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.
Sports
Arts and Skills
Expeditions
Workshops
Leadership and Training
Leisure Programs
Bus Tours
Drop In
Medical Forms
Youth Ball Hockey, Basketball, and Hand Ball are Duke of Edinburgh eligible.
| 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. | |
| Basketball | 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 nighly basis. | Winter 2019 |
| Handball | 10 to 12 12 to 14 |
Handball is instructionally led with a handball wall | Winter 2019 |
| 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. |
Not Currently Available |
| Youth & the ARTS! | 12 to 15 | Acting, improv, painting, mixed media, poetry, sculptures. | Summer 2019 |
| Cook It Up! | 12 to 15 | Build the essential skills needed to conquer the kitchen. These hands-on classes are taught by a professional chef. | Summer 2019 |
| Wild for Animals | 12 to 15 | Learn about veterinary medicine, practical ways you can help with animal emergencies and rescue to receive Basic Pet First Aid. | Summer 2019 |
| Youth MOVE IT! | 12 to 15 | A fun filled week of adventure, action games and sports. | Summer 2019 |
| Computer Coding | 12 to 16 | Learn to code and problem sove alongside skilled Brilliant Labs instructors. Build and program robots, learn to program video games, build websites and much more! | Summer 2019 |
| Program | Ages | Description | Registration |
| Fun on the Water | 12 to 14 | This week will be spent in and around the pond playing various water games. You will learn how to canoe, kayak and stand up paddle board. For ages 12 to 14. | Summer 2019 |
| 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! For ages 12 to 14. | Summer 2019 |
| Camping Frontier | 12 to 15 | This week is designed for youth to build outdoor skills and prepare for an end of the week true outdoor overnight camping experience. For ages 12 to 15. | Summer 2019 |
| Backcountry Ventures | 12 to 15 | Build skills of boat handling, outdoor cooking and back country camping. End the week with an overnight adventure of exploration and paddling. This course is Duke of Edinburge eligible. For ages 12 to 15. | Summer 2019 |
| 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. | Summer 2019 |
| 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! | Not Currently Available |
| Electronic Fabrication | Learn how electronic devices work and build your own during this hands on experience. | Not Currently Available |
| Paint Night | Learn to paint with acrylic paints to create your own masterpiece. |
Not Currently Available
|
| 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. | Winter 2019 |
| Architectural Design | Learn how to build 3D graphical models of buildings using computer software. |
Not Currently Available
|
| 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 | If you want to learn how robots work and want to program your own- this program is for you! | Not Currently Available |
| Canoeing | Learn and practice basic canoe skills through a variety of games and activities. | Summer 2019 |
| Kayaking | Learn and practice basic kayak skills through a variety of games and activities. | Summer 2019 |
| Archery | Take aim and learn about archery basics: shooting techniques, equipment and safety aspects. Target shooting will fine tune your skills. | Summer 2019 |
| 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. In this two hour session we will teach you the basics paddling techniques and test your skills with some challenges. All equipment is provided. Come prepared to be in the water. | Summer 2019 |
| 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. | Summer 2019 |
| 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. | Summer 2019 |
| Slackline |
Lean skills of balance while having fun | Not Currently Available |
| Youth Cross Country Skiing | Participants will learn to basics needed to enjoy an evening on the trails. The program begins with a demo on how to use the equipment, then participants are provided with the opportunity to practice their skiing techniques on groomed trails. | Winter 2019 |
| 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. | Summer 2019 |
| 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. | Not Currently Available |
| 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. | Winter 2019 |
| Youth Outdoor Leader | 14 to 18 | A fun and adventurous program with a focus on training youth in leadership and outdoor skills. | Not Currently Available |
| Youth Fire Services Leader | 14 to 18 | Gives youth the opportunity to learn what it takes to be a firefighter through teaching life-skills like leadership, community involvement, teamwork, pride and respect. Thorough 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. NOTE: Participants are required to have steel toed boots for each session. All other safety equipment and program supplies will be provided. |
Fall 2019 |
| 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 receive a Pet First Aid video and certificate of completion. | Winter 2019 |
| 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. | Not Currently Available |
| Program | Ages | Description | Registration |
| G.A.L's Girls Active Lifestyles |
12 to 15 | Provides a unique opportunity for girls to build confidence, self-esteem and develop their strengths in a supportive leaning environment, surrounded by strong role models. Girls will take part in fun, exciting activities while being physically active and socializing to engage both their minds and bodies! | Not Currently Available |
| Pursuing Active Lifestyles | 15 to 21 | The program aims to teach individuals with mild to moderate disabilities the basic skills needed for active living. Youth and adults will participate in recreation and leisure activities in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with caring leaders. To enusre a safe and inclusive environment, meeting all participants' needs, an Inclusive Services Application is required. Email inclusion@stjohns.ca. | Winter 2019 |
| Program | Ages | Description | Registration |
| Bell Island Adventure | 12 to 16 | From the ferry ride over you will tour the underground mines. Turn on your flashlight for an excursion through a tunnel to Grebe's Nest Beach full of exposed layers of shale, siltstone and sandstone, sit in the famous giant Harry Hibb's chair, lean why Bell Island has been called the most haunted island in all of North America and see the lighthouse! Admission, meal and transportation included. Drop off and pick up at HGR Mews Community Centre. | Summer 2019 |
| Location | Course | Ages | Dates | Day | Time (p.m) | Cost |
| PRCC | Youth Drop In | 11 to 16 | Jan 13 to Apr 14 | Su | 3 to 5 | $2 |
| Southlands | Drop In- GIRLS ONLY | 10 to 14 | Jan 14 to May 20 | M | 6:30 to 8 | Free |
| Southlands | Drop In | 10 to 14 | Jan 15 to May 23 | Tu & Th | 6:15 to 8:15 | Free |
| Shea Hgts | Drop In- GIRLS ONLY | 10 to 14 | Jan 10 to Jun 13 | Th | 6:30 to 8 | Free |
| Shea Hgts | Drop In | 10 to 14 | Jan 9 to Jun 12 | W | 6:30 to 8 | Free |
| Shea Hgts | Drop In | 10 to 14 | Jan 8 to Jun 11 | Tu | 6:30 to 8 | Free |
| Kilbride | Drop in | 10 to 14 | Jan 14 to Jun 12 | M W | 6 to 7:30 | Free |
| Kilbride | Drop In | 12 to 16 | Jan 17 to Jun 20 | Th | 6 to 7:30 | Free |
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 Condition Medical Plan
Medication Consent
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.