Youth Programs
Click on this link to a video to hear what kids have to say about our Jump N Start program.
Drop in & hang out at Chill Zone or sign up for our expanded programming in
Youth Zone & Youth Zone Workshops.
Youth Outreach Programs
Fairfield Gonzales Community Association Youth Outreach Programs are designed to provide events and activities for the youth in Victoria. The programs aim to provide healthy social opportunities for youth by focusing on participation in arts, cultural and recreational activities. We believe that it is the community’s role to ensure that youth feel a part of the community and that they are given opportunities to contribute. These programs ensure that all youth have equal access to events through the provision of “free” or minimal-cost activities.
It also strives to develop leadership capacities in local youth by including them in the planning process. These programs enable youth to expand their repertoire of social and recreational activities while simultaneously increasing the profile of youth in Victoria. The programs are run in partnership with the City of Victoria, Oaklands Community Association and the Fernwood Community Centre to provide these programs for the youth of Victoria.
The benefits achieved by the development of youth through involvement in youth programs are the prevention levels that are realized. The cost saving is achieved through the long term “investment” made towards developing youth as contributing citizens of the future. The immediate benefits are through the reduction in negative behaviours such as vandalism, addiction and youth crime. There is now sufficient research and documentation that involvement in recreation programs can have positive effects on the development of youth. Easy access, and therefore low or no fees is felt to be crucial.
Jump 'n' Start
Jump ‘N Start is a program that is delivered in partnership between the Fairfield Community Association, George Jay Elementary School and Central Middle School with assistance from the Ministry of Children and Family Development. We provide an opportunity for youth to spend time after school with a small group of peers and supportive staff. The program includes trips to local attractions, recreational activities, arts and crafts, games and cooking.
The group is relaxed, voluntary, and combines both planned activities and informal social interaction. It is a weekly meeting to provide youth the opportunity to have a lot of fun and enjoy a safe environment.
The group has four goals:
- Build a community of kids
- Expose kids to community activities where they have the opportunity to try new things
- Promote self esteem, social interaction and become a place for kids to develop their voice
- Identify community resources that kids can access themselves or with their families