The Turtle Island Youth Program is two-tiered: the Junior Youth Program (JYP) which is for individuals ages 8-15, and the Youth Program (YP) which is for individuals aged 16+. Both programs have been developed on the premise of creating a safe-space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth to come together in a culturally relevant, friendship-based atmosphere.
Both Youth Programs offer a wide variety of activities that encourage and empower youth to develop and maintain a healthy, positive lifestyle in a way that focuses on the cultural needs of all youth, regardless of their cultural identity. Each month, activities are planned which reflect cultural, educational, recreational, academic, social, health and lifestyle, as well as leadership and skills-building opportunities that are selected in consultation with the youths’ needs and desires.
A Youth Resource Cupboard is also available for participants; it is operational due to in-kind donations of a variety of hygiene products, toiletries, as well as school supplies that are available to the youth if needed.
The JYP operates on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3-6pm, and the YP operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-6pm. The Youth Resource Cupboard is available on an as-needed basis. All three operate out of First Light headquarters – 716 Water Street.
For more information, please contact Jen Martin.