The Youth Excellence Society (YES Camp) - Lake Cowichan, British Columbia

Karen Q.

If you have a teen that needs a fun summer camp—this is your sign. This isn't just like any other summer camp, this one will change your child's life forever.

I attended this camp as a high schooler many moons ago and it changed my life. The YES taught me so many important lessons that I still carry with me, share with others, and practice today. The impact that this camp has had on me led me to returning 10 years later as staff.

As a staff member, it is amazing to see this community grow and find their roots. Youth who start in grade 8 end up being staff and they show authentic kindness and leadership.

Some of the best people in my life are from The YES. They model authenticity, actively practice inclusion and equity, and have crisis intervention skills. The staff at The YES are incredible role models.

If you're having any doubts, just say yes.

Tomas R.

This camp has been one of the greatest parts of my year for the past 3 years in a row. Whenever you go here you are meeting new friends and genuine people. The YES's atmosphere is welcoming and open, and I have learned so much about myself, my emotions, and skills for making change and taking initiative within this world. The YES is uniquely positive, and manages to give you a lifetimes worth of lessons within a week. There are also scholarships and bursaries available, and this camp has always been very accessible to all. Please consider coming here.

Jacob D.

Attending the YES Camp as a teenager was one of the single most important events in my life. The lessons and environment based on compassion, respect and understanding have forever shifted my perspective almost ten years later and the tools I've gained from the program I still use to this day. The Youth Excellence Society is doing some of the most necessary work needed in this world, and I will forever be grateful I was able to take part.

Bhavani B. M.

Given the national state of adolescent psychological health, the impacts of social media and the power of innovative community, this camp is absolutely invaluable for the lives it touches. I cannot recommend The YES and it's programming enough. I've worked here as a Camp Counsellor for two years. Not only have I witnessed teens be transformed before my eyes but my life has also been changed. I am a more skilled facilitator, communicator and most of all, I am more myself! Sign up, sign your kids up, donate! This place is having a HUGE positive impact on the world through the lives they touch and you're invited to join in on the fun!

Saige H.

It is so incredibly hard to put camp into words I’ve gone for 3 years and I still can’t express how beautiful it is! Every time I come home and my family asks how it was I smile so big but I still can’t express it to them because you just gotta experience it. Every kid wants a place in there life where they can feel safe, feel heard, feel appreciated and be themselves, and that’s camp. Kids also want something they can look forward too when they have struggles going on at home they want a sense of hope and that’s also camp, you can always look forward to an amazing and empowering week at camp. I wouldn’t have met my best friends if I didn’t go to this camp, I wouldn’t have been able to let my bottled up emotions out without camp. This camp isn’t just about getting away for a week and having fun, it’s also about community. We’re taught important and powerful life lessons and tools we can use in our future that have truly helped me in so many ways. YEScamp helps you express yourself and allows you to share your thoughts and struggles without feeling alone and misunderstood. This camp has healed me in many ways and has brought the friends I’ve always wished for, it’s the highlight of my summer and I’m forever grateful for what this camp has done for me. I’m telling you this camp is the most magical place for any kid!

Atticus R.

The YES Camp has changed my life in so many unimaginable ways. It has given me not only a community but a sense of support and acceptance that I do not have in my everyday life. Being a part of the YES Camp has meant the world to me and I truly hope to continue to be a part of the program whether it be as a camper or one day as a councillor.

Jackson C.

It's one of the places I'm always looking forward to each summer. When I go their, I'm always looking to see past friends, I've made their, or to make new friends from all over the province, my bestest memories are from the Yes camp. I'm so glad that I can go to the Yes camp, and I hope I can become a camp counselor/ leader this year, and more. The Yes camp showed me so many people I would have probably never meet, I'm glad I went and have such a awesome time.

Tamarynn C.

My niece looks forward to YES camp all year long. When I ask, "do you want to go again this year" it is always a "YESSSS!". For a 16 year old to be that excited about anything especially something that does not include cellphones is so refreshing & truly warms my heart. Thank you for all the amazing work you do to create community YES!