Ponoka Youth Centre Association
About
The Ponoka Youth Centre is a non-profit organization that provides education and life-skill programming through positive mentoring in a safe and fun environment which empowers youth and families in achieving their full potential.
- One to one
- Group mentoring
Programs Offered
After School Program
Program Description
The After School Program operates during the school year and includes life-skills instruction, leadership training, recreation, other planned activities and a nutritional snack.
Ages 5-11 Program
Daily: 3:15p.m. - 5:30p.m.
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.
S.O.D. (School’s Out Day) Program
Program Description
The S.O.D. Program provides the same kind of programming as the After School Program, but operates during Professional Development Days and In Lieu Days for schools.
Ages 5-11 Program
Professional Development Days
8:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.
Summer Program
Program Description
This is a full-day program that is provided during the summer months of July and August and offers the same type of programming as the After School Program.
Ages 5-11 Program
Monday - Friday 8:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.
Torch Club
Program Description
The Torch Club is a junior leadership program that focuses on five core elements: service to club and community, teamwork, healthy choices, leadership and learning. Youth are encouraged to get involved and give back to their community while learning valuable leadership skills. The club meets once a week and is mentored by an adult staff member.
Ages 5-11 Program
Tuesday 3:15p.m. - 4:15p.m.
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.
Under 10/Over 10
Program Description
Under 10/Over 10 is designed to offer the older group of children in the After School Program the option of participating in a variety of more age-related activities that will assist them in transitioning into the Grades 7-12 programs.
Ages 5-11 Program
Friday 4:00p.m. – 5:00p.m.
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.
Drop In Centre
Program Description
The teen Drop-In Centre offers youth a safe and supervised place to spend time with their friends. Youth may participate in special events that are planned each night or simply come to the facility and play a variety of games, watch movies, play pool, access the canteen, play foosball or visit while interacting with adult volunteers who provide positive mentoring relationships.
Grades 7-12 Programs
Drop In Centre
Thursday & Friday 6:00p.m. - 10:00p.m
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.
• Commit to one Drop In shift/month (for Drop In volunteers).
Fusion
Program Description
Fusion is a program that offers youth opportunities to experience life-skills, personal growth and self-empowerment. The program reaches out to youth who struggle in social settings, such as school, the Ponoka Youth Centre and/or the community, in general. Each month a new topic will be covered, such as self-esteem, communication skills, cooking, teambuilding, etc.
Grades 7-12 Programs
Tuesday 3:30p.m. - 5:30p.m.
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.
Dinner With Drop In
Program Description
Dinner With Drop In is a program that will offer a family-style supper that will encourage youth to sit around tables with adult mentors and learn about healthy eating while discussing daily life issues in a positive manner. The youth will then stay through to the Drop-In Program.
Grades 7-12 Programs
Thursday 3:30p.m. – 6:00p.m.
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.
• Commit to one Drop In shift/month (for Drop In volunteers).
Keystone Club
Program Description
The Keystone Club is a leadership program that focuses on five core elements: service to club and community, teamwork, healthy choices, leadership and learning. Youth are encouraged to get involved and give back to their community while learning valuable leadership skills. The club meets once a week and is mentored by an adult staff member.
Grades 7-12 Programs
Wednesday 3:30p.m. - 5:30p.m.
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.
All Shook Up
Program Description
All Shook Up is a breakfast smoothie program offered to high school students at both the Ponoka Secondary Campus and Ponoka Outreach School. This program provides youth with a nutritious start to the day, as well as an opportunity to connect and develop relationships with Ponoka Youth Centre staff.
Grades 7-12 Programs
Tuesday & Thursday
8:00 - 8:30a.m.
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.
iLunch
Program Description
iLunch is a recreational program offered during school lunch hours, that also allows Ponoka Youth Centre staff the opportunity to build relationships. On Wednesday and Friday, staff visit the schools and host events. On Tuesday and Thursday, Grade 6 youth are welcome to visit the Drop-In at the Ponoka Youth Centre.
Grades 7-12 Programs
Monday - Thursday
Lunch Hour
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.
Raise the Grade
Program Description
Raising the Grade is an interactive after-school program that allows youth in Grades 7-12 to explore their personal interests, receive homework support, connect with mentors and/or tutors, interact with peers, increase digital literacy and plan for post-secondary education.
Grades 7-12 Programs
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 3:30 - 5:30p.m.
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.
Kick Start
Program Description
Kick Start is a safe and supervised drop in program for junior high youth only. Youth may spend time with their peers, as well as familiarize themselves and become more comfortable with the teen drop-in program, as a whole, at a time when older teens are not in attendance. A portion of each programming day has an educational component that is delivered by an adult mentor.
Grades 7-12 Programs
Monday 3:30p.m. - 5:30p.m.
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.
Youth Justice Committee
Program Description
This program provides first-time young offenders with an alternative to the formal court process by resolving legal conflicts through alternative measures, community service and meeting with victims and community members.
Grades 7-12 Programs
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.
On-Site Counselling Program
Program Description
The On-Site Counselling Program provides children, youth and families with access to the services of a licensed child and family counsellor located on-site at the Ponoka Youth Centre. This service is provided at no cost to program participants.
Grades 7-12 Programs
2 evenings/week
Mentor Description
• Be over 18 years of age, unless applying as a Transitional Youth Volunteer.
• Commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer involvement.