Building Confidence and Skills: Fall Programs for Youth and Families

a parent and child building a fire together.

We have space in some of our youth and family recreation programs this fall. Help your child or family learn new skills with our hands-on, confidence-building programs. Whether it’s preparing to stay home alone safely, learning the fundamentals of babysitting, gaining practical outdoor survival skills, or bonding as a family while mastering the art of fire building, these courses are designed to be fun, educational, and empowering.

Babysitting Course

Learn the basics of babysitting children from birth to school age. This course also has a focus on first aid/emergency response. Participants must have completed Grade 5 and must bring a doll and their own lunch. Lunch break is supervised by onsite staff.

Shea Heights Community Centre: Saturday, September 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Southlands Community Centre: Saturday, October 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kenmount Terrace Community Centre: Saturday, November 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Home Alone Course

For any young person aged 10 and over who will be spending short periods of time home alone. This course covers many topics that will help children, and their parents feel more confident. Bring a lunch. The City of St. John's cannot guarantee that children taking this course will be adequately prepared or responsible to remain at home without adult supervision. Children must be 10-years-old by December 31, 2025.

Southlands Community Centre: Saturday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Girls Rise Outside - Outdoor Recreational Skills

This program is for self-identifying girls and gender diverse youth ages 12 to 15 to build confidence, self-esteem, and a lasting connection with nature. Through hands-on activities like archery, fire building, shelter building, and fun team-building exercises, participants will develop practical outdoor skills in a supportive, empowering environment. The program encourages personal growth, resilience, and leadership – helping participants discover their strength both in the wilderness and in their everyday lives.

Rotary Sunshine Park: Saturday, October 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Family Fire Building

Learn proper techniques for building and lighting campfires and test your skills with tasks and challenges. All equipment is provided.

Rotary Sunshine Park: Sunday, November 2, from 1 to 3 p.m.