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 that 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.


Leadership 1

Ages: Grade 10 & Above
Location: Port Moody Rec Centre (Port Moody)
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.

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Class Registration Fee: $110.00

  • Skills Development Weekend
    February 14-16, 2025: $169.00

  • Community Engagement Weekend
    March 1-2, 2025: $169.00

  • Hike Day
    March 15, 2025: $19.00

  • Social Justice Workshop
    April 5, 2025: $64.00

  • April Day Camp Weekend
    April 11-13, 2025: $169.00

  • Leadership Paddle Day
    May 3, 2025: $19.00


Leadership 2

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.

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Class Registration Fee: $110.00

  • Out-trip: Winter Camping Trip
    January 25-26, 2025: $254.00

  • Community Engagement Weekend
    March 1-2, 2025: $169.00

  • Hike Day
    March 15, 2025: $19.00

  • Out-trip & Canoe Experience: Spring Camping Trip
    March 24-26, 2025: $349.00

  • Social Justice Workshop
    April 5, 2025: $64.00

  • April Day Camp Weekend
    April 11-13, 2025: $169.00

  • Leadership Paddle Day
    May 3, 2025: $19.00


Dave Stevens Scholarship

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Dave Stevens’ memory is celebrated with the annual presentation of the Dave Stevens Scholarship. Dave was a long-serving Executive Director at Sasamat and a beloved leader in the camping movement. He was instrumental in launching Sasamat Outdoor Centre into its modern-day era, stewarding the move from Camp Wallace to Sasamat. Dave served as a leader of summer camp within the Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC and championed the development of the Leadership program. He was a master level canoeist, and is fondly remembered by all as a lifelong advocate for youth and for the benefits of outdoor education.

The Dave Stevens Scholarship is a $750 scholarship, awarded annually to a Leadership One or Two graduate who has demonstrated significant contributions to their community, and who has been accepted into a post-secondary learning institute. The scholarship can be used to support the recipient’s post-secondary expenses.

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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.