Youth Program
Offerings
Ages 13 – 21
A safe, welcoming, supportive, and inclusive space just for YOU.
Our Youth Programs have been created in consultation with youth across our Three Rivers’ communities (Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region). Through these FREE and paid programs, youth are provided with the chance to make new friends, develop new skills, grow into their potential, and get involved in their community
Out and About (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
This free program offers a weekly safe, private, and inclusive space for youth ages 13 to 18 who identify as Two-Sprit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Intersex, Asexual or Questioning to be themselves, connect with friends, engage with the community, and have fun! Each week we alternate enjoying a recreational activity and learning about new skills or resources from guest speakers. Each week also includes a FREE light meal, where participants help with cooking and clean up, and bus tickets to access the program.
Basketball – Teen Ball (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
A great place to hang out with your friends and shoot some hoops. Improve your skills and just have fun. All skill levels and abilities welcome.
For more information send us an email.
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener), Chaplin (Cambridge), Guelph, Stork (Waterloo), and Stratford.
Registration not required — drop in anytime! Youth are able to access Teen Basketball only and are not able to access the fitness facilities. Fitness facilities can be accessed by purchasing a day pass.
Check location schedules for program times.
Cook. Connect. Community. (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Cook, bake, connect, and have fun! Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or already love cooking, this program offers a chance to create simple meals and delicious sweet and savoury baked treats while learning practical culinary skills. Youth can relax in the Teen Zone, enjoy free food and snacks, play games, listen to music, and connect with friends. Participants can also earn volunteer hours through meal prep, cooking, and clean up while learning how to make quick, affordable meals at home.
For more information send us an email.
Locations: Chaplin (Cambridge), Guelph, Stratford
Check location schedules for program times. Registration required.
Youth Swim (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Grab your swimsuit, towel, and friends and join us for a fun night at the pool! Whether you want to swim, float, splash around, or just hang out, everyone is welcome. This free drop-in program is a great way for youth to connect, stay active, and have fun — no membership or registration required.
For more information send us an email.
Locations: Stratford Family YMCA.
Check location schedules for program times. Registration not required — drop in anytime!
Just Hangin' Out (Ages 13 – 25)
This program runs twice a month and provides youth with a supportive, inclusive space to build independence, social‑emotional skills, and confidence through hands‑on experiences. Each three‑hour session includes time spent preparing and sharing a meal, participating in structured social skill‑building activities, and engaging in physical movement.
Youth are supported by staff to safely develop cooking and life skills, deepen self‑awareness and communication through interactive activities, and explore movement in ways that build confidence and
respect individual abilities. The program offers consistent, year‑long engagement in a predictable environment where youth can connect with peers, develop new skills, and grow at their own pace.
For more information send us an email now.
Locations: Chaplin (Cambridge) and Guelph.
Check location schedules for program times.
Moving Black Lives Forward (Ages 13 – 21)
Cost: Free!
An 12-week program providing a safe space for Black Youth ages 13 to 21, to develop awareness, preparedness & wellness within themselves and their community. The program focuses on topics such as wellness and self-care, leadership development, financial literacy, civic duties, legal rights, education, entrepreneurship and career development.
For more information send us an email now.
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener).
Check location schedules for program times.
Newcomer Youth (Ages 13 – 21)
Cost: Free!
The Newcomer Youth Program empowers youth ages 13 to 21 who have recently arrived in Canada with the knowledge and tools to successfully integrate and settle to Canadian society. The program introduces youth to the community, and provides them resources and opportunity to make meaningful connections with peers in a fun and inclusive environment.
For more information send us an email now.
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener) and Stork (Waterloo).
Check location schedules for program times.
Teen Drop-in Zone (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
The Teen Drop-in Zone at the Chaplin Family Y in Cambridge is a space just for YOUth! Drop by anytime the Teen Zone is open to relax, enjoy a game of pool or table tennis, grab a nutritious snack, or explore the computer lab and music room. Youth Workers are on site to connect with you and foster a safe environment for all.
For more information send us an email now.
Locations: Chaplin (Cambridge), and A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener).
Check location schedules for program times. Registration not required — drop in anytime!
Youth Girls Sports (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Dedicated to fostering the athletic and personal growth of female identifying youth, the Girls Sports program aims to create a supportive community and safe environment where participants can engage in various sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, badminton, and more. Participants can be beginners looking to try a new sport for the first time, or can come with skilled sports backgrounds — all are welcome!
During the two hour program 1 hours will be spent in the gym while participants engage in active sports, while the remaining 1 hour will be spent in the Teen Zone where there will be a platform for open discussions about female identity, female experience in sport and their shared experiences.
For more information email our youth program team.
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener).
Check location schedules for program times. Drop in anytime to check out the program, and sign up today!
Making and Mending (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Unleash your creativity and learn how to stitch, sew, embroider, and crochet. Learn how to take basic materials and transform them into beautiful, functional creations!
Monday 6-8pm
Locations: Stratford YMCA.
Check location schedules for program times. Drop in anytime to check out the program, and sign up today!
Back on Track (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Back On Track ( Grades 7–12) is a 3-to-5-day referral program that supports students who have been suspended or are at risk of suspension due to behavioural concerns. The program provides students with an opportunity to step back from the school environment and engage in a positive, restorative experience that
maintains a strong and consistent focus on academics. Through the development of meaningful relationships and a reliable support network, Back On Track helps students transform time away from school into a constructive experience that promotes personal growth, social skill development, autonomy, and independence, with the goal of reducing future suspensions and disciplinary actions. This program is offered in collaboration with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, Guelph–Wellington Catholic District School Board, Avon Maitland District School Board, and the Huron–Perth Catholic District School Board.
Monday 6-8pm
Locations: Stratford YMCA.
Check location schedules for program times. Drop in anytime to check out the program, and sign up today!
Get involved!
Visit the Youth Program Schedules page to see which locations offer these programs and when you can drop in next!