, 2025
Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted. Candidates who receive an interview with our leadership coordinators will be notified by email with instructions and interview registration options.

WYLD Step One and Step Two Interviews are now complete. WYLD Police Youth Leadership Certificate interviews will be held the week of June 9th.

Step One: Learn to Lead - Mandatory Training Dates:

• June 4, 2025 from 5:00 to 9:00pm - Gordon Head Recreation
• June 17, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30pm  - Saanich Commonwealth Place

Step Two  - Mandatory Training Dates:

• June 4, 2025 from 5:00 to 9:00pm - Gordon Head Recreation
• July 2, 3 ,4, 2025 from 10:00am to 2:00pm - Saanich Commonwealth Place

Candidates who receive a placement must attend all of the training listed in the program descriptions. Due to the high demand of this program, successful applicants who cannot make the training could forfeit their placement.

WYLD PROGRAM COORDINATOR:

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