FAQ's

Students, parents and teachers interested in leadership courses at OELC usually have a number of questions for us and we are happy to answer any inquiries that come our way. To help save you some time we have collected a number of questions that are quite commonly asked. Hopefully you can find the answers you are looking for on this page, but if not, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Who can apply for OELC’s leadership courses?

Our participants are students from across Ontario. Each leadership course is suited to different grades (between Grade 6 and Grade 12). See our Leadership Courses page for descriptions and details.

How do you apply for a leadership course?

You can apply online or download a registration form and send via mail, email or fax. The online and downloadable registration forms are available on each course outline page.

What happens if no one can drive me for my program?

Please email [email protected] or phone us at 1 705 689 5572 and we will make arrangements for you so that you can attend your program.

What time is drop off on arrival day?

Registration is between 1 and 1:30 pm. Students need time to get moved in to their cabins and to say their goodbyes before the courses start at 2pm.

What time is pick up on departure day?

Pick-up is generally between 8:30 am and 9 am (times may vary dependent on course). Some courses have a brief presentation for the families at 9 am.

How are the OELC uniforms used?

The Athletic Leadership courses require students to wear their uniforms for the whole program (thus the larger fee as they get a full uniform - t-shirts, sweatshirt, shorts). The other programs provide OELC t-shirts that are worn periodically for special guests/activities, banquet, photo, etc.

More OELC garments and merchandise is available for purchase at our tuck shop (ranging in price from $5 - $50).

What is your policy on students from the same school being in the same cabin?

Our philosophy is that students will have a more well-rounded experience if they are not in the same cabin with peers from their school. This encourages them to more readily meet people from other parts of the province and promotes equity through the cabin group. They, of course, can visit with their community friends at other times in the day.

What is your policy about cell phones and phoning home?

Cell phones are not allowed at OELC courses.  It is felt that this will detract from the experience and may promote, rather than deter, the possibilities of homesickness. All staff are teachers and will use professional judgment in any individual circumstance where a phone call home is deemed appropriate.

How do we contact the centre if there is an emergency after hours?

Our regular office hours are 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. In case of an after hours emergency, you can call our phone number (705-689-5572). If not answered directly please leave a message as we check these regularly and will return your call.

Do the students need to bring extra money with them?

OELC opens its tuck shop for students once each day to provide optional snacks, drinks, OELC clothing/specialty items. The prices range from $2 to $50. As a not-for-profit organization all of our proceeds go directly back into our programs. Tuck is not open on arrival days.

Where do you get your Teacher Facilitators and Leader Counsellors/ Youth Facilitators for your programs?

Each leadership course at OELC has its own dedicated and distinct staff (a Course Director, Program Coordinators and Teacher Facilitators). The teachers who staff our courses are selected based on their passion, commitment and understanding of leadership, their educational expertise, and their belief in students' potential for personal growth, development and positive impact!

Our elementary courses also have Leader Counsellors (LC)/Youth Facilitators (YF) who stay in the cabin with our students. Our LC’s/YF’s are selected from a fine group of OELC graduates who have demonstrated exemplary skills, compassion, reliability and maturity. Our student-to-teacher ratio is a maximum of 16 to 1.

We also a have full time qualified (24/7) medical facilitator on site for each course.

What are the fees for the programs used for?

We are a not-for-profit Centre and all of our program fees are used to offset the costs incurred with providing teaching staff, medical care, meals, safe and accessible grounds, accommodations, resources, etc. We have a volunteer board of directors who oversee the operations and ensure that all monies either go directly back to our programs or to helping other, less-represented students attend.

How can we help students attend who may not be in a situation to afford this opportunity?

As a not-for-profit Centre with the goal of providing quality leadership courses at an affordable price for all of Ontario's diverse student populations, we welcome your interest in supporting our programs. There are numerous ways in which you can help to provide and opportunity to a deserving student to “imagine their own possibilities and realize their potential!” All donation to OELC are tax deductible. If you would like to be part of this effort, please visit our Donations Page or contact us at [email protected] for further information.

What do we need to bring with us?

Click here for a list of suggested items to pack!