The Youth Excellence Society (YES Camp)

I first went to the YES when I was 16 years old. It was a large step out of my comfort zone as I had never attended a program like this before, and I was incredibly shy and nervous. As soon as I met other participants and staff members, I was welcomed to a space with open arms and a warmth I’d never experienced before. Attending this program at such a pivotal age has led to so much personal and professional growth in my life. The YES has taught me how to be a better leader, the beauty of vulnerability and the impact of positive connection. Through cooperative education and inclusive environments, The YES is a catalyst for empowering teens to recognize how capable and powerful they are, all while honing in on traditional summer camp fun: canoeing, hikes, campfires, yummy meals, swimming and more. This program changed my life, and I if I could find a way to get every young person to attend I would. I can’t thank The YES enough for being in my corner, and I hope they know I’m in theirs, always.

As a teenager, The Yes introduced me to a set of cooperative principles that became the core values which guide me every day as an adult. A team of incredible and inclusive staff shared concepts I'll never forget like 'I am loveable and capable' and 'feel the fear and do it anyways'. I also had so much fun! I played games, met so many new friends, and had a blast doing activities like swimming, dancing, hiking, and canoeing. Going to The Yes was foundational in my life, and for every teenager that experiences it today the world becomes a better place!

My experience at the YES camp was truly transformational. I attended for the first time when I was 15 and now, nearly 10 years later, I continue my work with this inspiring organization. Using cooperative education, the YES provides leadership skills training to teens in the most encouraging environment. At 15, this program taught me the importance of community by fostering care and respect between both participants and staff. I received invaluable lessons in communication, conflict resolution and self-awareness. I have taken these foundational skills (and many more) into my adult life and am so thankful for the experience. If you're looking for a place that cultivates inclusion and acceptance among teenagers all while instilling valuable life skills, you've found it!

it was really good, i wasn’t super happy about going because i wanted to stay home and just chill, and i didn’t want them to take my phone, but them taking my phone really helped enhance my experience and i didn’t even really feel the need to check my phone. everypony there is so nice and friendly which was really nice to be around and it helped me feel more confident. i want to go again this year and if someone is reading this review then you should go too it’s pretty fun

The YES is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. It has shaped me into the person I am today. The first time I went I was 12 and having a hard time with entering a new phase in my life. I was quite hesitant to go because it was my first time ever going away to a sleep away camp. But as soon as i met the staff and got to know my fellow campers, I fell in love with the place. I am so glad that the YES was there to provide a helpful guide in my teenage years. It’s a place full of acceptance, empathy, community and compassion. (oh and some really fun dance parties!) The community that you create at camp is one that stays with you forever. The YES is such a brilliant place to learn, grow and most importantly have FUN!!! I highly suggest it for any youth.

The Youth Excellence Society (YES Camp) is amazing!! I attended these programs as a teen and it gave me the foundational skills I needed to thrive in high school! I learned so much about myself and gained a new appreciation for my community through activities that were thought provoking and engaging. I cannot recommend this enough to any teen I come across!!

I would not be who I am today without this camp. I was very shy and unsure of who I was when I was first sponsored by my local Community Futures to be sent to YES camp. On the bus ride alone, I made 3 incredible friends who came from all across BC. One of which, despite living hours away, I am still close with almost 10 years later. The week that followed brought with it more connections than I could have ever imagined, each impactful in their own beautiful way. The support and encouragement from my new friends and the amazing staff allowed me to come out of my shell without fear of being judged or ridiculed. I developed a new sense of confidence and the impression lasted far past my week at camp. I enjoyed it so much that I practically begged to come back year after year. I even quit my job to come back for my final year because I couldn't get the time off. I fell deeply in love with this camp and the people that make it what it is.Even after all that I still couldn't get enough, so I came back as a staff member the following year. I witnessed firsthand the mind-blowing commitment and dedication that goes into creating the magic of YES camp. I also had the privilege of seeing folks arrive looking the same way I felt on my first day, and watching them experience the week that changed their lives.I've been to other summer camps in the past and there is nothing out there like YES camp.

When I was 14, I went to YES Camp for the first time. I was immediately embraced by acceptance and love, and experienced a truly inclusive community for the first time in my life. I also enjoyed the sessions that focused on communication and self awareness, which have both provided me with tools that I still use 6 years later. I went back to camp until I was 16 and now love going back each summer to give that experience to more youth.

I had the best week ever at YES camp. In just a week I had made friends that I felt like I had known my entire life. I was in tears when I had to leave after six days and I think about the experience everyday. I continue to speak with the friends I made there everyday. We're still best friends months later and constantly talk about the reunion, and how excited we are to see each other again. As soon as I found out I was going to yes Camp i counted down each day of the 163 days till i left. I continue to count down the days till my next week at YES camp.

oh man, where do i begin with YES ? i was sponsored my first year by prospera credit union(huge thank you) and despite being nervous at first, i met so many amazing people just on the bus ride alone. once i got to the actual camp, it got so much better. hiking, dance parties, getting to know everyone at the camp was such a huge step out of my comfort zone. i was always a shy awkward person but YES helped me find myself and my voice. because of them i discovered who i was and who i wanted to be. they changed my life for the better. they did so much for my confidence i went back two more times ! i loved every second of it, and no matter what was going on i felt accepted and appreciated. i learned valuable lessons about life and how to deal with difficult things. i wouldnt be where i am today if it werent for YES camp. thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone i met. some of us may have lost touch, but i know that no matter what the memories remain. if youre a parent looking for a place for your child to gain confidence and grow as a person, i highly recommend the YES.