“Disciples of Christ, Serving at the Dawn of a New Century”
Where Leadership is Forged, Not Taught.
The Columbian Squires is the premier leadership development program for Catholic young men (ages 10-18) in Ontario, backed by the Knights of Columbus.
More Than a Youth Group. We Are a Proving Ground.
Forget everything you think you know about "youth groups." The Columbian Squires is a real, functioning, youth-led organization. Our members don't just participate in events; they run them. They don't just sit in meetings; they chair them. They don't just manage a task; they manage a real budget.
We provide a "leadership laboratory,” a safe but challenging environment where young men can build real-world executive skills, a deep sense of civic and spiritual duty, and a powerful brotherhood of peers.
The Squires Advantage: What's In It For You?
Build an Unbeatable Resume
Gain tangible, executive-level experience that sets you apart. Learn project management, financial literacy, and public speaking in a hands-on environment.
Fulfill Your Service Hours
Our program is structured to provide active members with 125+ hours of community service annually, easily exceeding school requirements through meaningful and impactful projects.
Find Your Brotherhood
From local social events to major provincial conventions, the Squires is a tight-knit community where you will build a powerful network and lifelong friendships.
Deepen Your Faith
In a world that often challenges our beliefs, the Squires provides a supportive, faith-aligned environment to explore what it means to be a modern Catholic man.
The Ontario Squires is a robust organization comprised of a Provincial Board of Directors (youth and adult leaders who govern the province) and 15 local "Circles" across Ontario. This structure provides a unique, multi-layered opportunity for leadership, from a local Circle Bursar to the Provincial Chief Squire.
Our Commitment to Safety
The safety and well-being of our members is our absolute highest priority. The Columbian Squires is a program of the Knights of Columbus, an organization with a 140-year history of service. We operate with a comprehensive youth protection policy that includes:
Mandatory Vulnerable Sector Screening for all adult mentors.
Strict two-deep leadership protocols.
Comprehensive liability insurance.