Youth Programs
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.
2SLGBTQ+ (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Expressing your true identity with confidence is KEY to growing into strong and engaged community members. Created in consultation with 2SLGBTQ+ youth, this program has been designed to create safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for all to live as their authentic self. This NEW program offers a safe, inclusive space for youth who identify as Two-Sprit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, or Questioning to connect weekly. The program includes recreational drop-in time and targeted programming focused on interacting with friends and adult allies, and to connect with resources. Each weekly session also includes a community meal, where participants help with cooking and clean up.
For more information email Emily.
Locations: Chaplin (Cambridge)
Check location schedules for program times.
Basketball – 3v3 Tournament (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Show off your basketball skills and win it all! Register as team of three or as a free agent in the gym with one of our youth workers upon arrival. Each team is guaranteed two games, and the winning team will walk away with prizes.
For more information email Emily.
Locations: Stratford
Check location schedules for program times.
Basketball – KW Titans Skills Academy (Ages 9 – 18)
The KW Titans Skills Academy inspires young athletes ages 9 – 18 to bring their game to the next level with training from Professional Basketball Coaches and Professional Basketball Players from the Basketball Super League (BSL), former National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC), and other Professional Basketball Leagues around the world. The KW Titans Skills Academy Program will be offered in 7-week sessions, as well as weekend, holiday break and summer break pop-up Skills Academy Sessions.
Program participants will be training with professional basketball players and coaches in small group sessions loaded with game-tested strategies. Athletes of all skill levels are encouraged to build their basketball skills and create lasting memories, whether they dream of a professional hoops career or just love the game. The uniquely small coach-to-player ratio means more direct coaching and opportunity to improve skills and apply them to in-game action.
This program is open to players of all skill levels ages 9 – 18 years, including non-members and current YMCA members. YMCA members receive a 10% discount on the program cost.
Program Details
Titans Skills Academy will offer one-on-one and small group sessions, allowing young athletes to learn higher-level skills from KW Titans coaches and players, and apply them in game situations. Coaches will lead participants through a variety of different skills and drills. Focus will be on the practical application of the following areas:
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Shooting Mechanics
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Footwork
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Creating Space
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Finishing
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Individual Scoring
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Ball Handling
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Passing
KW Titans Skills Academy Program Schedule
4-Week Mini Session — November 27 to December 18
Join us for a 4-Week Mini Session of Titans Skills Academy to sharpen your skills. This session will have an emphasis on shooting.
Player registration will still be accepted after the session start date.
Fees will be pro-rated based on when the player joins the program. Register using the links below. Having trouble registering? Email Gavin to reserve your spot.
Cost:
Ages 9 – 12
Members — $133.20
Non-members — $148
Ages 13 – 18
Members — $150.52
Non-members — $167.24
Mondays — Guelph YMCA
KW Titans Skills Academy – 4-Week Mini Session
Dates: November 27 to December 18, 2023
Ages 9 – 12: 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Register
Ages 13 – 18: 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Register
Tuesdays — Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge)
KW Titans Skills Academy – 4-Week Mini Session
Dates: November 28 to December 19, 2023
Ages 9 – 12: 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Register
Ages 13 – 18: 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Register
Wednesdays — A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA (Kitchener)
KW Titans Skills Academy – 4-Week Mini Session
Dates: November 29 to December 20, 2023
Ages 9 – 12: 7:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Register
Ages 13 – 18: 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Register
Thursdays — Stork Family YMCA (Waterloo)
KW Titans Skills Academy – 4-Week Mini Session
Dates: November 30 to December 21, 2023
Ages 9 – 12: 7:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Register
Ages 13 – 18: 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Register
Coming Late Fall – Stratford YMCA
Dates are coming soon for the KW Titans Skills Academy Program that will be starting at the Stratford YMCA late fall – stay tuned! For further details regarding programming in Stratford please email Melissa.
How to Register
Registration for this program takes place via our online portal.
If you are a YMCA Member: Please have your member portal login ready before proceeding.
If you are a Non-Member: Please have the details of the player that you are registering, as well as payment information ready.
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Registration link: KW Titans Skills Academy | 9 - 12 Years
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Registration link: KW Titans Skills Academy | 13 - 18 Years
Contact Information
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For KW Titans Skills Academy information and questions, please email Coach Suleiman.
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For information regarding the YMCA + KW Titans partnership, please email Gavin.
Basketball – Teen Ball (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free for all members and non-members!
Coaches: This programs is co-lead by the KW Titans and the YMCA. Coaches include YMCA Youth Basketball staff, and KW Titans professional coaches and players.
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), 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.
Community Meal (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Staff and youth join together to prepare and enjoy a nutritious family-style meal. Join in on discussion, play some games, and just hang out with friends. This program takes place at the Cambridge Teen Drop-in Zone on Wednesdays.
