Home » Programs & Services » Youth Retreats
Youth Programs
YWCA Edmonton is dedicated to empowering today’s youth with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. We provide a supportive environment where girls and gender-diverse youth can confidently discover their voices and shape their own paths to success. Join us in helping the next generation unlock their potential and create brighter futures.
Our Youth Programs equip participants with essential life skills, offering education in financial literacy, fostering healthy relationships, and promoting civic engagement. These foundational areas help young people navigate the complexities of today’s world with confidence and purpose.
Youth Retreats: Empowering Future Leaders
YWCA Edmonton’s Youth Retreats at Camp Yowochas offer transformative experiences that inspire, educate, and empower girls and gender-diverse youth. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wabamun, Camp Yowochas provides the perfect setting for participants to step outside their comfort zones, connect with nature, and build lifelong skills. Through engaging workshops, hands-on activities, and outdoor adventures, youth explore topics like STEM, financial literacy, and leadership—all within a supportive and inclusive community.
Guided by expert facilitators and mentors, these retreats foster confidence, resilience, and meaningful connections. Whether tackling a high ropes course, collaborating on problem-solving challenges, or reflecting by the campfire, participants leave with new knowledge, friendships, and a deeper sense of their own potential.
Our 3-day Youth Retreats are open to girls and gender-diverse youth aged 10-18. The cost is $100/participant, with subsidies available for those in need. Costs include food, accommodations, and activities. Bussing from Edmonton is also included in the retreat cost for those who don’t want to drive to Camp Yowochas.
For more information, please email Rylan Langkow at r.langkow@ywcaedm.org.
Join us for our upcoming Spring Retreats

Trade Up: Building Skills, Breaking Barriers | March 24-26
Trade Up is a special edition of YWCA Edmonton’s Youth Retreats that invites girls and gender-diverse youth aged 10-18 to explore exciting careers in the skilled trades. Through hands-on workshops led by inspiring women who have built successful careers in the trades, participants will gain practical skills, boost their confidence, and discover new career possibilities.
Beyond the workshops, participants will enjoy classic camp experiences like outdoor adventures, campfires, and team-building activities. Designed to break barriers and spark curiosity, Trade Up empowers youth to connect with peers, challenge stereotypes, and take the first step toward a future in skilled trades. Don’t miss this immersive, three-day retreat where learning, adventure, and connection come together.

Youth Retreat | March 28-30
YWCA Edmonton’s Youth Retreat invites girls and gender-diverse youth aged 10-18 to develop essential life skills while enjoying outdoor adventures and building lasting friendships.
Through interactive workshops, participants will gain confidence in public speaking, learn how to foster healthy relationships, and develop practical financial literacy skills. They’ll also take part in an Inspiring Trailblazer Session, where they’ll hear from a leader who has forged their own unique path. Between sessions, participants can enjoy classic camp activities, campfires, and the great outdoors, all within a safe and supportive environment. Designed to empower and inspire, this immersive retreat is the perfect opportunity for young people to explore new skills, connect with like-minded peers, and gain tools to navigate both personal and professional life with confidence.
YWCA Youth Programs are designed to:

Build Skills
including leadership, financial literacy, public speaking, and critical thinking.

Increase Awareness
of social issues while learning about community engagement.

Encourage Collaboration
in a safe space where everyone is respected and feels welcome.

With unwavering dedication, YWCA Edmonton is fully committed to providing support, education, and empowerment to today’s youth, helping them become confident, informed, and engaged leaders.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders
Empowering through Financial Literacy | In a rapidly changing economic landscape, financial literacy is crucial. Our programs teach youth the essentials of budgeting, saving, and smart financial planning, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to secure their financial futures.
Nurturing Healthy Relationships | Healthy relationships are the cornerstone of well-being. We guide youth through the intricacies of building respectful, inclusive, and supportive connections. Our safe spaces foster open conversations, where questions are welcomed, and guidance is freely given.
Inspiring Civic Engagement | Active, informed citizens are catalysts for positive change. YWCA Edmonton Youth Programs foster a sense of civic duty, empowering youth to engage in meaningful community initiatives, advocate for their beliefs, and become the change-makers our society needs.
Building Public Speaking Confidence | Effective communication is key to leadership. We provide opportunities for youth to develop their public speaking skills, helping them find their voice and share their perspectives with confidence.
Exploring Limitless Possibilities in STEM | Through our partnership with WISEST, we also explore the endless opportunities within STEM education, nurturing curiosity and fostering innovation.
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on all our programs and be the first to know when registration opens for our upcoming youth programs.