To start this year’s program, we have introduced four disciplines, Arts, Sports, STEAM, and Leadership! Campers get to learn about these four areas of focus each day, each session lasting for one hour. Camp counsellors have been split into one of four groups to successfully run camps. On Monday’s and Friday’s, our organizational team, H4 Focus On Youth Workshop Team or our media team. On these days, one of two teams will have their own games and lessons planned for the day.
Every week has a set theme, week 1 being Welcome Week! This week’s theme focused on building a better community by investing in the youth. Camp staff created an accepting and safe space to help support and maximize the potential of each camper. Many icebreakers and warm-up games were played to get to know the campers better and loosen up the nervous energy from being in a new setting. Future skills and ideas were introduced through icebreakers. For the Leadership sessions, icebreakers that involved communication, confidence and decision making were discussed to help familiarize campers with upcoming themes.
We are proud to present year 13 of the TCDSB’s Focus On Youth program. This year, our program will be running from July 6th to August 21st. Even though Focus On Youth has gone virtual, that doesn’t stop students from earning $14/hr and 2 credits! We have four positions, media team, organizational/administrative, custodial, and camp counsellor. This summer, we have over 150 staff employed. We started off our program with a one-week training session, where all of our staff were able to learn leadership skills in order to create a successful camp experience and act as leaders, advocates, mentors, and change agents. The journey never ends!
Training prepared our Camp staff to resolve conflicts, engage campers, and build meaningful relationships while completely running Camp sessions remotely online. It also prepared staff to run their own Camp programs and divide into one of the four Disciplines to encourage staff to explore their skill set and help them thrive in an environment that aligns with their interests. This year, our four Disciplines are; Leadership, Art, Sports, and S.T.E.A.M. to create a diverse and engaging program for campers during this time.
Congratulations Focus on Youth Staff! You have completed your 6-week leadership training with FOY. Please click the link below and fill out the survey regarding post-employment.
Isaiah is placed at St. Jude’s Elementary school where Youth Now on Track summer camp also takes place. He devotes his time to ensuring that the classrooms and the area for the camps are clean. He helps prepare the school for next year, making sure desks are spotless, and garbage free. In addition, Isaiah also cleans the walls, the bathrooms, and ensures that the floors are spotless.
Finishing up the job as Isaiah goes to take out the trash!
The quiet environment is something Isaiah enjoys as he can listen to his own music and have fun while he cleans. He starts his days early in the morning at 8:00 am with a positive attitude ready to take on the tasks he is given! Alongside his position as a custodian, Isaiah enthusiastically joins the Youth Now on Track campers assisting them as a counsellor while creating amazing memories for the kids.
Isaiah helping the desks stay fresh as he cleans them for the upcoming school year.
Thanks to Isaiah, the campers and St. Jude’s 2019-2020 students can create fun and great memories in a clean and fresh environment!
Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centreis a multi-service agency primarily serving Toronto’s West End. For 30 years, they played an important role in the lives of the residents of their community, assisting them to stay healthy, develop leadership skills, make positive lifestyle choices, build relationships, and work together to improve their living conditions and prospects for the future. Davenport Perth hosts a summer day camp for kids ages 6-12 all throughout the summer.
A camper and a staff playing an exciting game of patty-cake!
Campers in Davenport-Perth learn a sense of community, develop positive relationships and take part in creative arts, fitness, social and life skill building activities. There is also a variety of trips and outings in and around the city provided throughout the camp’s duration. They also participate in a variety of sports related activities, multicultural food days, as well as team-building exercises. Most importantly, they are given the opportunity to spend time with passionate staff who act as role models, helping them sprout into the young adults of the future!
A kaleidoscope of clay butterflies that the kids all worked hard to make!
Today, the campers were making clay butterflies. Directed by a long-time volunteer, the kids of Davenport-Perth worked their hardest to make their butterflies. At the same time, they are learning about scientific facts about their subject, including the whole fascinating process of metamorphosis! All in all, it was a fun day filled with both joy and learning.
Davenport-Perth provides a safe space for kids to explore their local area as well as socialize among peers their own age. This campensures kids will have a space to develop themselves creatively and integrate a positive mindset in life for years to come!
Showing off a cool poster she made!
Two curious volunteers looking over to see what this campers making!
Having some good old fun while making butterflies!
FOY STAFF
From left to right: Eleonora Oris, Marion De Guzman, and Israel Osung
Jays Care Rookie League is a summer camp program that is partnered with Toronto Community Housing for children ages 6 – 12, which lasts for 7 weeks. Life skills such as: team work, determination, and leadership on and off the baseball field are values actively instilled throughout all their campers. The program is designed to use the power of baseball and the appeal of the Toronto Blue Jays to foster lasting social change and create leaders beyond the baseball diamond.
A FOY staff casually chatting with a camper before safely crossing the street to the park.
In Rookie League facilities, children improve their lives in many ways that include: self esteem and self-awareness, their relationship with peers, connections to positive role models, and a better likelihood to living a physically active life. They are supported in a way that will foster their growth by the diligent staff employed across the city, that serve both as mentors and leading figures in their lives. Whether it is working together in numerous group games, or helping each other improve their abilities in baseball.
A young batter and umpire bracing for the ball coming towards them!
Rookie League is Jays Care’s farthest reaching program. For this, their core principles are what all of their locations or “clusters” share in common. In this program, every child is unstoppable no matter what their socioeconomic background is. Due to this fact, having a program like Rookie League is important for removing barriers from sport and recreation opportunities which level the playing field for all. This includes gender, physical, and mental equity for all children and youth, ensuring the best program possible.
