Work in Progress
October 21 to December 9, 2026
Ages 12 to 16 | $100 | Wednesday 5:00 to 7:00pm
Location: 8 Forster Street, St. Catharines (Centre)
All youth deserve access to a safe and supportive environment where they can express their emotions in a healthy and productive way. Work in Progress is a creative space for teens to explore who they are, what they love, and what they have to say through art. Guided by trauma-informed practices, youth will engage in workshops, themed sessions and group discussions, enabling them to express their thoughts and feelings in a supportive community environment. Whether you’re into visual arts, creative writing, music, or just looking for a place to create, you belong here. We’re all about trying new things, sharing ideas, collaborating, and giving ourselves permission to make something imperfect. Because none of us have it all figured out—and that’s the point. We’re all a work in progress!
This program aims to:
- Instill confidence
- Teach new creative skills
- Build resilience
- Cultivate a sense of self-assurance
- Celebrate individual uniqueness
*NEW* Nature Explorers
October 20 to December , 2026
Ages 6 to 11 | $100 | Tuesday 5:00 to 7:00pm
Location: Heartland Forest, 8215 Heartland Forest Rd, Niagara Falls
Explore. Discover. Connect.
In partnership with Heartland Forest, Nature Explorers is a hands-on outdoor program that gives children the opportunity to explore the natural world, build new skills, and have fun in the great outdoors!
Each week, participants will head into Heartland Forest for a new nature-themed adventure. Through interactive activities, games, exploration, and hands-on learning, children will discover the plants, animals, insects, birds, and ecosystems that surround us.
Nature Explorers is an opportunity for children to:
- Build confidence and independence outdoors
- Develop teamwork and communication skills
- Connect with peers through shared experiences
- Learn about local wildlife and ecosystems
- Develop observation and problem-solving skills
- Get active and spend time outside
- Build a deeper appreciation for nature and the environment
Come explore, get curious, and discover the wild side of Heartland Forest!
Club Acorn
October 22 to December 10, 2026
Ages 6 to 11 | $80 | Thursday 5:00 to 7:00pm
Location: 8 Forster Street, St. Catharines (Centre)
Every child should be given the opportunity to engage in an enriching camp experience. Club Acorn, designed to encompass all the elements of our well-known Camp Acorn, creates this exciting camp experience, but in two short hours. Centered on fostering leadership, resilience and confidence, Club Acorn is structured to help children reach their full potential. Through engaging games, science experiments, and expressive crafts children are encouraged to communicate effectively, work together and lead by example!
Cathy’s Kids
Stay tuned for future dates!
Location: 8 Forster Street, St. Catharines (Centre)
We believe that all children should be provided with a safe and nurturing space to explore, learn, and grow through creative expression. Children will participate in weekly art workshops that team key skills such as empathy, self-esteem, healthy friendships, and emotional regulation. Emphasizing trauma-informed practices, Cathy’s Kids integrates purposeful elements into artistic activities, allowing children to express themselves freely, while also learning coping strategies and building self-confidence. Participants will learn through purposeful play, encouraging children to:
- Find their unique voice and embrace inner strength
- Instill integrity
- Enhance confidence and instill a sense of personal purpose
- Strengthen self-esteem
- Cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves
- Practice perseverance
Proudly sponsored by the Collins family in memory of Cathy Collins, longtime friend of the Centre.
Peaceful Warriors
Stay tuned for future dates!
Location: 8 Forster Street, St. Catharines (Centre)
Peaceful Warriors is a specialized yoga program designed to nurture confidence, resilience, and self-expression in children. Through gentle movements and mindfulness practices, Peaceful Warriors celebrates uniqueness, cultivating a foundation for enhanced self-esteem and confidence. Each session encourages children to explore movement in a way that feels natural and empowering, helping them develop physical awareness and emotional balance.
EmpowHER: Spark
(Level 1)
Coming soon!
Ages 10 to 16 | no participant fee
EmpowHER: Ignite
(Level 2)*
October 19 to December 7, 2026
Ages 10 to 16 | no participant fee | Monday 5:00 to 7:00pm
EmpowHER: Radiate
(Level 3)*
Coming soon!
Ages 10 to 16 | no participant fee
Location: 8 Forster Street, St. Catharines (Centre)
The EmpowHER leadership program is built to inspire, educate, and empower young female-identifying individuals to become compassionate and effective leaders. Our program seeks to instill a sense of responsibility, confidence, and a commitment to community service, preparing youth to make positive contributions to society and become the leaders of tomorrow. *All participants must complete the previous Level before registration.
“I recently reviewed my child’s binder from the program, and I’m honestly blown away. Each week focused on such important skills for becoming a kind, empathetic, and confident person. I wish every child had the opportunity to experience something like this. The lessons were engaging, age-appropriate, and so meaningful. We’re incredibly grateful for this experience and can’t wait for the next session!” – EmpowHER Participant Caregiver
**EmpowHER Level 3 begins TUESDAY April 7, all future dates will be on MONDAYS.
EmpowHER is proudly sponsored by:
REGISTRATION
Subsidy for any participants is available upon request.
If your child has been through an investigation or interview with Family and Children’s Services Niagara or the Niagara Regional Police Service, our programs may come at little to no cost to you and your family. Please contact us at programs@kristenfrenchcacn.org to continue registration and to find the program that best suits your needs.