Vancouver Parks and Recreation has a world of activities for youth in your backyard!

Young people visit community centres every day to participate in sport, recreational, social, cultural and educational programs while developing important relationships with friends and specially trained staff. Community-based youth workers provide additional support and resources to youth aged 8 to 18 years, while dealing with the broad range of developmental issues facing today's young people. Progam activities vary between centres, and are often designed and led by local youth in consultation with staff and youth volunteers. The youth worker's mission is to develop the capacity of youth by engaging them in active participation in the community using a holistic approach.

One example of a successful program strategy is the Youth Helping Youth program active in Vancouver's inner city. This community development program strategically creates activities and structures which are designed and supported to: encourage active youth involvement, support meaningful and genuine youth participation in decision-making, create working partnerships with adults and ultimately, help to foster communities which are just, fair, compassionate and which value young people as full contributors.

Youth Helping Youth has been recognized by the Secretary of State of Canada in 1993, and again in 2002 by the Royal Commonwealth Society of Canada's Youth Service Award Program.

Another example is the Immigrant Buddy program, first launched in the inner city and now active in many of the city's neighbourhoods. Buddy programs match new, immigrant youth with local young people as early as possible after they settle in Vancouver. Recent arrivals who make a positive connection with their peers often adjust to their new community more readily. This program has become the standard for immigrant youth programs across the country and has been recognized across North America.

Looking for something to do with your friends or want to meet other youth?

Check out what's happening at your local community centre! Each of Vancouver's 23 centres has recreation activities for young people of all ages; or contact the Child and Youth Coordinator (youthcoordinator@vancouver.ca) who will refer you to the youth worker in your neighbourhood. Make sure that you tell us where you live in Vancouver and what activities you are interested to learn more about!

Also check out ...

Access Services (Adapted Day Camps) Active Communities Arts and Culture Community Centres Go Play!	Get Up and Go! - Saturdays Ice Rinks Junior Golf Clinic Skateboard Parks Swimming Pools Vancouver Youth

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