Youth Symposium

Preparations are underway for the 2026 Youth Symposium, tentatively scheduled for April 14, 15, and 16.

We’ll be sharing more details here as planning progresses. If you’re an educator or school administrator interested in participating, we encourage you to check back for updates and watch for an email from our team with registration information in the coming months. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact sheila.bauman@childwitness.com.

Our 2025 Youth Symposium was an amazing success! A total of over 3,000 grade 8 students and their teachers came from nearly 50 local public, Catholic, and independent schools for the 18th annual edition of this unique program. Learn more about what took place and check out our 2025 brochure for the list of speakers and what their topics were!

Adolescence can be an exciting but challenging time for many young people. Youth Symposium is a meaningful program that equips youth with confidence, inspiration, and empowerment to thrive – both now and well into the future!

2025 Dates and Locations

2025 Overview and Cost

Youth Symposium is held on three consecutive days, reaching over 800 grade 8 students and their teachers from Guelph and Wellington County on the first day, and an additional 2,200+ attendees from Waterloo Region on the second and third days. Since it began in 2003, this unique program has welcomed more than 40,000 students!

Some of the best speakers in the country for youth audiences deliver powerful presentations on issues like bullying, personal accountability, substance abuse, resiliency, risk taking, and healthy dating. These are all valuable messages for the physical, emotional, and mental health of students, as they prepare to begin high school. Each presenter uses a different style and approach that adapts to a variety of learning styles, ensuring the day’s messages resonate with everyone.

Students remain with their class and dialogue is encouraged between themselves, teachers, and presenters. By teachers participating with their students, the learning can more easily continue back in the classroom.

Feedback from Students

“It’s easy to make mistakes, but it’s how we move on from them that truly says who we are.”

“I realized that every decision I make, every step I take, I should reflect on my actions whether they be good or bad.”

“I liked how all the presenters had a story to tell, but they told it in different ways, and they related their stories to us in order to teach us something.”

“Very inspirational. The story that was shared made me believe I can achieve anything.”

“Love this! I want to come back again next year!”

Feedback from Teachers

“These opportunities are difference makers for kids. It can’t be found in a textbook.”

“Very empowering, worthwhile, touched on real issues happening right now in schools.”

“Dynamic, energetic, inspirational, humorous!”

“Excellent opportunity for students to understand that there is help, to hear information from presenters and community representatives that support school messages.”

“Awesome messages that were very heartfelt and relevant in the minds of Grade 8’s.”

2025 Youth Symposium Sponsors

Thank you to our 2025 sponsors for making this program possible and affordable for so many local youth!

EVENT SPONSOR

SPEAKER SPONSORS

VENUE & A/V SPONSORS

FOOD SPONSORS

We are grateful for everyone who has been part of Youth Symposium over the many editions it has run! The program has been successful through the dedication of presenters, teachers, volunteers, and sponsors.

For more information about Youth Symposium, contact Linda Mark at linda.mark@childwitness.com.