Welcome back to the world of YLCC!
It was a journey to get here, or I guess back here. 32 years ago, I took a tour of a camp property with 3 friends. We had NO idea the journey that would begin. It has been full of so many UPS and downs, twists and turns, countless lessons and what's most important is hundreds (maybe thousands) of friendships that would not exist if summer camp didn't start! So many leadership journies that began with those summer camp experiences.
That’s a powerful thought. It’s the reason that why we decided to keep YLCC going. We have changed from a full summer of camp to what we call our summer session. It a chance to keep the camp spirit and the powerful tools and connections that are made at YLCC alive.
I want to share something important I have learned over this past couple of years.
People change. Continuously. They evolve.
The beauty of coming to camp is you are able (have the opportunity) to change. In life, the more you know, the more you experiences you have and the mistakes you make you can learn from, will make you who you are... but only if you choose to let them shape your future self.
The YLCC program helps campers to make these choices and learn these lessons through the tools we teach them and the community we build around them.
We only have about 80 spots each summer, and we hope you decide to join us. Registration filled months in advance for the past 3 years so don't wait to register for 2026. It’s a great experience in a wonderful place with an incredible team of leaders.
See you in Summer 2026,
Stu Saunders
Founder and Head Gardener
Meet Our Directors
Founder and Head Gardener
Stu Saunders
Stu founded Youth Leadership Camps Canada (YLCC) in 1992 with a dream of having a fun summer with some friends. Now, over 3 decades later, this dream has grown to include several conferences, events and experiences under the umbrella of Peregrine leadership which has interacted with over 3 million people. In 2018, Stu was awarded the Barry Sharp award for Leadership Excellence, the highest award given in Canada for educational leadership development.
Associate Director
Dave ORNJ Graham
Although his official title is Associate Director, ORNJ is best described as the Director of Joy. Part of the YLCC family since it began in 1993, he’s a retired high school teacher and longtime Students’ Council advisor who loves to laugh and learn alongside our staff and campers. ORNJ is committed to bringing the magic to YLCC!!
Assistant Director
Emma Griffin
Hello everyone, I’m Emma!
I enjoy life spent outside and in good company, which is why I’ve been part of the YLCC family for 15 years. Based in Victoria, BC, I spend my days running by the ocean, cycling through dense forests, and playing guitar. In my first year of medical school, I continue to meet the world with a curious spirit, and integrate leadership into all that I do. I’m thrilled to be returning to camp, and looking forward to connecting with all of you!
Administrative Coordinator
Christine Fry
CFry and her pugs, Leo & Maisy, have been a part of the YLCC family for what feels like forever and Beau joined the pack in 2024. Since 2012 CFry has been the machine that keeps everything running in the background with YLCC and Peregrine Leadership. She is once again so excited to be a part of the annual summer session and keeping the magic going.