Youth Programs
BGC Durham is pleased to offer a variety of programs designed specifically for the diverse needs of youth ages 12 - 21. With focuses ranging from academic help, leadership programs, social opportunities and sports, we have a program to help every young person experience new opportunities.
In addition to our social and recreation program, we also have a number of programs provided by our dedicated Youth Justice department. To see our Youth Justice team, click here.
Have an idea for a program that you don't see listed here? please send any suggestions to amarsh@bgcdurham.com.
Youth Programs
Click on any of our program offerings to jump to more details
Ball at the Centre
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Ages 13 - 18
Northview Unit - 150 Beatrice Street East, Oshawa
Join us on the court three days a week to shoot some hoops with other youth. This is a great opportunity to get active while making some new connections in a fun, supportive environment. This program is suitable for youth ages 13 - 18.
For more information, please contact: northview@bgcdurham.com
Youth Room
New!
Ages 13 - 18
Northview Unit - 150 Beatrice Street East, Oshawa
BGC Durham is excited to offer this brand new space designed specifically for youth engagement. Featuring a number of activities to support youth, our Youth Room is the perfect place to play games, spend time with friends and meet your peers. Some highlights of our Youth Room (according to our youth) are the Nintendo Switch, PS5, pool table, and foosball table. Our Youth Room is open to all youth ages 13 - 18.
BGC Durham is grateful for the support of Jay's Care and their Gamechangers Grant. It is thanks to their generous contributions that we were able to make our much-anticipated Youth Room a reality. Thank you.
For more information, please contact: northview@bgcdurham.com
Starting September 25 join us in the Youth Room Monday - Thursday!
Teen Zone
Starting October 2!
Grades 7 and up
Eastview Unit - 433 Eulalie Ave., Oshawa
Youth are invited to experience our brand new Teen Zone at our Eastview Unit! With three areas to choose from -- Chill Zone, Games Zone and Sports Zone -- there is fun for every teen to discover!
Chill Zone
Mondays
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Eastview Unit - Gamesroom
Join us in the Gamesroom for a special event and enjoy some tasty treats!
Games Zone
Tuesdays
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Eastview Unit - Fun Room
Do you want to enjoy some fun games and activities while spending time with peers? Then Games Zone is for you! join us in the Fun Room for pool, foosball, PS4 and Wii games!
Sports Zone
Thursdays
6:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Eastview Unit - Gym
Get active in a wide range of athletics in Sports Zone! Participants will join us in the gym for a variety of sports, including basketball, Spikeball, Kan Jam and more!
Lead UP 2.0
Starting October 4!
Wednesdays
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Ages 13 - 18.
Northview Unit - 150 Beatrice Street East, Oshawa
Want to join other youth in your community to make a difference? If so, the Lead UP program is for you!
Youth in the Lead UP program meet weekly and participate in activities that help develop leadership, employability and life skills. Youth will be involved in two community service/outreach events, attend workshops and trainings, and participate in employment, education, and future planning clinics.
Lead UP encourages growth and provides youth with experiences that develop confidence. Participants can receive up to 120 community involvement hours.
Lead UP is supported by BGC Canada's national Lead Up program and TD Canada Trust.
For more information and to register, please contact: cgenereux@bgcdurham.com
Raise the Grade
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Grade 9 - 12
Eastview Unit - 433 Eulalie Avenue, Oshawa
Raise the Grade, supported by RBC Future Launch, is a program designed to provide skills, mentors, and supports to high school students. Raise the Grade helps these students through academic support and career discovery. Through hands-on learning opportunities, a specific focus on personal interests and goals, and supportive relationships with mentors and volunteers, young people are given the skills and tools they need to be successful in school, work and life.
Raise the Grade Technology Centre
The Raise the Grade Technology Centre provides youth with a designated space delivering access to high-speed internet and current technology including computers and other electronic resources to support learning. They offer a positive, collaborative environment in which youth feel comfortable and engaged.
For more information, please contact: jcolliss@bgcdurham.com
Youth Council
Starting October 5!
Bi-weekly, Thursdays
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Ages 13 - 18.
