Free Programs & Activities

All programs at Thunderbird Community Centre are subsidized and the fees are set at the lowest reasonable rates. As well, the Thunderbird Board of Directors has a policy to assist those living in the Thunderbird area who cannot afford the advertised price of specific programs or activities. Please contact Vittoria Basile or inquire at the front office for further subsidy information. The Subsidy Form is also available to download. This support is made possible by the fundraising efforts of many.

The following programs and services are FREE with Thunderbird Membership.

Family Programs (0-6yrs)

CAP C Programs Newborn-6yrs

F.A.S.T. (Family and Staff Team) is committed to develop CAPC Families Branching Out as a parent-directed initiative that serves to increase the health and well being of young children and families. The team meets monthly to identify common issues concerning families and works together to develop programs. We share resources and plan special events. Childcare, food and transportation are provided to ensure the meeting is accessible. If you have a child 0-6 years old and would like to join the F.A.S.T., please call Lorraine at
604-713-1825 for more information.

F.A.S.T. Meetings
Sep 14 12:30-2:30 pm Thunderbird
Oct 12 12:30-2:30 pm Kiwassa
Nov 9 12:30-2:30 pm Collingwood
Dec 14 12:30-2:30 pm Frog Hollow

Healthy Families BC
Earlier this year the BC government launched a new initiative aimed at the largest health promotion campaign in the country. The program focuses on parents making healthy choices and setting better examples for their kids. Join us in the computer lab while we explore the website with lots of valuable information and on-line prizes. Children will stay in the family drop-in with family programs staff for this session. Mon 1:30-2:00 pm
Sep 19 Healthy Start
Oct 3 Healthy Eating
Oct 10 Healthy Lifestyles
Nov 7 Healthy Communities
Nov 21 Healthy Families
Dec 5 Act Now BC

Fun with Healthy Foods Interactive Workshops
Explore your creativity with kid freindly meals and snacks. Each week three or four parents will join Lorraine in preparing
nutritious foods to serve for lunch. Children will stay in the drop-in with family programs staff while we get things ready.
Fri 11:30 am-1:00 pm Sept 23-Dec 9

Parent Support Circle
We are currently exploring the possibility of facilitating a parent support circle in partnership with the Parent Support Services Society of BC. If you would be interested in this service please call Lorraine at 604-713-1825 to offer your suggestions on dates and times that will work for families.

Vancouver Public Health Dental Program
The Smile to Smile/Knee to Knee program is being offered to families with children under 3 years of age who have not been seen by a dentist yet. Please call Lorraine at 604-713-1825 to schedule an appointment.
Thu 9:30 am-1:30 pm Oct 20

Visit from Dental Health
Wed 12:30-2:00 pm Family Drop-in Nov 16
Tue 9:00-11:30 am Strong Start Nov 22

Christmas Craft Workshops
Do you want to learn how to make some inexpensive Christmas gifts that you can give to friends and family? These crafts will be designed for all levels of experience. Your Children will stay in the family drop-in while you work on your project in the Craft Room.
Mon 11:30 am-2:00 pm Nov 28
Mon 11:30 am-2:00 pm Dec 12

Thunderbird Family Drop In Newborn-6 yrs
Calling all parents with little ones! Join us in the family drop-in centre for a variety of fun activities. Educational toys, crafts and books are geared towards making learning and playtime fun. Parents have an opportunity to socialize and share information with one another. Mon 11:30 am-2:30 pm Sept 19-Dec 5
Wed 11:30 am-2:30 pm Sept 21-Dec 7
Fri 11:30 am-2:30 pm Sept 23-Dec 9
Sat 1:00-3:00 pm Sept 24-Dec 10

The Hut Family Drop In Newborn-6 yrs
Calling all Skeena families! Join us at the Hut for a variety of fun activities where parents can socialize and share information. A light lunch is included. For Skeena residents only.
Fri 11:30 am-2:30 pm Sept 23-Dec 9

