Helping Youth Thrive and Meet Their Full Potential
From helping youth have more positive experiences at school to supporting them in developing valuable life and employment skills, YMCA BC's range of youth programs supports pre-teens, teens, and young adults in many different ways. Youth participating in our programs have a sense of belonging, develop more confidence, gain practical skills, and have fun! See what we have to offer. Browse our program offerings below.
Youth Transitions Program
The Youth Transitions Program is a free service for youth ages 11 to 19 who need additional support during transition points in school and life. The program fosters a sense of belonging through one-on-one support and interactive workshops.
Alternative Suspension
This program in Abbotsford encourages school perseverance by inviting students to identify what empowers them. Students are referred by school districts to participate in academic support, 1-1 meetings and life-skills training. This allows students facing challenges to reflect and build the strategies needed to return to school.
Made possible through our funding partners.
To learn more, contact alternativesuspension@bc.ymca.ca
Y Mind Teen
Y Mind Teen is a free seven-week program delivered across BC. This program supports teens ages 13 to 18 who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety to learn and practice evidence-based strategies to cope with stress and anxiety. Y Mind Teen is led by trained mental health professionals and gives teens the chance to connect with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. Made possible through our funding partners.
Y Mind Youth
If anxiety is impacting your life and preventing you from doing what you want or need to do, this group is for you. Y Mind Youth is a free seven-week program delivered across BC. Y Mind Youth supports people ages 18-30 who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety to learn and practice evidence-based strategies to increase coping. This group is led by trained mental health professionals and gives young adults the chance to connect with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. Made possible through our funding partners.
Youth Employment Services
Your path to employment starts here. YMCA BC has extensive experience successfully delivering youth-centered employment programs. We work with program participants to learn how to get a job, keep a job and achieve their career potential.
Our Youth Employment Services programs are open to individuals aged 15 to 30. Click below to learn more.
Youth Peace Network
Imagine what a group of young, motivated peacemakers from all around the world could accomplish in eight months? The Youth Peace Network program brings youth together from all corners of the globe to help create global awareness and understanding of other cultures and to build peace. Participants are guided through sessions dedicated to developing leadership, intercultural communication and conflict resolution skills. Participants foster regional and international networks and spend time facilitating global activities with youth programs across Canada. This program is offered online to youth volunteers, staff or members of YMCAs outside of Canada age 19-30 years.
To learn more contact ymcaglobal@bc.ymca.ca.
Summer Work Student Exchange
Are you interested in travel, participating in meaningful work, and have a desire to experience new things this summer? The YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE) is a 6-week program that will give you the opportunity to:
- Travel to an area of Canada where your second official language is spoken
- Work full-time in a community-based organization
- Stay with a host family
- Participate in program activities
- Become acquainted with your new community
- Make new friends and have fun
SWSE is committed to making the program accessible for you. The program supports youth of diverse cultures and beliefs, income levels, skills and interests.
There isn’t a specific, model participant, and the diversity of people who participate each year is appreciated.
Youth Exchanges Canada
YEC offers your youth group the opportunity to travel to another part of Canada for a life-changing experience. The program pairs groups of 10 to 30 participants ages 12 to 17 from a different province or territory, staying at least five days in each other's communities. Participants experience team bonding and planning all parts of the exchange, including travel, budgets, accommodation, itinerary of daily activities, community projects, and more.