Northview Unit - 150 Beatrice Street East, Oshawa
BGC Durham's Youth Council will attend bi-weekly meetings and contribute their voices to growing our community. Youth will plan two community service events, learn policy and governance, and gain confidence and leadership skills.
As a member of BGC Durham's Youth Council, participants will develop valuable skills while engaging with other youth in a supportive environment
For more information, please contact: cgenereux@bgcdurham.com
Junior Youth Social
Starting October 6!
First Friday of the month
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Ages 10 - 13.
Northview Unit - 150 Beatrice Street East, Oshawa
Join us on the first Friday of every month for a fun evening in our NEW Youth Room! Play some awesome games on our Nintendo Switch or PS5, socialize around a board game, or challenge a friend to a game of pool or foosball. No matter how you want to spend your time with us, we know it is sure to be a fun-filled night for our youth!
For more information, please contact: northview@bgcdurham.com
C.L.E.A.R
Tuesdays
6:00pm-7:30pm
Ages 14-17
Online
C.L.E.A.R. stands for Controlling and Learning about Emotions, Anger, and Reactions. It’s a group that uses creative techniques to help youth 14 - 17 years of age explore, manage, and transform anger. It’s an opportunity for young people to express themselves, learn new skills and acquire the tools needed to make positive life choices. In this program, sessions will cover the following: C.L.E.A.R. stands for Controlling and Learning about Emotions, Anger, and Reactions. It’s a group that uses creative techniques to help youth 14 - 17 years of age explore, manage, and transform anger. It’s an opportunity for young people to express themselves, learn new skills and acquire the tools needed to make positive life choices.
- Understanding Anger, Aggression and Violence
- Effects of Anger on the Body
- Consequences of Violence
- Depression, Anxiety and Breaking out of Your Comfort Zone
- Goal-Setting
- Future Planning and Setting Yourself up for Success
This program will run online using Zoom.
To confirm the next available session and register, please contact Victoria Melo at (289) 404-3259 or vmelo@bgcdurham.com
Current Program
Session 1 - Understanding Anger, Aggression and Violence
Session 2 - Effects of Anger on the Body and Consequences of Violence
Session 3 - Depression, Anxiety and Breaking out of Your Comfort Zone
Session 4 - Goal-Setting, Future Planning and Setting Yourself up for Success
This program will run online using Zoom.
Sessions run Tuesday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:30pm on select months.
To confirm the next available session and register, please contact Victoria Melo at (289) 404-3259 or vmelo@bgcdurham.com.
Youth Housing
The Housing First For Youth (HF4Y) Program assists youth with securing safe and affordable housing. Participants in this program will receive ongoing support from the caseworker as they continue to transition into adulthood.
For more information please contact Daniel Hepditch at housingfirst@bgcdurham.com
Youth Trustee
Ages 16-17
In partnership with the Region of Durham, BGC Durham provides trustee services for youth receiving Ontario Works. A youth may quality for Ontario Works if their parent(s) cannot support them financially or will not let them live at home. A caseworker from the Region will determine eligibility and when applicable, may refer them to BGC Durham to act as a trustee.
For more information please contact Jill Dallaire at (905) 404-5700 or jdallaire@bgcdurham.com
Youth Outreach Program
Ages 12-21
Funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, the Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) Program is designed to increase youth opportunities by removing barriers, fostering effective community linkages and engaging and addressing individual risk factors and strengths. Our YOW program provides services for youth ages 12-21 years who reside in Clarington, Oshawa and Whitby. If you would like more information on this program or want to know how to make a referral, you can contact the Outreach Workers.
Natalie Armorer
Clarington/Whitby
289-404-3034
narmorer@bgcdurham.com
Kelly Welch
Oshawa
905-260-5154
yow@bgcdurham.com
LeRoy Lyttle
Oshawa
905-442-7722
llyttle@bgcdurham.com
Fast and Female
October 21 - November 18
Saturdays
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Club Members aged 8 - 14
Northview Unit
We are thrilled to partner with Fast and Female to offer female-identifying members an opportunity to engage in athletics and learn the value of sport and how to create a safe and inclusive sport environment. Girls will hear from inspiring guest speakers and participate in workshops developed by Fast and Female and Canadian Women & Sport.
For more information, please click here.
Register here.