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!
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.
Community Meal (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.
For more information send us an email.
Locations: Chaplin (Cambridge), A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener) and Stratford.
Check location schedules for program times. Registration required.
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 send us an email.
Locations: Stratford.
Check location schedules for program times. Registration not required — drop in anytime!
Just Hangin' Out (Ages 13 – 25)
Cost: $150
Designed to provide a safe and inclusive place where youth ages 13 to 25 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.
We have made some updates to our registration process, which now includes an intake conversation/meeting. This conversation will give our team an opportunity to meet/chat with you and your youth, and learn more about who they are and how we can best support. Once you have completed the registration form, our team will reach out to you to schedule either an in-person meeting or a phone call to complete the intake process. Your participation in this intake meeting will help us tailor our program to suit the specific needs of your youth.
For more information email Brianna.
Locations: Chaplin (Cambridge).
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 email Ibti or Feden.
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 email Ibti or Emily.
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener) and Stork (Waterloo).
Check location schedules for program times.
Empower Hour
Cost: Free!
This program is for girls and female identifying youth to find a safe space for moving their bodies and discussion to empower their spirit, body & mind. This program consists of a 45 minute movement circuit and discussion lead by our staff driven by our youth on topics like body positivity, combating negative self-talk, mental health and more.
For more information email Angelica.
Locations: Chaplin (Cambridge) and Guelph.
Check location schedules for program times. Registration required.
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 Brianna.
Locations: Guelph YMCA.
Check location schedules for program times and dates.
TAPPS is supported by:
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), and A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener).
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 send us an email
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:
February 7 – February 24, 2024
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!
