Safe spaces. Trusted relationships. Opportunities that help youth thrive.
At BGC Greater Halifax, youth programs are designed to support young people during the most important years of growth and identity development. Through mentorship, skill-building, leadership opportunities, and inclusive community spaces, we help youth build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging.
Our programs provide safe environments where youth can explore interests, develop life skills, and connect with caring adults and peers.
Why Youth Programs Matter
Adolescence is a critical period where connection, opportunity, and positive relationships can shape lifelong outcomes.
BGC Greater Halifax youth programs:
- Promote mental wellbeing and belonging
- Support academic success and future planning
- Provide safe alternatives during after-school hours
- Strengthen social skills and positive peer networks
- Offer early intervention and prevention supports
Through consistent mentorship and inclusive programming, youth develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate challenges and reach their goals.
Our Programs
Academic Success & Future Pathways
Programs support youth through tutoring, mentorship, and goal-setting supports that help youth succeed in school and prepare for life after high school graduation. Youth gain access to study skills, academic assistance, and supportive adults who encourage achievement and personal growth.
Focus areas
- Homework help & tutoring
- Post-secondary and career exploration
- Goal-setting & life skills
- Mentorship relationships
These programs are offered as part of the Learn On program with BGC Canada and generously funded by Scotiabank and Enterprise Mobility.
Sackville Peer Tutoring
Delivered in partnership with EPIC Charity, Sackville Peer Tutoring provides structured academic support and mentorship for youth in the Sackville community.
Based on a 1-on-1 mentorship model, Peer Tutoring creates opportunities for youth to support one another’s academic success in a welcoming and collaborative environment. Older youth volunteers provide homework help, study support, and encouragement to younger members while building their own leadership, communication, and mentoring skills. The program strengthens confidence, reinforces learning, and fosters positive peer relationships across the community.
When: Mondays, 4pm-6pm (every week until the end of May)
Students and Tutors are welcomed with a snack at 4pm. Between 4pm-5pm, Students and Tutors work together on homework or other academics. Once the first hour is over, another snack is provided. Between 5pm-6pm, Students and Tutors participate in group-based leadership activities facilitated by our staff.
Where: The Den, Sackville Public Library
Who: While some exceptions can be made, students should be in grades 7-10, and Tutors should be in grades 11-12 or 1st or 2nd year post-secondary.
To sign up: We are no longer accepting Student Referrals or Tutor Expressions of Interest for this program in the 2025/26 school year. Check back here, or sign up for our Youth Programs Email List to learn when registrations open for the 2026/27 school year.
Dartmouth Peer Tutoring
Delivered in partnership with EPIC Charity, Dartmouth Peer Tutoring provides structured academic support and mentorship for youth in the Dartmouth community.
Based on a 1-on-1 mentorship model, Peer Tutoring creates opportunities for youth to support one another’s academic success in a welcoming and collaborative environment. Older youth volunteers provide homework help, study support, and encouragement to younger members while building their own leadership, communication, and mentoring skills. The program strengthens confidence, reinforces learning, and fosters positive peer relationships across the community.
When: Thursdays, 4pm-6pm (every week until the end of May)
Students and Tutors are welcomed with a snack at 4pm. Between 4pm-5pm, Students and Tutors work together on homework or other academics. Once the first hour is over, another snack is provided. Between 5pm-6pm, Students and Tutors participate in group-based leadership activities facilitated by our staff.
Where: BGC East Dartmouth (East Dartmouth Community Centre), 50 Caledonia Rd
Who: While some exceptions can be made, students should be in grades 7-10 and Tutors should be in grades 11-12 or 1st or 2nd year post-secondary.
To sign up: We are actively recruiting for Students and Tutors for the remainder of the 2025/26 school year! Students should fill in a Referral Form and Tutors should fill in an Expression of Interest.
Mentorship in Medicine
Presented in partnership with Dalhousie medical students, Mentorship in Medicine introduces youth to careers in healthcare through mentorship, hands-on learning, and exposure to medical and health sciences fields. Participants connect with professionals and post-secondary mentors while exploring pathways in medicine, wellness, and community health. The program helps youth expand their future possibilities while building confidence, curiosity, and leadership skills.
Learn more about our Mentorship in Medicine program here: Mentorship in Medicine
The Way ONward
This Way ONward prepares youth for future employment through hands-on work readiness experiences, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities.
In partnership with Old Navy, participating youth take part in a two-day program:
- Day 1: job shadow shift at a local Old Navy store, gaining real-world experience in a retail environment while networking with store managers and staff
- Day 2: participate in mock interviews with hiring managers
In addition to these hands-on experiences which are faciliated by our partners at Old Navy, BGC Greater Halifax provides additional job readiness training, including résumé development, interview preparation, and workplace skill-building. Youth who complete the program receive special consideration for employment opportunities at Old Navy locations across HRM, helping them take confident steps toward meaningful employment and independence.
