Youth Programs

• BGC Greater Halifax has lots of exciting opportunities for youth to get involved this summer!
  • Junior Volunteers
    • Are you interested in gaining some experience by volunteering with BGC Greater Halifax this summer? Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/dpPP43chRN
  • Junior Leaders (Rising Leaders)
    • Are you an existing volunteer with BGC Greater Halifax? Do you want to showcase and continue to grow your confidence & leadership skills in a supportive setting (and get paid to do it!)? BGC Greater Halifax is looking for two of our existing Junior Volunteers (aged 15 and up) to join and support our team of summer camp leaders in 2025!
    • View the job posting and apply here.
  • Junior Leaders (Skilled4Success):
    • Are you a youth (aged 15-17) who wants to build confidence and leadership skills in a supportive setting? Do you want to get paid to work with kids, play games, and have fun outside this summer? BGC Greater Halifax is looking for enthusiastic and responsible Junior Leaders to join and support our team of summer camp staff in 2025! This is a great opportunity to develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while making a positive impact on campers’ experiences.
    • View the job posting and apply here.

A 3-Part Mental Wellness Series

Rest: The Ultimate Life Hack – Tuesday, March 4, 6:00pm-7:30pm

In partnership with Teen Night @ Cole Harbour Library (51 Forest Hills Pkwy, Dartmouth)

Did you know that sleep is essential for your mental health? Join Wellness Therapist Fantanesh Attomsa to learn about the connection between rest and wellness and give us tips on how to level up our sleep (and our mental health!). There will be free food, engaging activities and all participants will leave with a goodie bag curated to help support your sleep and wellbeing!

Ages 13 and up

Paint for Mental Health – Tuesday, March 18, 5:00pm-7:00pm

In partnership with Teen Night @ Alderney Gate Library (60 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth)

Join us to gather, relax, and enjoy the flow of creating! We’ll paint as a group, learning and practicing painting techniques. Painting is a great way to de-stress, encourage creativity and practice self-care, and by doing it as a group we can encourage social connections which are important for our wellbeing. Let’s take a break from our busy lives, engage in a facilitated conversation about ways we can support our mental health, and make a gorgeous piece of art to take home. There will be free food, and all participants will also leave with a goodie bag curated to inspire your creativity!

Ages 13 and up

Storytelling and Reflection for Wellness – Thursday, March 27, 6-7:30pm

In partnership with Sackville Public Library Teens Night (636 Sackville Dr, Lower Sackville)

Storytelling has always been a powerful tool for connection, healing, and understanding. In many Indigenous cultures, oral history and storytelling serve as essential ways to share knowledge, preserve traditions, and foster well-being. In this interactive workshop, we will explore the importance of storytelling as a wellness practice and how we can integrate these teachings into our own lives. Through guided reflection activities, participants will uncover personal stories that hold meaning and wisdom. Afterward, they will have the opportunity to bring these stories to life through writing and illustration. Whether you’re an experienced storyteller or new to the practice, this session will offer a supportive space to reflect, create, and connect. Participants will also receive a specially curated goodie bag designed to inspire ongoing reflection, journaling, and storytelling in their everyday lives. Join us for a meaningful session of self-exploration, creativity, and connection.

Ages 13 and up

Drop-in operates from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Monday – Thursday

East Dartmouth – 50 Caledonia Road

Please stay tuned for more information.

Sackville – 45 Connolly Road

Drop-in operates 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Thursdays

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: Madison Laurin, Director of Youth Programs, at: Madison.Laurin@bgcgh.ca or (782-414-0320)

What is Keystone? Keystone is an empowering leadership program designed to help youth develop valuable leadership skills, boost confidence, and build connections as they plan and lead a series of service-learning initiatives. Starting April 16th, 2024, this engaging program will be available to youth ages 13–18 at our North Dartmouth site on Tuesday evenings.

Learn On 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.

Location: Dartmouth North

3:00pm – 5:00pm (Grades 7-12)

To register: BGCGH.ca

or for more information abby.cenerini@bgcgh.ca

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.

Presented in partnership with Dalhousie University Medical School, this program is designed to inspire and help participants in grades 9-11 take their first steps toward a future in medicine. Through workshops, interactive sessions, and mentorship opportunities, youth will gain an understanding of the medical field and what it takes to succeed. During each session, participants will hear from medical students about their journey and what it’s like to study medicine and connect with mentors who can guide and inspire them on their path to a healthcare career. Participants will also learn basic surgical skills in a hands-on introduction to medical surgery, such as suturing, injections, and more!