For more information send us an email.
Locations: Chaplin (Cambridge)
Check location schedules for program times. Registration not required — drop in anytime!
Film & Float (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Join us once a month for our Film & Float program. Enjoy a movie and pizza, and then hop in the pool during youth swim.
For more information email Emily.
Locations: Stratford
Check location schedules for program times. Registration not required — drop in anytime!
Financial Literacy (Ages 13 – 19)
Cost: Free!
The YMCA is proud to introduce Financial Literacy Programming, sponsored by Manulife. Through financial literacy programming, children and youth will learn how to manage their money and make well-informed financial decisions, both today and in their future. From understanding the terms of a student loan or the actual cost of a new cell phone contract, participants will experience first-hand the impact of effective, daily financial management in achieving long-term goals.
Food Sense (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
It doesn’t matter if you know your way around the kitchen, want to learn to cook or are just looking for a fun night out — this class is for you! Make a simple nutritious meal, learn hands-on cooking skills, and enjoy a family-style meal of the delicious food you’ve prepared.
Please note, Food Sense now runs at the Stratford YMCA.
For more information email Emily.
Locations: Stratford
Check location schedules for program times. Registration not required — drop in anytime!
Just Hangin' Out (Ages 13 – 25)
Cost: $140
Designed to provide a safe and inclusive place where youth ages 13 to 21 with varying abilities can interact with their peers, practice positive social skills, and develop life skills. Just Hangin’ Out includes recreation opportunities, hands-on learning, interactive activities, and personal development with an emphasis on character building, health and well-being, and life skills. A family style meal is provided each week with the opportunity for participants to help with preparation.
For more information email Emily.
Locations: Chaplin (Cambridge), Guelph
Check location schedules for program times.
Moving Black Lives Forward (Ages 13 – 21)
Cost: Free!
An 8-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 email Ibti.
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 the resources and the opportunity to make meaningful connections with peers in a fun and inclusive environment.
For more information email Ibti.
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener), Chaplin (Cambridge), Stork (Waterloo)
Check location schedules for program times.
Safe Sisters
Cost: Free!
Designed to provide a safe space for girls and female-identifying youth to learn about and discuss personal safety and positive well-being in terms of their community, their own body and social media. Enjoy activities and conversations with your peers, and YMCA Youth Workers, discussing everything from day-to-day life to a variety of issues facing youth today. Together we’ll cook a nutritious meal and complete an activity and discussion about the weekly topic. Once a month, we’ll do a physical activity outdoors or at the Guelph Y.
Each week offers a new theme based on relevant issues participants are facing in their neighbourhood, their schools and their personal lives. Topics include body image, self-esteem, substance use, self-harm, mental health and wellness, importance of physical health, personal boundaries, nutrition, social media, life skills, positive relationships and more.
For more information email Florencia or Charlie.
Locations:
Shelldale Family Gateway — Grades 7 – 10 (Runs during school year, paused for summer)
Tuesdays 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Join us after school at the Shelldale Family Gateway (20 Shelldale Crescent, Guelph).
Register by phone: 519-824-8498
The Grove Hubs — Ages 12 – 26
Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Registration is not required — drop in anytime!
Sharing Our Voices (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Sharing Our Voices is an intergenerational program that brings high school students and people living with dementia together through storytelling and art experiences. This program gives participants the opportunity to build social connections and explore collaborative creative processes. Art pieces created as part of this program will be showcased throughout Waterloo Region.
For more information email Emily.
Locations: Stork (Waterloo)
Check location schedules for program times.
Soccer (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Join us for drop-in Soccer in the gymnasium. Pass, shoot, and score while you meet new friends and build your community. All abilities and skill levels welcome.
For more information email send us an email.
Locations: Stork (Waterloo)
Check location schedules for program times. Registration not required — drop in anytime!
Teenage Parents Program (Ages 14 – 25)
Cost: Free!
Are you a young parent looking for help finishing school, getting a job, or finding child care? Or maybe, you’re just looking to connect with other young parents who understand the challenges (and joys) of parenting. Our TAPPs program, offered in partnership with the YWCA, fosters a safe space where pregnant and parenting youth age 14 to 25 can find a sense of belonging and community.
Learn about topics like child development, nutrition, stress management, budgeting, healthy relationships, behaviour management, goal setting and more through weekly activities. At TAPPs you’ll find support from your peers, Youth Workers, and resources for you and your children. Free child minding and a meal are provided every session.
For more information email Florencia.
Locations: TAPPs is offered at the 10C Shared Space (42 Carden St., Guelph) on Mondays
and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Registration not required — drop in anytime!
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.
