Youth Programs

Get Creative

April 22 to June 10, 2024

Ages 12 to 16 | $145 | Monday 6:00 to 8:00pm

All youth deserve access to a safe and supportive environment where they can express their emotions in a healthy and productive way. Through the wonder of art, Get Creative provides creative sanctuary that emphasizes self-expression, personal growth, and empowerment. 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. By embracing creativity as a tool, Get Creative aims to:

Instill confidence
Promote person growth
Navigate life’s challenges with a renewed self-worth
Build resilience
Cultivate a sense of self-assurance
Celebrate individual uniqueness

Location: 8 Forster Street, St. Catharines (Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre)

Proudly sponsored by:

Peaceful Warriors

April 30 to June 18, 2024

Ages 6 to 11 | $120 | Tuesday 5:30 to 6:30pm

We believe that children should be empowered to connect with their body and explore their emotions in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Through gentle movements, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques, Peaceful Warriors focuses on nurturing both the physical and emotional well-being of participants. Each class incorporates affirmations, guided relaxation, purposeful journaling, and opportunities for self-expression, aiming to build resilience and inner strength. By integrating trauma-informed practices, Peaceful Warriors aims to help participants:

Develop a deeper understanding of their bodies
Cultivate self-acceptance Celebrate inner strength
Build confidence
Honour and claim their individual uniqueness
Establish their worth

Children registered in the program will have access to a yoga mat and journal. Please ensure that children come dressed in comfortable clothing and bring a reusable water bottle. Please note this program is for female identifying participants.

Location: 82 Lake Street, St. Catharines (Yoga by Abbey Studio)

Cathy’s Kids

April 24 to June 12, 2024

Ages 6 to 11 | $110 | Wednesday 6:00 to 8:00pm

We believe that all children should be provided with a safe and nurturing space to explore, learn, and grow through creative expression. Through a variety of artistic mediums such as linoleum carving, cyanotype creation, sculpting, and storytelling, Cathy’s Kids encourages children to foster resilience in a safe and supportive environment. 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

Location: 425 Carlton Street, St. Catharines (Kiwanis Centre)

Proudly sponsored by the Collins family in memory of Cathy Collins, longtime friend of the Centre.

Acorn Productions

May 2 to June 6, 2024

Ages 7 to 12 | $145 | Thursday 6:30 to 8:30pm

Through the wonders of drama, music and dance, and working with Carousel Players, this program provides a safe space for youth to freely express themselves to fully connect with their inner identity. Guided by trauma-informed practices, youth will engage in many workshops by carousel player guests, as well as group activities where children are able to make music, create plays and express themselves through dance.