Who: Youth 13 years and older*
*to be considered for a role with Old Navy after the job shadow and mock interview, youth must be 16
When: June 13 and 20, 2026, 12pm-2pm
Where: Old Navy, Mic Mac Mall
To sign up: We are not yet accepting registrations for these program dates. Check back here, or sign up for our Youth Programs Email List to learn when registrations open.
Leadership & Personal Development
Youth build confidence and leadership capacity through hands-on experiences that encourage responsibility, teamwork, and community engagement.
Programs focus on providing:
- Youth leadership opportunities
- Volunteer and employment readiness
- Peer mentorship
- Decision-making and communication skills
These experiences empower youth to see themselves as leaders within their communities.
Junior Volunteers and Junior Leaders
The Junior Volunteers and Junior Leaders Program empowers youth to take an active role within their Club community. Participants support programs, mentor younger members, and develop leadership, responsibility, and teamwork skills. Through volunteering and leadership opportunities, youth gain valuable experience, build confidence, and learn what it means to give back and lead by example.
Who: Youth ages 13 and over
When: Junior Leaders and Junior volunteers are onboarded seasonally, based on our ASP (after school program) and summer camp seasons:
1) During the ASP season (September-June), shifts take place from 3:30pm-5:30pm
2) During the summer (July-August), shifts take place between 9am-5pm
Where: One of our four Club sites
To sign up: We are currently accepting Junior Leader Applications and Junior Volunteer Expressions of Interest. Applications will close on May 17th, 2026.
The Real Ones Rise (Summer Youth Development Camp)
The Real Ones Rise is a youth-led summer development camp designed for youth who want to build leadership skills, explore their future goals, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
This program brings youth together during the summer for interactive sessions featuring guest speakers, field trips, and community-engaged service learning experiences. Participants develop confidence, leadership capacity, and real-world skills while connecting with peers and mentors in a supportive environment.
Who: youth 13-18
When: TBD
Where: TBD
To sign up: We are not yet accepting registrations for these program dates. Check back here, or sign up for our Youth Programs Email List to learn when registrations open.
Youth Outreach & Community Connections
BGC Greater Halifax works beyond Club walls through outreach relationships with schools, families, and community partners.
Our outreach model allows staff to:
- Engage youth who may not access traditional programs
- Provide early intervention and mentorship
- Support youth experiencing barriers or risk factors
- Connect young people to additional services and resources
This continuum of support strengthens protective factors and promotes healthy youth development across Halifax communities.
Safe Spaces, Drop-in Programming & Wellbeing Supports
Our Clubs prioritize safety, inclusion, and belonging. Youth spaces at BGC Greater Halifax offer opportunities to connect, create, and have fun in safe, supervised environments. Trained staff create environments grounded in trauma-informed practice, positive youth development, non-violent crisis intervention, inclusive and welcoming programming.
Activities may include:
- Arts & creative expression
- Sports & recreation
- Cooking and wellness programming
- Cultural and community celebrations
Youth know they have trusted adults they can turn to — often becoming the protective relationship that makes the biggest difference.
Dartmouth North Youth Drop-In Nights
Drop-In Nights provide youth with a safe, welcoming space to connect, relax, and be themselves. Youth can participate in recreational activities, creative projects, games, and informal mentorship opportunities while building friendships and positive relationships with trusted staff. Drop-in programming offers consistency, belonging, and safe alternatives during evening hours when youth benefit most from supportive community spaces.
Who: youth ages 13-18
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6pm-8pm
Where: BGC Dartmouth North, 60 Farrell Street
To sign up: No pre-registration is required. Youth are welcome to drop-in during the above times. Membership forms will be handed out upon attendance, and must be returned during their next drop-in session. Membership fees are waived for drop-in.
East Dartmouth Youth Drop-In Nights
Drop-In Nights provide youth with a safe, welcoming space to connect, relax, and be themselves. Youth can participate in recreational activities, creative projects, games, and informal mentorship opportunities while building friendships and positive relationships with trusted staff. Drop-in programming offers consistency, belonging, and safe alternatives during evening hours when youth benefit most from supportive community spaces.
Who: youth ages 13-18
When: Fridays, 6:30pm-9pm
Where: BGC East Dartmouth (East Dartmouth Community Centre), 50 Caledonia Rd
To sign up: No pre-registration is required. Youth are welcome to drop-in during the above times. Membership forms will be handed out upon attendance, and must be returned during their next drop-in session. Membership fees are waived for drop-in.
Want to stay up-to-date on what programs are being offered?
Each of the above programs accepts registration at different times throughout the year. When registrations open, information will be posted to this page.
The best way to stay up-to-date is to sign up for our Youth Programs email list: BGC Greater Halifax Youth Programs Email List Sign-Up
Further questions can be directed to:
Madison Laurin
Director of Youth Programs
📧 madison.laurin@bgcgh.ca
📞 782-414-0320