The Hut Family Drop In Community Kitchen Newborn-6 yrs
We invite you to join us for a multi-cultural lunch. Led by parents in the community, participants are encouraged to prepare and share favourite recipes. There will also be regular visits from a health nurse and librarian who will share information, resources and answer any questions you may have. The Hut is located in the Skeena Terrace Housing Complex (2202 Cassiar Street ).
Tue 11:00 am-2:30 pm Sept 20-Dec 6

StrongStart BC

StrongStart BC is a free, drop-in early learning program for preschool-aged children 0 to 6 years old accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Qualified early childhood educators lead learning activities including stories, music and art to help children get ready for
success in kindergarten. Parents are expected to participate and are sure to discover new ways to support their children’s learning at home and make valuable connections with others attending the centre. The program is located at Thunderbird Elementary School in Room 108. Program closed on Professional Development Days, District Closure days and statutory holidays.
Mon-Fri 8:30-11:30 am

Parent & Tot Programs

Mother Goose Newborn-2 yrs
Learn songs, rhymes and listen to stories. This class provides a fun environment for you to play with your child. Excellent for
promoting language, pre-literacy and socializing skills. Parent participation is required.
Mon 10:15-11:15 am Sept 19-Dec 5
Sat 9:15-10:15 am Sept 24-Dec 10
FREE with Thunderbird Membership

Friday Night Family Fun
Bring the family and enjoy your choice of family fun! Step into the gym for a variety of different sports or watch a different movie each week, play cooperative games and have a nutritious snack. Children will have the opportunity to assist with simple food preparation. This program is for parents with children 6-12yrs old.
Family Gym Drop In 6:15-8:00 pm
Family Movie & Games 7:00-9:00 pm
FREE with Family Membership. Sept 23-Dec 9

Preteen Programs

LIFT - Learning is First Gr. 6-8
LIFT is a tutoring and mentorship program for youth in grades 6-8. Come join us to get help from university tutors, play games, eat snacks, and gain new skills. We do homework AND have fun! www.learningisfirst.com. LIFT is a FREE program for all participants.
Mon & Wed 3:15-5:30 pm

The T-Bird Thrashers 10-12 yrs
This program is for pre-teens that go to Thunderbird Elementary School. This is an instructional program led by a talented and
experienced and kid friendly instructor. All equipment is provided during the program. This is a unique opportunity to learn a new sport!
Tue 3:00-5:00pm Sept 20-Dec 6
FREE with Thunderbird Membership.

Junior Leadership 10-12 yrs
This program places children in grade six & seven into volunteer positions at the centre. Youth will have ongoing leadership training to help them build their skill base and develop as a person.
Wed 3:30-5:00 pm Sept 21-Dec 7
FREE with Thunderbird Membership.

Where The Girls Are! 11-14 yrs
This is a “tweenager” female program with a philosophy based on trust, inclusion, leadership and fun! We plan our own activities like yoga, girl talk and life skills workshops. Join us!
Thu 5:00-7:00 pm Sept 22-Dec 8
FREE with Thunderbird Membership.

Youth Programs

The Birds Nest Cafe
The café is a teen run program. A variety of snack items will be sold to the public. Teens in YIP (15-18 years old) will gain valuable skills such as customer service, cash handling, food preparation and inventory tracking. These skills will help youth from our community be more ready for work.
Mon & Wed 4:30-6:30 pm
Sept 19-Dec 7

Youth Council 13-18 yrs
Do you want to be actively involved in shaping youth programs? Do you have thoughts and ideas about how to better influence your community? Youth Council is a part of YIP and will help you become a leader, share your voice, and really impact the youth community. No program on Oct 10.
Mon 6:00-8:00 pm Sept 19-Dec 5

Night Hoops
This is an opportunity for male and female youth to participate in a community basketball league. There are weekly practices and all games are on Saturday evenings. Transportation to and from games is provided.
Mon 8:00-9:50 pm Sept-Dec

Iron Chefs 13-18 yrs
Get to know the kitchen and experiment with new recipes. You will be trying something different every week while working together as a team and gaining skills to become independent.
Mon 8:00-10:00 pm Sept 19-Dec 5
No program on Oct 10.

