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Youth leadership programs

Youth leadership programs

Earning a LEAD or Nature LEAD Certificate is fun and gives students credibility, recognition and opportunities at school, work and in the community. Developing and practicing leadership skills opens doors to success in the future!

Benefits of taking our leadership courses

  • Acquire valuable leadership skills they can put into action.
  • Demonstrate increased self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth.
  • Become more involved in the community and caring for the environment.
  • Meet like-minded youth and develop meaningful relationships.

Fall registration dates

Due to repair closures and annual maintenance and cleaning, registration has been split into two waves. Facilities currently closed for repairs:

  • Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre
  • Canyon Meadows Aquatic & Fitness Centre
  • Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic & Recreation Centre

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Certifications and first aid

Registration is ongoing

Start Date | End Date

All locations

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Programs, classes & camps

Wave 1: preview schedules

Start Date | End Date

All locations except those closed for repairs

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Category Icon and Label

Programs, classes & camps

Wave 1: registration begins

Start Date | End Date

All locations except those closed for repairs

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Category Icon and Label

Programs, classes & camps

Wave 2: preview schedule

Start Date | End Date

Bob Bahan, Sir Winston Churchill and Canyon Meadows Aquatic Centres

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Programs, classes & swim lessons

Wave 2: registration begins

Start Date | End Date

Bob Bahan Aquatic Centre

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Programs, classes & swim lessons

Wave 2: registration begins

Start Date | End Date

Canyon Meadows and Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic Centres

  • Wave 1 - Programs, classes and lessons begin in September.
  • Wave 2 - Programs, classes and lessons begin in October but could change based on reopening dates.
Registration on each date begins at:
 
  • 6 a.m. — Online (virtual waiting room opens at 5:30 a.m.)
  • 8:30 a.m. — By calling the Customer Service Centre at 403-268-3800 (option 1)
  • During business hours — At any City-operated Aquatic & Recreation or Arts facility

Types of programs

You can register online, in person at our Recreation facilities, or by calling
403-268-3800.

  • LEAD

    LEAD is The City of Calgary's youth leadership certification program. Develop and practice leadership skills while earning credibility, recognition and opportunities at school, work and in the community. Participants are required to complete 20 hours of practicum experience and will receive a certificate once completed. Make a difference, and become tomorrow’s leaders!

    Ages: 11 - 15 years

    Prerequisite: none

  • LEAD 2.0

    Available until the end of August

    LEAD 2.0 is The City's next step leadership program for youth. Graduates of LEAD can enhance their leadership skills, exercise their critical thinking, develop job skills, and discover the positive impact they can have in their community. Participants must have completed LEAD or Nature LEAD to be eligible to register for the program.

    If you would like to register for LEAD 2.0, please contact socialprograms@calgary.ca to express interest. a

    Ages: 11 - 18 years

    Prerequisite: LEAD

  • Nature LEAD

    Nature LEAD is a Parks leadership program for youth 11 - 15 years old. Participants will make new friends, learn lifelong skills and discover how they can make a difference in their community and environment. Earning a Nature LEAD Certificate is fun and gives students credibility, recognition and opportunities at school, work and in the community. Developing and practicing leadership skills opens doors to success in the future!

    Ages: 11 - 15 years

    Prerequisite: none:

About our instructors

Our Calgary LEAD instructors have completed a Police Information Check, including vulnerable sector search verification and are cleared to work with Children and Youth.

LEAD staff are trained in several areas including inclusion, Principles of Healthy Child Development and are experienced in working with youth. They are also all certified in Intermediate First Aid and CPR

What are classes like?

Classes will be a combination of learning information and group activities and games. Participants will get the chance to apply the techniques they learned in class.  Activities may take place indoors or outdoors.

Opportunities for practicum experiences are also included. This gives participants a chance to get hands on experience putting their leadership skills to work.

Come prepared

All LEAD programs may have indoor and outdoor components. Please bring the following:

  • Completed Program Participant Information Form and LEAD waiver from the community programs section of the forms and waivers page
  • Appropriate and comfortable clothing for the weather
  • Pen and pad of paper for taking notes
  • Snacks and food
  • Plastic or metal water bottle

More information

For LEAD program information or if your organization would like to be trained in facilitating the LEAD program, please call 311, or inquire online

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