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.
For more information email Emily.
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener), Chaplin (Cambridge)
Program will begin weekly starting March 27, 2024 (A.R. Kaufman) and March 30, 2024 (Chaplin).
Check location schedules for program times.
Registration is required — fill out the registration form at the link below just once to join us for the year! There is no commitment in terms of your attendance after completing the registration form. You can attend program once, or every week.
Winter Session Special Events
Family Game Night
Join us for trivia, bingo, minute to win it challenges and more! Dinner/Lunch is provided.
Wednesday February 21, 2024
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener)
Saturday February 24, 2024
12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Chaplin (Cambridge)
Tie Dye Party
Please bring a white item to tie-dye. For best results, items should be 100% cotton and pre-washed. Dinner/Lunch is provided.
Wednesday March 13, 2024
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener)
Sunday March 17, 2024
12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Chaplin (Cambridge)
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
How to Register
Registration for this program takes place via our online portal. Use the registration links in the program listings below to access the 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.
Contact Information
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For KW Titans Skills Academy information and questions, please email Kate.
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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.
For more information send us an email.
Locations: Chaplin (Cambridge), A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener)
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!
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.
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 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 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!
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!
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)
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:
February 7 – February 24, 2024
The Grove Hubs (Ages 13 – 24)
Cost: Free!
The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs, located in Wellington County and Guelph, serve local youth between the ages of 12 to 26 with access to services that can address all their health and wellness needs. The integrated care model allows youth access to many services, all in a youth-friendly space. Youth can walk into any of the Grove Youth Hubs to access a variety of services delivered by several service partners. The goal is that each youth who walks through the door to one of our sites feels welcomed and supported in the ways that best support individual needs and their goals.
For more information email Charlie.
Locations: Guelph
Check location schedules for program times offered at the YMCA of Three Rivers locations.
Visit The Grove Hubs website to view all site locations and hours.
Registration not required — drop in anytime!
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 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. Registration not required — drop in anytime!
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!
Youth Volleyball (Ages 13 – 18)
Cost: Free!
Drop-In Youth Volleyball is the perfect place to dig into the game. Join us for a laid-back, fun-filled atmosphere where you can learn, play, and connect with friends — all skill levels welcome!
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.
11 – 14 Special Event (Ages 11 – 14)
Cost: Free!
Our 11 – 14 Special Events, are an exciting opportunity for youth ages 11 – 14 to get a glimpse into our drop-in youth programs. Join us for a structured program where you can discover new hobbies, connect with friends, and even grab a snack on us in a safe and inclusive space.
January 27, 2024: Game On!
We’re bringing video games and game shows to life!
February 24, 2024: Canadian Adventures!
Join us for an afternoon filled with all things Canadian Eh!
Register for Canadian Adventures!
For more information email Emily.
Locations: Stratford