Youth Incentive Program 13-18 yrs
Attention teenagers! Thunderbird Community Centre is looking for responsible youth who are willing to commit to a few volunteer hours a week. Volunteers will assist instructors of children’s program with various duties. This is a great program to gain work experience, gain a credible reference, and get CAP hours. All registering for YIP MUST go through an intensive leadership training process offered twice a year. For more information, please contact Tara at tara.marshall@vancouver.ca.
Tue 6:00-8:00 pm Sept 20-Dec 5

Roller Hockey 13-18 yrs
Wed 6:00-7:55 pm Sept 21-Dec 7

Friday Teen Activities & Outings 13-18 yrs
Join our exciting activities & outings as we plan our stuff together so you get to do what you want! No program on Nov 11.
Fri 4:30-7:30 pm Sept 23-Dec 9

Basketball Drop In 13-18 yrs
Fri 8:00-9:50 pm Sept 24-Dec 10

Youth Fitness
Youth 15 years old may work out during the supervised time in the Fitness Centre. Scovia, the Fitness Centre Attendant, is looking forward to sharing her passion for health and fitness with the community. For youth 15 and 16 years old, a completed consent form, orientation and PARQ are also required.
Sat 1:00-5:00pm

Adult Programs

Mindfulness Introduction 16+ yrs
Our lives are mostly spent thinking about the past or planning for the future. So we often miss what is happening in the here-and-now. Diminished awareness of the present moment severely limits our ability to live to the fullest. Mindfulness is about living consciously rather than living on autopilot. This class introduces basics of mindfulness.
Mon 7:00-8:00 pm Sept 19
Free with Thunderbird Membership. Instructor: Sung Yang

Sung Yang is an experienced mindfulness teacher. He began practicing mindfulness in the late 1970s and has taught mindfulness to people from almost all walks of life. His teachings are based on the science. The mindfulness techniques that he teaches are effective and usually easy enough to learn within a minute. He is also serving the Canadian Mental Health Association, the South Fraser branch, as a director.

Computer Lab Drop In
Do you get all numb in the toes when someone mentions computers or the internet? Or perhaps you may wish to hone your tech skills further. Come to the Lab and Waylon will be there to assist you as well as provide an orientation for those of you new to computers and the internet.
Mon 1:30-3:00 pm Jul 4-Aug 22

Older Adult Programs (55+yrs)

Computer Lab Drop In
Come to the Lab and Waylon will be there to provide an orientation for those of you new to computers and the internet or assist you to hone your tech skills further.
Mon 1:30-3:00 pm Sept 19-Dec 5
Closed Oct 10

Games and Billiards
Come and play pool, foosball, table tennis or air hockey.
Tue 1:00-3:00 pm Sept 20-Dec 6
FREE with Thunderbird Membership.

Tea Time at Beulah Garden
We meet in the Bentall Building dining room, located at 3350 East 5th Avenue for a social gathering with coffee and snacks. There are occasional guest speakers with information for seniors as well as seasonal speacial events for you to enjoy. All seniors are welcome!
Thu 1:30-3:30 pm Sept 22-Dec 8

Thunderbird - Then & Now - Digital Storytelling Workshop
With support from the City of Vancouver’s 125th Anniversary Grants Program, two artists will work with the community using digital technology to write short stories, record audio and edit images to create a short video. Participants will learn short story writing skills, photo editing, video/sound recording, video editing, and archive and post their stories online. FREE with Thunderbird Membership

Adult/Seniors Session I Thu 10:00 am-12:00 pm Sept 22-Oct 20
Adult/Seniors Session II Thu 10:00 am-12:00 pm Oct 27-Nov 24

Youth Session I Thu 4:00-6:00 pm Sept 22-Oct 20
Youth Session II Thu 4:00-6:00 pm Oct 27-Nov 24