Youth Programs
The City of St. John's is committed to offering interesting, challenging and inspiring programs to this generation. Engaging youth to participate in quality recreational programs will shape the youth of today into leaders of tomorrow. The Recreation Division is pleased to offer youth in St. John's, ages 12 to 18 years, a variety of programs and service options for general interest, leisure and physical activity.
Fall 2017 program registration begins 7 a.m., Thursday, August 17.
Youth Programs
Sports
Arts and Skills
Expeditions
Learn To...
Leadership and Training
Bus Tours
Drop In
Open Mic/Coffee House
Medical Forms
| Program | Ages | Description | Registration |
| Ball Hockey | 12 to 16 | This is an opportunity for youth to take part in a recreational sport night. Registration is required. Teams will be assigned on a nightly basis. Duke of Edinburgh eligible. |
Mews: Sept 17 to Dec 10 PRCC: Sept 17 to Dec 10 |
| Basketball | 12 to 16 |
| Program | Ages | Description | Registration |
| Beginner Guitar | 12 to 16 | Learn the basics of guitar care and musical theory, while being introduced to chords and songs. Duke of Edinburgh eligible. |
PRCC: Course #1 Sept 26 to Dec 12 Course #2 Sept 21 to Dec 14 Mews: Course #1 Sept 19 to Dec 12 Course #2 Sept 19 to Dec 12 |
| Youth & the ARTS! | 12 to 15 | Acting, improv, painting, mixed media, poetry, sculptures and so much for youth to get artistically creative outside the lines! | Not currently offered |
| Cook It Up! | 12 to 15 | If your dream is to work in a professional kitchen, or you just love the idea of developing your cooking techniques, the time has arrived. This intense, inspiring cooking program builds the essential skills needed to conquer the kitchen, even if you've never boiled an egg before. Classes are taught by a professional chef and each day is a true hands on experience. | Summer 2017 Aug 21 to 23, 2017 |
| Youth Wild for Animals | 12 to 15 | Learn about veterinary medicine, practical ways you can help with animal emergencies and rescue while interacting with many different species of animals large and small. Participants will receive Basic Pet First Aid | Summer 2017 Aug 28 to 30, 2017 |
| Youth MOVE IT! | 12 to 15 | Do you like to MOVE IT MOVE IT?! Join us for a fun filled week of adventure, action games and sports. | Not currently offered |
| Girls Active Lifestyle’s (G.A.L’S) | 12 to 16 | An opportunity for girls to build confidence, self-esteem and develop their strengths in a supportive learning environment, surrounded by strong women role models. | Winter 2018 |
| Program | Ages | Description | Registration |
| Fun on the Water | 12 to 14 | Paddle your week away with canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding (SUP). Through fun interactive games like SUP water polo, youth learn basic paddling techniques. | Not currently available |
| Outdoor Pursuits | 12 to 14 | This program is designed to provide youth with a true outdoor experience. Develop skills and have fun in various outdoor pursuits including wilderness survival, outdoor cooking, fire building, boating and much more! | Summer 2017 Aug 14 to 18, 2017 |
| Camping Frontier | 12 to 15 | This week is designed for youth to build skills and prepare for an end of the week true outdoor overnight camping experience. | Click to register Aug 22 to 24, 2017 |
| Backcountry Ventures | 12 to 15 | This week delivers an experience like no other giving campers a sense of adventure and discovery! Campers build skills of boat handling, outdoor cooking and back country camping all while having fun. End the week with an incredible overnight adventure of exploration and paddling. *Duke of Edinburgh eligible |
Not currently available |
| Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Adventure Journey Week | 14 to 16 | This week is designed to provide youth completing their Bronze Award with the skills necessary to complete the Adventurous Journey portion of their award. It will include preliminary training, the bronze practice journey, and bronze qualifying journey. | Not currently available |
| Program | Description | Registration |
| Cook with Herbs & Spices | Cooking with herbs and spices is what gives food flavor and makes it taste great. This course will have you identifying different tastes by smell, experimenting with seasonings and creating a delicious dip of your own! | For more details or to register click date below: Oct. 4, 2017 |
| Electronic Fabrication | Learn how electronic devices work and build your own during this hands on experience. | For more details or to register click link below: Nov. 6, 2017 |
| Paint Night | Learn to paint with acrylic paints to create your own masterpiece. | For more details or to register click link below: Nov. 7, 2017 |
| Animal Care | Bring your hugging arms as you interact with some of the loveable cats and dogs in the shelter. Tour the shelter and hospital and learn about animal rescue, pet care, careers with animals and bite prevention. | For more details or to register click the date below: Aug. 16, 2017 |
| Architectural Design | Learn how to build 3D graphical models of buildings using computer software. | For more details or to register, click date below: Nov. 27, 2017 |
| Classic Cross Country Ski | If you've never skied before, or have been frustrated skier, this course will help get you started on the right track. All equipment is provided. | Not currently available |
| Robotics | Learn how programs work and how to program your own robot. All necessary materials provided. | Not currently available |
| Canoeing | Learn and practice basic canoe skills through a variety of games and activities. | Not currently available |
| Kayaking | Learn and practice basic kayak skills through a variety of games and activities. | Not currently available |
| Archery | Take aim and learn about archery basics: shooting techniques, equipment and safety aspects. Target shooting will fine tune your skills. | Not currently available |
| Geo Caching | Geo-caching is a high tech worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. While on a short hike locate hidden containers called geo-caches using maps and G.P.S. units. | Not currently available |
