Grow
Alternative Suspension
This program in Coquitlam and 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. (Our Surrey program is temporarily closed.)
Made possible through our funding partners.
To learn more, contact alternativesuspension@bc.ymca.ca or 604-652-3656.
Plusone
Plusone matches Surrey youth ages 10 to 17 with a volunteer adult mentor for a year. Plusone is based on an established early intervention that helps engage and equip young people to overcome the challenges they face. This program is accepting volunteers who can commit to one year and are interested in helping young people through mentorship.
To learn more, contact plusonementoring@bc.ymca.ca or visit plusonementoring.ca.
Youth Leadership Development
Youth Leadership Development (YLD) is a program for youth that is delivered from October until June throughout the Vancouver Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. This program engages youth aged 10-18 years looking to develop their leadership skills and abilities. The program focuses on topics such as Health & Wellness, Truth & Reconciliation, Rights & Responsibilities, Leadership & Innovation, Local Environment & Climate Action, and Diversity & Cultural Awareness. Participants will explore ways to utilize these skills to help make our communities a more inclusive, responsible, reliable, and cooperative environment all while having fun.
Interested?
To learn more, contact yld@bc.ymca.ca.
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.
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.
YMCA Community Action Network
The YMCA Community Action Network (YCAN) is a national program that engages young people ages 15 to 30 in community service projects. Youth who are interested can create or join a group that will identify and execute a local service project that is meaningful to them. Interested youth or youth groups can email maria.baez@bc.ymca.ca or call 604-655-2520.
This program is made possible by our funding partners.
Outdoor Education at YMCA Camp Elphinstone
Leadership. Team-building. Outdoor Learning.
Operating out of YMCA Camp Elphinstone on B.C.’s beautiful Sunshine Coast, our Outdoor Education program is designed to get elementary through high school students active and learning outdoors. With fresh air, open skies and a diverse ecosystem, the Pacific Northwest is an ideal environment for experiential education.
Programming is customized for each group and designed to fulfill BC Ministry of Education prescribed learning outcomes
Learn more:
If you're ready to book your school, fill out our booking form:
Got questions?
Email: camp@gv.ymca.ca
YMCA Camp Elphinstone
1760 YMCA Road
Gibsons, B.C.
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 Take Initiative
Want to make a difference in your community while making new friends and developing leadership, life, and employment skills? Join us for the Youth Take Initiative program! This new youth program aims to support people aged 15 to 30 in gaining valuable volunteer experience in Surrey, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack.
We are currently recruiting Youth Program Volunteers to facilitate workshops, learn together, cultivate youth-led experiences and work with young people aged 10 to 17.
Volunteers meet once per week at Long Louie Family YMCA in Surrey for six months:
- Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., OR
- Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Apply today to make a positive impact on the lives of youth in your community!