Leadership Programs

Supporting young people to become exceptional leaders has been the heart of Sasamat Outdoor Centre’s work since our beginning, dating back to Camp Wallace days. Sasamat’s Leadership programs have evolved over time to meet the needs of today’s youth.

Leadership is a two-year program for youth in grade ten or above which emphasizes personal growth. It’s a program that develops one’s skills, confidence and resumé to step into a first job, post-secondary education, or leadership role in a school community. More importantly, every year a group of youth come together to learn, and they leave with an incredible community of their own, forging lasting friendships.

Ages: Grade 10 & Above
Location 1: Port Moody Rec Centre (Port Moody)
Location 2: Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House (Vancouver)
Leadership One Dates: January 2025 – May 2025

Leadership One Pricing Structure

* To initially register, students are only required to pay the class registration fee. All additional weekend events and workshops can be registered on a rolling basis once the program begins, up to three days before the start of the event. Students are encouraged to attend all events, however if they are unable to they should review the graduation requirements to decide which events they would like to attend.

Prerequisite: Leadership One or equivalent experience
Location: Douglas College Coquitlam Campus
Leadership Two Dates: January 13, 2025 – May 13, 2025

Leadership Two Pricing Structure

* To initially register, students are only required to pay the class registration fee. All additional weekend events and workshops can be registered on a rolling basis once the program begins, up to three days before the start of the event. Students are encouraged to attend all events, however if they are unable to they should review the graduation requirements (link to section below) to decide which events they would like to attend.

Eligibility

The Scholarship is open to graduates of Sasamat Outdoor Centre Leadership One and Two programs who are currently enrolled in or have been formally accepted to, post-secondary education in a university, college or vocational setting. While the Dave Stevens Scholarship is not primarily an academic competition, evidence of strong scholastic achievement is important. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a significant contribution to the community at large. 

Application Process

Applications are to be submitted online. Applicants will be prompted to create an account and upload the required documentation. Applications can be submitted from May 1 - July 31 annually. 

Required Documentation: 

1. A digital copy of your Leadership I or II graduation certificate to upload. 

2. A personal essay (500-1000 word limit) which highlights your academic, professional, or personal leadership achievements and contributions to your community. 

3. Two letters of reference that attest to your leadership qualities, experiences, or qualifications. Suitable letters of reference include those from a teacher, employer, guidance counsellor, volunteer supervisor, church official, or coach. Note that letters of reference from family members or personal friends are not accepted. 

4. A copy of your current educational transcript from a recognized post-secondary institution. If you have been accepted to a post-secondary institution and will be beginning your program in the fall, a copy of your acceptance letter is acceptable. 

A sub-committee of Sasamat Outdoor Centre’s Community Board of Directors will select the recipient based on merit and qualifications.

Application Deadline

The Dave Stevens Scholarship application deadline is July 31 annually. The selected recipient will be notified by September 30.