Youth L.O.V.E. host their inaugural Youth Leadership Camp

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Sunny South News

By S.C. Baysa
Pinoy Hour

Years prior to the occurrence of this event, within a convention launch report the Alberta Fil-Can Leaders Association (AFCLA G10+) unveiled their recent project, aimed at enhancing the association while simultaneously establishing the foundational elements of leadership among today’s youth, Youth L.O.V.E. (Leaders Organizing Volunteers Engagement). 

After AFCLA G10+ introduced its youth leaders with Genesis L. being the head of this youth division along with the rest of the core members and while they were cultivating the leaders of the future through their first training program (May 31- June 1, 2025), the Youth L.O.V.E. team was diligently at work behind the scenes on a project aimed at promoting the dissemination of leadership across various communities once again, as well as discovering impactful methods to showcase their Philippine culture. 

At the peak of the warm summer season in Alberta, from July 25 to 27 at the Deer Valley Meadows Campgrounds, Youth L.O.V.E. revealed their ambitious project to date, the Youth Leadership Camp & Arts Caravan.

The project saw the significant support of more than 125+ members, consisting of mentors, volunteers, and youth participants, as well as delegates from Southern Alberta (Lethbridge & Taber). Communities from Banff, Airdrie, Calgary, Trochu, Three Hills, Red Deer, Olds, Fort Saskatchewan, Edmonton, Lloydminister, Grand Prairie, Sundre, and Rocky Mountain House were also present along with designated group guests Action Dignity, FRIENDS (Filipinos Rising for Inclusion and Equity to Nurture Democracy) and MCHBC (MultiCultural Health Broker Cooperative).

The three-day camp was enhanced by fruitful activities, along with a variety of delightful games and dishes that originate from the Philippines. During those meetings, various topics concerning leadership and methods to make a difference in local communities of all types were introduced, with the core members guiding these discussions. Regarding the Arts Caravan, mentors were present to assist participants in developing and refining their artistic skills in painting, poetry/creative writing, dancing, and music. These were presented on stage and in front of their parents, volunteers, and fellow peers who attended the camp.

The hard working president of Youth L.O.V.E., Genesis L., sent out his heartfelt appreciations: “I just want to thank you for all the participants, all of our volunteers, all of our supporters and funders. We just want to give you guys a big shout out and a thank you for coming and for participating at this Youth Camp.”

Southern Alberta delegate for Lethbridge and the secretary officer of Youth L.O.V.E., Yesha U., mentioned: “It’s very rare for youth all over Alberta to come together and connect and work on their leadership and make new connections that they otherwise wouldn’t have.”

Also, the Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), MP for Mississauga-Streetsville and Minister of Women & Gender Equality, Rechie Valdez, left an inspiring video message: “The work you’re doing is so important. Whether it’s sharing ideas, building leadership skills and creating space for your voices. Gatherings like this Youth Camp are more than events. They’re a powerful reminder of the strength and the potential of our young Filipino Canadian leaders. I encourage you to continue dreaming boldly and working together to build the future you all want to see.”

Following the conclusion of the Youth Camp and Arts Caravan, an abundance of positive feedback was collected. The Youth L.O.V.E. team has eagerly commenced the development of their next youth-led project.