| Outdoor Cooking | Tired of eating the same old camp food? Outdoor instructors will teach you how to prepare a menu, set up your cooking space and cook nutritious meals over the camp stove. We will discuss different stoves and fuel types as we cook a shared meal on a variety of stoves. Vegetarian options available. All equipment provided. | Not currently available |
| Stand Up Paddle Board | SUP is the fastest growing water sport in North America. From lakes to oceans to rivers stand up paddle boards can get you where you want to go. During this full body workout we will teach you the basics to enjoying a day on the water. Learn how to properly and safely get on and off your board in this 2 or 3 hour lessons. All equipment is provided. Come prepared to be in the water. | Not currently available |
| Fixed & Slide Seat Rowing | Experience rowing in both fixed and slide seat shells. Certified coaches of the Royal St. John's Regatta will provide instruction in fixed seat rowing techniques. Certified coaches in Olympic style rowing will provide instruction in slide seat single and eight person shells. | Not currently available |
| Indoor Cooking | The kitchen becomes an action packed classroom where youth measure, chop, sift, sauté and eat their way to new found knowledge, skills and attitudes towards food. | Not currently available |
| Art of Photography | This course will guide you through creative approaches to photography including: use of light, composition, camera modes and settings. During a practical photo shoot focusing on technique, train your eye to see the extraordinary and gain a new perspective in photography. | Not currently available |
| Program | Ages | Description | Registration |
| X-Cellent Leader | 12 to 14 | X-cellent leader is a fun and interactive program with a focus on team dynamics and inclusion, self-esteem building and leadership skills. | Not currently available |
| Youth Children’s Leader | 14 to 18 | Learn how to provide children with the opportunities for play and mastery while developing skills as caring leaders. | Winter 2018 |
| Youth Inclusion Leader | 14 to 18 | This course focuses on developing a leader's advocacy for inclusion in recreation and leisure settings. Topics to be explored are: Empathy, mentorship, multiculturalism, ability, gender identity and mental health. | Not currently available |
| Youth Outdoor Leader | 14 to 18 | A fun and adventurous program with a focus on training youth in leadership and outdoor skills. | For more details or to register click on date below: Aug 29 to 31, 2017 |
| Youth Fire Services Leader | 14 to 18 | Youth Fire Services Leader Program gives youth the opportunity to learn about what it takes to be a firefighter, through teaching life-skills like leadership, community involvement, teamwork, pride and respect. Through theoretical and practical training provided by SJRFD, Fire Services Leaders learn basic firefighting skills, and, how to apply those skills and values into daily activities. |
For more details or to register click link below: Oct 18 to Dec 6, 2017 |
| Animal First Aid & Emergency Response | 14 to 18 | This program will start at the Animal Care and Adoption Centre to learn about practical ways you can help with animal emergencies and rescue. Then we continue the learning with a nature walk to North Bank Lodge for basic pet first aid. Along with animal interactions at both sites, participants will get a Pet First Aid video and certificate of completion. | Not currently available |
| High Five Strengthening Children’s Mental Health | 14 to 18 | One in five children/youth experience mental health issues. This workshop is a new training opportunity offered through HIGH FIVE National based on the research and expertise of mental health providers and the recreation sector. Great opportunity to learn about issues facing children, prevention, symptoms, as well as supports and resources. Participants will receive certificate of completion. | For more details or to register click date below: Oct 10 & 11, 2017 |
| Program | Ages | Description | Registration |
| Bell Island Adventure | 12 to 16 | Experience why Bell Island has been called the most haunted island in all of North America! After the ferry ride we'll tour underground mines, and trek through a tunnel to Grebe's Nest Beach which is full of exposed layers of shale, siltstone and sandstone. We'll visit the lighthouse and you'll get a change to sit in musical icon Harry Hibbs' chair, and of course we'll enjoy some tasty food at lunch! | Not currently available |
| Location | Ages | Day | Fall 2017 Dates | Time |
| Southlands Community Centre | 10 to 13 | Tuesdays | Sept 12 to Dec 12, 2017 | 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. |
| 13 to 16 | Thursdays | Sept 14 to Dec 14, 2017 | ||
| St. John Bosco School | 10 to 14 | Tuesdays | Sept.12 to Dec 12, 2017 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. |
| Shea Heights Community Centre | 12 to 16 | Wednesdays | Sept 13 to Dec 13, 2017 | 6:30 to 8 p.m. |
| 10 to 14 | Thursdays | Sept 14 to Dec 14, 2017 | ||
| Kilbride Community Centre | 12 to 16 | Mondays & Wednesdays | Oct 11 to Dec 13, 2017 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. |
| Paul Reynold’s Community Centre Cost: $4 |
Junior High | Tuesdays | Sept 12 to Dec 12, 2017 | 3 to 5 p.m. |
| 6 to 7 p.m. | ||||
| High School | 7 to 8:30 p.m. | |||
| Junior High | Thursdays | Sept 14 to Dec 14, 2017 | 3 to 5 p.m. | |
| High School | 7 to 8:30 p.m. |
Sing, play a song, bust a move, juggle, or slam a poem, perform stand-up comedy. Whatever your talent is, we welcome you to share it at the Youth Open Mic Coffee House! Not a performer? That’s ok, come support your friends and watch the show.
| Location | Ages | Day | Fall 2017 Dates | Time |
| Paul Reynold’s Community Centre Cost: $4 |
12 to 18 | Friday | September 29, 2017 | 7 to 9 p.m. |
| October 27, 2017 | ||||
| November 24, 2017 |
If your child has any medical conditions please complete the appropriate form below. All forms must be submitted before the start of the program.
Allergy Package
Medical Package
Seizure Package
For more information please go to REConnect or email recreation@stjohns.ca or call 709-576-8631 or 709-576-8499.
If your child requires support or assistance to participate in the program, please call 709-576-4450 or email inclusion@stjohns.ca.