Equipping the Next Generation

Highlights from the Youth Leadership Training Program 2025

The Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) has just wrapped up an inspiring and transformative week at the beautiful Canterbury Hills in Dundas, and the energy from this year’s cohort is still buzzing. With 20 enthusiastic participants (between the ages of 12–15) from across the diocese, we saw the return of an incredible and growing community that is bringing renewed hope to the future of youth ministry.

After the challenges posed by the pandemic, the program is gaining momentum, thanks in no small part to the dedicated team of seven volunteers who worked hard to re-imagine the curriculum to align with the needs of today’s younger generation and the diocesan vision to be Christ-centered, hope-filled, and missionally-focused.

This year, youth were invited to reflect on where they fit in God’s story, explore the qualities of leadership exemplified by Jesus, and discover the gifts they already possess as well as those they wish to cultivate. Alongside engaging guest speakers and thought-provoking discussions, the program emphasized hands-on spiritual practices, creative and meaningful forms of prayer and worship, and the vital role of compassion in action, particularly in the interest of justice ministries.

As we celebrate the success of this year’s YLTP, we honor the dedication of the participants, including two Year 3 graduates who remained steadfast through the challenges following the pandemic. Their commitment not only helped encourage and uplift the younger cohorts but also ensured the continued legacy of the program. Below, they share their reflections on what this experience has meant to them, and we hear from one of their leaders about the impact of this year’s training.

Darla Smith (Year 3)
During my time at YLTP I made amazing memories, great friends and have had so much fun. In my first year, I arrived with little leadership knowledge. Now, in year 3, I’m leaving with so many lessons and new skills. YLTP has helped make me into the person and leader that I am today. I want to thank my year group leaders, Emily Hill and David Anderson, for all the talks and help with understanding my own faith. Our small group discussions were so helpful and have contributed greatly to my faith journey. I also want to thank Sarah and Donna, the coordinators who always make me laugh and are such a great presence, for all their efforts towards the program. Lastly, I want to thank my year group family, who have made a great environment, and I love how much we bonded. We have come such a long way and have grown so well together over our 3 years. If there was one thing, I learned from YLTP I would say it was to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. In life there are going to be situations where you’re going to be uncomfortable but you’re going to have to learn that in order to grow you have to take a step outside of that comfort zone. Even though I have to say goodbye, which makes me a little sad, I want to say YLTP has and always will be a staple in my life, and I will never forget the friendships, memories, and family I have made during my time. Thank you so much YLTP!

Chris Huang (Year 3)
In my three years of YLTP, the most prominent value I gained was to embrace challenge. From all awkward year group meets where no one spoke, to volunteering in high ropes, all it takes is one person to step up to make a difference. One’s actions influence the tone and energy of the rest of the group, putting leadership on full display.

YLTP provided me and many others with the opportunity to step up and lead people through. An example of this is, sometimes when a year group leader would ask a question, there would be a long awkward silence, but it only takes one person to embrace the fear in that moment to illustrate the brilliance in the rest of the group. I am grateful to YLTP for challenging my comfort zone, encouraging me to step out of it, allowing me to embrace the difficult things in life and not to be scared to express myself. Everyone in this space has brilliant ideas, which the wonderful leaders at YLTP brought out of us.

YLTP also taught me how to appreciate things more. This program brought such a beautiful and diverse group of people who bring such positive energy which makes me appreciate the simpler things in life. The vast sky with shining stars, the food which makes my belly stretch to Mars. The silly conversation and TikTok’s made, the beautiful prayers bringing tears to my face. All these things I appreciate, YLTP is truly, so great.

Special thanks to Emily Hill and David Anderson, as they made YLTP a warm place to be, raising and nurturing our year group to be amazing individuals, and overall being such great help to all of us. Special thanks to Donna for hosting YLTP, keeping us organized and providing opportunities for the kids here to grow spiritually and as leaders. Your efforts are much appreciated. Thank you to everyone in the YLTP family for making this such a fun experience. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to leave the parking lot, but I also would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little emotional last night, knowing the next morning would be my last day. All that being said, let’s give thanks to God, and may he bless us all.

Emily Hill (Cohort Leader)
Three years ago, I was just stepping into my role as Parish Development Missioner for the diocese when I was invited to experience YLTP as a mentor and year group leader. I jumped at the opportunity, believing wholeheartedly that teenagers are at the heart of God’s mission in our churches, neighborhoods, communities, and cities.

Walking alongside the six youth in my cohort as they grew—not only in leadership but in faith and a deep commitment to living that faith in their daily lives—has been one of the greatest joys of my time in the diocese. I am so proud of them: for the care they show to those around them, the hope they carry for a better world, the joy and enthusiasm they bring, and the courage they have to trust in God and follow where God is leading. Their faith is not passive—it is active, lived, and deeply rooted in a desire to make a difference.

God has abundantly blessed the Church with these young leaders and the many others who are connected to our parishes and missions, and I urge us all to continue investing in their growth and well-being.

We sincerely thank the volunteers and the diocese for their ongoing support and prayers offered to the Youth Leadership Training Program. Your encouragement has been vital in fostering an environment where young leaders can grow in faith and leadership.

To learn more about the program, to donate to the bursary fund, or to register for YLTP 2026, please email Sarah Bird sarah.bird@niagaraanglican.ca .

Your continued support is deeply appreciated as we look forward to another year of transformation.