Youth Copilots
Youth Guiding Youth. Community Powered.
Youth CoPilots is a Hamilton‑based youth‑led initiative where young people support, mentor, and guide other young people through real‑life challenges, transitions, and goals. We believe youth don’t need to be fixed — they need to be heard, trusted, and empowered.
By pairing Lead CoPilots (trained youth leaders) with CoPilots (younger youth), we create safe, relatable, and practical support pathways that strengthen individuals and the wider community.
Our Why
Young people often turn to peers first — not because adults don’t care, but because shared lived experience matters.
Youth CoPilots was built on a simple idea: when youth help youth, support feels more authentic, accessible, and effective.
We focus on:
Connection over correction
Empowerment over dependency
Skill‑building over crisis response
How It Works
Youth CoPilots is built on simple, consistent connection — youth showing up for youth.
We match Junior CoPilots (ages 6–17) with Lead CoPilots (ages 16–29) for weekly meet-ups that are practical, fun, and relationship‑based.
This is not therapy or counselling. It’s mentorship, companionship, and everyday support — similar to a Big Brother/Big Sister model, powered by youth.
Weekly Match Meet‑Ups
Each matched pair meets once a week to do activities they both enjoy or find useful, such as:
Homework help or studying together
Playing pick‑up basketball, soccer, or other sports
Going for walks and talking
Working on school projects or resumes
Exploring hobbies, games, or creative interests
The goal is consistency, trust, and positive connection — not fixing problems.
Monthly Group Activities
In addition to weekly matches, Youth CoPilots hosts monthly group events to build community and excitement across the program.
These may include:
Bowling nights
Movie and pizza nights
Group sports days
Game nights or community outings
These shared experiences help youth feel part of something bigger while strengthening friendships and social skills.
Roles at a Glance
Junior CoPilots (6–17):
Youth who benefit from positive role models and extra support
Build confidence, skills, and connection
Participate in weekly activities and group events
Lead CoPilots (16–29):
Older youth who lead by example
Provide encouragement, guidance, and companionship
Gain leadership experience, responsibility, and community impact
Supporting Hamilton youth through peer mentoring and guidance.
Peer Mentoring
One-on-one support from trained youth mentors.
Workshops
Interactive sessions on life skills and confidence.
Community Events
Fun gatherings to build connections and belonging.
Empowering youth. Strengthening community. Building futures.
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