Adolescence can be an exciting but challenging time for many young people. Youth Symposium is a meaningful program that equips youth with skills, confidence, inspiration, and empowerment to thrive – both now and well into the future!
Important update: Child Witness Centre has made the difficult decision not to run the 2023 Youth Symposium. Our staff and volunteers were looking forward to welcoming 4,000 grade 8 students and teachers to the 17th annual edition. This disappointment comes after the pandemic forced us to cancel in 2020, 2021, and 2022 as well.
Youth Symposium is held on three consecutive days, reaching almost 1,500 grade 8 students and their teachers from Guelph and Wellington County on the first day, and an additional 3,000 attendees from Waterloo Region on the second and third days. Since it began in 2003, this unique program has welcomed more than 37,000 students!
Some of the best speakers around deliver powerful presentations on issues like bullying, personal accountability, substance abuse, resiliency, risk taking, and healthy dating. These are all important topics for the social, 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.
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.”
The program is 100% accessible and affordable, thanks to our sponsors. 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. To learn more about Youth Symposium, check out the 2019 brochure.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of Youth Symposium over the 16 years it has run! The program was successful through the dedication of presenters, teachers, volunteers, and sponsors. Its future will be determined during our 2023-24 operating plan development.
For more information on Youth Symposium, contact Linda Mark at [email protected].