The Bulkley Valley Credit Union (BVCU) is offering to sponsor students for a life-changing summer camp experience.

The Youth Excellence Society (YES) camp is a week long leadership program focusing on the themes of self-awareness, cooperation, communication, leadership and global awareness. Students will develop leadership skills while canoeing, hiking, swimming and connecting with youth from around the province.

The BVCU will sponsor one student in each community where they have a branch, including 亚洲天堂 Lake, Hazelton, Houston and Smithers.

亚洲天堂 Lake resident Andre Dube participated in the camp in 2010 and described it as "one of the best weeks of his life."

Dube said he made about 60 friends during his time at the camp and still stays in contact with many of them via Facebook.

"Kids were from North Vancouver, Williams Lake, Vanderhoof, Delta, Burnaby, Surrey... all over B.C.," he said.

Besides canoeing, kayaking, swimming and hiking, Dube said there were also night activities planned such as dances, bonfires and talent shows.

Another important part of the camp is "reflecting." In small groups, participants sit in a comfortable and quiet location to discuss issues that they feel are important.

"I learned how to express myself and be comfortable around new people," said Dube. "I definitely want to go again."

The YES is a charitable, non-partisan organization that provides leadership training to British Columbia鈥檚 youth through the support of the province鈥檚 co-operative and credit union movement. For over 45 years, the YES has provided a unique learning experience for over 10,000 young people.

The YES offers roots programs for 14-16 year olds and pathways programs for 16-18 year olds. Camps will be taking place at Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island in July and August of 2015.

Registration fee of $675 for the week at camp as well as an additional $650 toward travel expenses will be paid by Bulkley Valley Credit Union to the successful applicant.

Anyone interested should submit their application as soon as possible.

For more information about this opportunity, visit www.theyes.ca or call Sandy Dore at the Bulkley Valley Credit Union, 250-692-7761.