Youth Programs

Drop-in operates from 6:30 – 8:30, Monday – Thursday

East Dartmouth – 50 Caledonia Road

Please stay tuned for more information.

Sackville – 45 Connolly Road

Please stay tuned for more information.

Spryfield – 11 Aldergrove Drive

Please stay tuned for more information.

We offer programming for various ages and needs to support healthy youth development in Sackville, Dartmouth North, East Dartmouth and Cole Harbour. Services include:

• Drop-in for youth to hang out with peers in a safer space to connect and get support.
• Emergency response to help address significant risks and immediate crisis.
• Outreach to meet youth where they are and where they feel most safe.
• Support to navigate and interpret systems and services.
• Referrals and linkages to better access diverse opportunities, resources and networks.
• Family work to build relationships through support sessions for families and loved ones.

We offer 3 unique streams of programming:

Outreach (General)

Youth who are 16-24 years old experiencing risk factors, and who may, or may not be connected to Child Welfare programs.

Sexual Violence Prevention

Youth who are 12-19 years old and who are at risk of being subjected to or perpetrating sexual violence.

Youth in care

We accept referrals for youth 12-19 years old in the Minister’s care, including temporary and permanent care.

Here is what to expect:

Voluntary & Open Door. You get to decide how, when and if you want to participate in YOPs. Know that being involved in YOP is voluntary and you can change your mind. You can opt in or out of programming, you can take a break, or possibly change Youth Outreach Workers (YOW) or Service Providers. Know that your safety, feelings of safety, and well-being are important at all times.

Led by you. Your preferences will help decide which supports and services you receive. Know that you
are considered an expert in your own journey, that you are in the driver’s seat, and that the YOP supports and services are tailored to meet your individual needs. Having a great, collaborative partnership with your YOW is key.

What’s in it for you? YOPs offer a lot of different supports and services in the community. They have workers that support teens with all kinds of things; organizing fun activities, help finding jobs, developing new skills, finding housing, meeting new people, learning about and exploring yourself and relationships,
participating in community, and more.

For more information or to make a referral please contact: Reanna Macdonald, Director of Youth Programs at: Reanna.MAcdonald@bgcgh.ca or (782-414-0320)

BGC Greater Halifax Clubs is seeking passionate youth who enjoy interacting with children to join our Junior Leader Volunteer Program. As a Junior Leader, you will assist our Program Leaders in delivering exciting programs to our members. This is a great opportunity for youth to develop leadership, teamwork, and job skills, and to contribute to any mandatory volunteer requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Work with camp groups to assist staff with daily programming.
•  Help implement the daily schedule, ensure members’ overall well-being and engagement in activities, and provide a positive role model to our members at camp.
• Help with the set-up, clean-up and other aspects of daily activities/programming.
• Find own transportation to and from our Club sites, Dartmouth, Spryfield, and Sackville.
• To complete mandatory volunteer commitments and have their volunteer hours signed, must attend all scheduled sessions.
• Follow the BGCGH cell phone policy and leave phone in a designated area during camp hours.
• Volunteer opportunities available during Summer and March Break camps and PD Days.

Requirements:

• Must be between the ages of 13 and 15 years old (13 years old by May 31st, 2023)
• Must commit to a minimum of two weeks of volunteer work. Volunteer schedule to be determined by Club Manager (dates/times will vary and will be based on volunteer capacity).
• Additional weeks will be considered based on the number of successful applicants.
• Must attend a mandatory training session before the start of the program (must be available during the week of June 24th – June 28th.
• Must enjoy engaging and playing with children.

Application process:

• Interested individuals should apply by Monday, May 29th by sending a one-page essay to jointheteam@bgcgh.ca about why they want to volunteer and what skills they would bring to the role. Please include name, age, contact information for a parent/guardian and your preferred Club location.
• Applicants with chosen essays, are required to interview with our Volunteer Coordinating team before a final decision is made.
• Upon registration, volunteers will receive a welcome package, that outlines expectations and responsibilities along with a BGCGH volunteer T-shirt.
• The number of junior volunteers accepted into the program is limited due to space constraints

Raise The Grade is an academic success and life skills after-school program for youth in grades 7-12. Youth in this program will focus on achieving academic and personal goals, as well as having the opportunity to explore personal interest opportunities, with the support of staff, volunteer tutors, and mentors.

We aim to encourage youth and support families by giving them free access to tutoring, technology, and a supportive environment.

This program currently operates every Tuesday afternoon from 3:30pm – 5:30pm at the Dartmouth North site.

BGCGH is excited to be partnering with EPIC Charity to offer tutoring services in the Sackville community.

Every Thursday from 2:45 – 3:45 pm, participants will enjoy games and activities after which, staff will provide nutritious snacks for the participants. Tutoring will take place from 3:45 – 4:45 pm, followed by a second nutritious snack. Mentoring will follow until 5:45 pm and will involve 1-to-1 games, group games, art, music, or physical activities. Throughout the 2 hour period from 3:45 – 5:45 pm, participants will remain paired with their volunteer for tutoring, snack, and mentoring activities.