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

GRADE 8+

To apply, please first read all of the information below, then scroll down and select the program that is right for you. Applicants must be finishing Grade 8 in June of 2026.

WYLD Leadership Summer Program

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.

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.

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.

Important Dates

Applications Accepted: March 1 to April 1
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.

Interviews:
April 7, 8, 9 and 10 from 4:00 to 9:00pm at Saanich Commonwealth Place

• Interviews will run over the course of the dates and times listed above. However, individual interviews run over the course of one hour only and on one day.

Step One: Learn to Lead - Mandatory Training Dates:

• June 3: 5:00 to 8:30pm at Gordon Head Recreation Centre
• June 29 and 30: 10:00am  to 2:00pm at Saanich Commonwealth Place

Step Two: Mandatory Training Dates:

• June 3: 5:00 to 8:30pm at Gordon Head Recreation Centre
• Option  A – July 2 and 3: 10:00am to 2:00pm at Saanich Commonwealth Place
• Option B – July 30 and 31: 10:00am to 2:00pm at Saanich Commonwealth Place

Placement Confirmation: April 15, 2026
Candidates who receive a placement must attend all the MANDATORY training listed in the program descriptions. Due to the high demand of this program, successful applicants who cannot make the training may forfeit their placement.

WYLD PROGRAM COORDINATOR:

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