Locations: Chaplin (Cambridge)
Check location schedules for program times. Registration not required — drop in anytime!
Teen Strength Academy (Ages 13 – 15)
Cost: Free!
Getting and staying active isn’t easy. The biggest barrier is not necessarily the activity itself, but knowing which moves and exercises will help you reach your goals. But not anymore! Teen Strength Academy is a four-week exercise coaching program taught by a personal trainer designed for youth looking to develop and maintain healthy habits, increase strength, endurance and flexibility, as well as meet new friends and have fun! All fitness levels and experience welcome.
For more information email Emily.
Locations: Stratford
Use the link below to register. Change the week of the schedule to the start date for each session to register.
Session 1:
October 3 - October 24
Session 1:
November 21 - December 12
The Grove Hubs (Ages 13 – 24)
Cost: Free!
The Grove Hubs are your one-stop-shop for youth mental health and wellness. By youth, for youth.
When you walk into any of The Grove Hubs locations, you’re greeted by another youth, just like you, who chats with you and lets you know what’s happening. You can choose if you want to get involved in anything today. And maybe you do. Or maybe you don’t. But you know it’s there if and when you’re ready.
For more information email Charlie.
Locations: Guelph
Check location schedules for program times. Registration not required — drop in anytime!
Y Mind (Ages 13 – 30)
Cost: Free!
Our free Y Mind Teen Program offers support to teens ages 13 to 18, and youth ages 18 to 30, for those who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or stress. Y Mind participants learn evidence-based coping skills based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and self-compassion, and connect with peers who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings.
Youth Drop-in (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
A great place to drop-in and hang out with your friends. Engage in conversation, games, and even grab a snack on us!
For more information for the Stratford location email Emily.
For more information for the Guelph location email our youth program team.
Locations: Stratford
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 1.5 hours will be spent in the gym while participants engage in active sports, while the remaining 30 minutes 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!
Youth Grant Initiative (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free! Dinner is provided.
Dates:
Monday September 25, Tuesday October 3, and Tuesday October 10
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Stratford YMCA
Have an idea for a project that would help other youth? What to make a positive impact in your community? We want to help! Join us for a 3-week program where YMCA staff help guide participants through interactive planning sessions, assisting them in crafting compelling grant proposals for the United Way Huron-Perth's Youth in Action Grant. Through this program, youth will not only have the chance to secure $1,000 in funding but also cultivate essential life skills while creating meaningful change. By actively participating, attendees will also earn 6 volunteer hours, contributing to their personal growth and community development. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your ideas into impactful projects that make a difference in your communities!
Not sure if this opportunity is for you? Join us for the first week to learn more! Youth do not need to commit to attending all 3 sessions right away. Before the second session, youth will be asked to sign a commitment promising to attend the final two sessions and participate in their project later in the year if it is selected by United Way as a grant recipient.
Register using the link below.
For more information email Charlie or Emily
Locations: Stratford
Check location schedules for program times.
Youth Sports (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Do you like being active and trying new things? In this multi-sport program, you'll get to play different sports each week, while meeting friends and having fun. Have a sport you want to try? Send us your suggestions! All skill levels and abilities welcome.
For more information for the Stratford location email Emily.
For more information for the Chaplin (Cambridge) location email our youth program team.
Locations: Chaplin (Cambridge), Stratford
Check location schedules for program times. Registration not required — drop in anytime!
Youth Swim (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Enjoy all the pool has to offer during this swim time just for YOUth to enjoy the pool with friends. Aquatic admission standards apply.
For more information email Emily.
Locations: Stratford
Check location schedules for program times.
Youth Vertical JUMP (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
This highflying youth program is designed for ages 13 to 18, with a focus on unlocking your dunking potential! Your expert coaches will lead you through specialized training, honing your vertical jump, agility, and explosive power for those epic slam dunks. Join a supportive community of aspiring dunkers, challenge yourself, and witness your dunking abilities reach new heights.
For more information email gavin.horne@ytr.ymca.ca
Locations: Guelph
Check location schedules for program times. Registration not required — drop in anytime!
Special Events
In addition to our regularly scheduled programming, we offer Special Events throughout the year that are catered to the interests of youth in our community.
Have an idea for a Special Event? Email our youth program team.
Newcomer Meet and Greet (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Dates:
Monday October 16, 2023
Monday November 20, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Stratford YMCA
We invite you to join us at our Newcomer Meet & Greet event! Learn about The YMCA of Three Rivers current Newcomer Youth Program, engage with the Newcomer staff team, forge friendships with fellow Newcomers, and collaboratively envision the ideal Newcomer Youth Program for Stratford while earning 2 volunteer hours.
For more information contact Emily or Ibti.
Registration not required — drop in anytime!