Trying to make the shot in an intense game of soccer!
Running and chasing in a game of noodle octopus!
Two FOY staff working hard to finish a banner!
Two campers posing for a photo oblivious to the game behind them.
Like in all camps, there’s arts and crafts galore!
One camper ready to make a sick shot!
FOY STAFF
FOY Staff (Left to Right): Yasmin Khalifa, Radhia Ali, Amal Adan
Youth Now On Track was founded in July 2004 by the Board of Directors. Youth Now On Track Services is a registered charitable organization which caters to the low income families in the surrounding community. This organization has implemented and supported many programs for youth and their families. They also aim to create opportunities for self improvement through sound education, community involvement, and role models.
The girls participating in a talent show and showing off their dance moves!
Each week the camp has a theme that creates the platform for five days of fun activities. Themes like Medieval Times, Mad-Scientist, Sports, Music/dance, etc. These activities allow the campers to use their imagination and skills to bring to life the theme of that week. Not only are there weekly these but there are also weekly trips to Zoo, Parks, Fairs and more.
Staff vs. Camper basketball game
A regular day at the camp include campers practicing morals and also different ways to learn. Throughout the weeks, the staff engage the kids in activities that stimulate their minds and creative skills. The Focus on Youth staff certainly are great role models and friends for the campers. This allows them to feel comfortable and content with being content and cheerful, especially with all the activities being hosted.
The focus on youth staff playing a hand game with the kids
The campers following instructions as they wait to play their next game
He shoots, he scores!
Special Presentation; the campers get to hold and learn about reptiles
The Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Clubsis a non-profit organization based in the city of Toronto. The Club’s Founding Partner, The Kiwanis Club of Toronto, established the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Clubs (TKBGC) in 1921. TKBGC incorporated as a not-for profit organization, separate from the Kiwanis Club of Toronto in 1992. Since then, they have helped over 50,000 inner-city children and youth reach their full-potential.
Campers of 5-7 year olds start the morning off with math exercises!
The TKBGC summer camp is located at the intersection of Bathurst and Richmond (20 Portugal Sq.) It serves as an escape from summer boredom for children ages 5-10. This camp gives children the opportunity to socialize, participate in physical activity, engage in literary studies, as well as access to nutritional diets.
Merry go round!
TKBGC offers an eventful, yet unforgettable summer to its campers. Campers go on (almost) daily trips, especially to the park. Being located in the heart of downtown, TKBGC has many resources for the kids to participate in. TKBGC gives campers a diverse, inclusive, and a safe summer experience! Children and Youth certainly have access to a variety of programs and learning experiences designed to meet their needs and interests.
Campers playing a competitive game of foosball
Staff lead a basketball game
It’s park time!
FOY Staff (Left to Right): Anica Apostol, Luis Da Silva Costa
Trust 15 youth community support organization is a charitable organization that provides youth in the Rexdale & North Etobicoke area with programs that promote and promote positive behavior, creative expression, and working skills. Their plan is to give kids in the community the social and educational tools to succeed in society. This is accomplished through mentoring and positive role model intervention.
The campers exclaiming the Trust 15 cheer!
The Trust 15 summer camp allows the youth in the community to have an exciting summer getting to know each other and making lasting memories with the staff. Each week is something new as they participate in different actives like scavenger hunts, talent shows, multicultural day etc. Aside from this, the staff prepare healthy meals for the kids everyday from sandwiches to lasagna, ensuring that they get the nutrients they need. The camp also go on entertaining trips such as: Canada’s Wonderland, Wet`n Wild, the pool and more.
Foy staff making Lasagna for the campers.
Trust 15 opens its doors to 120 youth in the community through various programs such as Ladies on the Rise, Girls on the Rise, Men of Distinction, and Boys of Excellence. At North Kipling camp, they provide a safe, nurturing space for kids to discuss and find solutions for real life issues but most of all have fun! They connect youth with mentors, professionals, and community leaders to help teach crucial tips for success and inspiring them to believe in themselves, their talents, and their futures.
This day`s these was Play Day as the campers went through various stations with different challenges!
Who can stack the most pennies before the time runs out
Who can use a straw to pick up skittles and bring them to the other side of the table
Who can use chopsticks to bring the cotton balls to their side before times up
Progress Education Athletics Arts Community Empowerment (PEAACE) offers the youth the opportunity to improve their healthy lifestyles and express themselves through various programs. PEACCE offers mentorship, basketball trainings, arts and crafts, academics, and many more.
Players undergoing drills and training
PEAACE’s basketball program is ran by Star Braithwaite, who is also one of the head coaches. This summer, PEAACE is located in Scarborough at Senator O’Connor. The basketball training in the summer allows students to better themselves by going through hard and dedicated trainings, while building relationships with their teammates.
Coach Star giving a pep talk to the campers!
The FaceUp Basketball staff strives to create balanced, STRONG team players. Their goal is to develop, improve and strengthen the fundamental skill and basketball knowledge of players of all levels. Though the camp is centred around basketball, coaches also focus on teaching skills that are valuable in the real world: teamwork, responsibility and sportsmanship.
Player makes his way to dunk!
Campers strategize techniques to beat their opponent
It’s raining buckets here!
FOY Staff (Left to Right) : Katherine Nerima, Kiana Alleyne-Best
