Launch:
youth leadership

Since 1990 , Launch has been inspiring and training youth from 13 to twenty-something. Launch is an educational journey where youth learn communication and leadership models, along with models of the self and social interaction relevant to their own cognitive, emotional, and social development. After the training, the youth apply these skills with group facilitation, feedback hands-on as they support the leadership in the KITS programs. Based on current developmental peer-reviewed research, Launch supports youth to discover their leadership strengths in a practical hands-on setting while at the same time tackling problems associated with social media, identity development, their relationship to their own potential and other environmental pressures facing youth today. Together the youth of Launch, the children of KITS and their caregivers form a community mimicking an ancient human village. In the villages of yore, people of all ages developed crucial skills and vital cultures together. The benefits of these programs are long-term and life-changing – so much so that several participants attending KITS and Launch today have parents who have graduated from the program!

2026 Upcoming Dates

The Haven on Gabriola Island, BC
Mini Launch – March 20-22, 2026
Launch: June 28 – July 3, 2026

register today

HOW It works

Launch is a powerful leadership development process that begins with learning.

Our Launch youth leaders take part in deep self-reflection, self-expression, experiential learning, and leadership exercises. They learn developmental models, communication skills, and coaching techniques.

Next, they take what they’ve learned and apply it to a real-world situation by supporting the children participating in the KITS program. KITS, or Kids in the Spotlight, is a 5-day performing arts program that enables kids of all ages to gain social skills and self-confidence by creating a musical production. Launch youth leaders coach, teach, train, and supervise KITS kids, helping them to explore their creativity in therapeutic, life-changing ways.

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“As a grandparent I am so keen to provide opportunities that foster independence, creativity, compassion, friendships of all ages, confidence, all in an environment of healthy living and relationships to my granddaughters that I feel privileged to be a part of the KITS adventure… all that happens in our 5 day sojourn is a wonder. The memories will last a lifetime.”

Karin Sipko
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“As a grandparent I am so keen to provide opportunities that foster independence, creativity, compassion, friendships of all ages, confidence, all in an environment of healthy living and relationships to my granddaughters that I feel privileged to be a part of the KITS adventure… all that happens in our 5 day sojourn is a wonder. The memories will last a lifetime.”

Karin Sipko

Activities that
build dynamic
leadership

Launch youth leaders take on leadership roles in both small and large groups. They facilitate discussions. They lead activities like games, acting, and dancing. They teach lessons on respect, friendship, and boundaries. Along with honing their group facilitation skills, youth leaders learn and practice creative skills in theatre, including script-writing, music editing, costume and prop preparation, lighting, stage management, choreography, and directing.

Benefits

  • Excellent work experience with both children and peers
  • Volunteer experience, satisfying school graduation requirements
  • An understanding of their own leadership style
  • Conflict transformation strategies
  • Increased confidence
  • Increased social interaction skills
  • Increased self-awareness
  • Increased identity achievement
  • References for moving into post-secondary education
  • A Volunteer certificate
  • A Youth Leadership Diploma
  • A possibility to become a paid apprentice or assistant

Looking to APPLY?

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