Community Approaches That Work for Youth

……Prevention, Intervention & Education Through Recreation

FORUM PROCEEDINGS
May 22, 1998
Ottawa-Carleton

Co-ordinated & Edited by:
Anne Robinson

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This Forum was created for educators, social workers, youth workers, recreationists, municipal councillors, police officers, community association leaders and students. "Community Approaches that Work for Youth" was initiated by the municipalities of Ottawa, Nepeau, Gloucester, Kanata, Cumberland, Osgoode, West Carleton, Goulbourn and Vanier in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.

A special thanks to the following people who gave considerable time and effort to assist in the coordination and rinalization of the day, making the workshop a real success:

Don Lonie
City of Ottawa

Jennifer MacDonell
Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation

Sue Korwin
Township of West Carleton

Tom Lee
Township of Osgoode

A sincere thanks also to Max Keeping, CJOH News, and Dr. Dan Offord who both continue to tangibly support efforts to address the issue of marginalized youth in our community.

The goals of Community Approaches that Work for Youth were twofold:

• to profile and share the details of successful, local initiatives for youth; and
• to encourage and foster partnering between agencies.

At the conclusion of the workshop, Dr. Dan Offord suggested that an Ottawa-Carleton "Youth" website be created where information on or about services for local youth could be posted by any local municipality or group! In the spirit of working together, through a partnership between sectors public and corporate, and with the assistance of youth – this idea can become a reality.

Finally, the notes for these Proceedings were made possible through the assistance of the following students: Julie Petrie, Wenna Doig and Kristie Kortko from the Department of Leisure Studies, University of Ottawa. Thank you.

Anne Robinson
Coordinator

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Acknowledgements
• Keynote Address with Dr. Dan Offord
• Session A: Public Sector Recreation Services for Youth that Work
• Session B: Interagency Initiatives for Youth
• Session C: Youth Centres: The Myth and Reality
• Session D: Recreation: A Vehicle for Change
• Session E: Youth Initiatives for Youth, Making a Difference
• Session F: Accessing Recreation Facilities and Sites by Youth
• Appendix A Public Sector Recreation Services that Work
• Appendix B Interagency Initiatives for Youth
• Appendix C Youth Centres: The Myth and the Reality
• Appendix D Recreation: A Vehicle for Change
• Appendix E Youth Initiatives by Youth
• Appendix F Accessing Recreation Facilities and Sites by Youth
• Appendix G List of Participants
• Appendix H Final Forum Programme and Fact Sheet

KEYNOTE ADDRESS
DR. DAN OFFORD

Dr. Offord is a child pychiatrist with major interest in epidemiology and prevention. He is Professor of Psychiatry and Head of the Division of Child Psychiatry at McMaster University, and Research Director of the Chedoke Child and Family Centre. Dr. Offord is also director of the Centre for Studies of Children at Risk which focuses on policy issues, scientific research and training. He is a National Health Scientist, and was member of the Premiers Council on Health, Well-Being, and Social Justice until June, 1995.

He has played a leading role in the Ontario Child Health Study and the follow-up. The major area of the initial cross-sectional study carried out in 1983 was to obtain unbiased, precise estimates of the prevalence of emotional and behavioural problems, physical health problems and substance use among Ontario children, 4 to 16 years of age. The follow-up study, carried out in 198 7, focused on issues of outcome, prognosis and risk.

Dr. Offord was co-principal investigator on a community intervention project in a public housing complex in Ottawa, which focused on providing a first-rate non-school skill development program for all children, 5 to 15 years of age, in the complex. The model employed in this successful demonstration project is now being replicated in several locations in Ontario.

He is currently involved in studies aimed at determining what data should be collected on a regular basis on children and youth at the community level in Ontario to inform and evaluate policy. The measurement of school readiness is a particular area of emphasis. Further, he has completed pilot work on two Native reserves in the area of children's health, particularly mental health, and is the co-principal investigator of the Tri-Ministry Project. This is a six-year study aimed at determining whether or not adjustment problems can be prevented in children from kindergarten to grade three by a combination of parent training, class-wide social skills training, and academic support. In addition, he as published widely, in the scientific literature.

Contact: For Studies of Children at Risk: Patterson Building, Chedoke-McMaster Hospitals, 1200 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON 18N 3Z5, 905-521-2100, 905-574-6665 (fax).

Highlights of the Opening Address by Dr. Dan Offord

• Recreation Programs are needed for the "casualty class of kids"
• Today, the problem is so great that if youth-at-risk is not addressed, the quality of life for everyone will be lowered
• Are circumstances worse for kids? No one knows - no one has been keeping track
• 80% of single parent Moms live below the poverty line
• Children bear the burden of the suffering - emotional problems - the frequency, morbidity, costs-are greater amongst those living in poverty
• The cause is never one factor but related to individual, family circumstances, community and society
• There are 26 public housing complexes in Ottawa-Carleton and 50% of the residents will do well-research has shown that one good relationship or one area of competence is enough to put a child on a positive pathway

N.B. Image not included

• What can I do to open up a pathway?
• Labeling and Stigmatization - don't segregate or negate the poor; give equal opportunity, equal access
• Ensure that ALL kids get full participation in the community - BE A CIVIC COMMUNITY - Take responsibility for more than your own kids
• Ensure UNIVERSALITY - equal access, equal participation and equitable outcomes To get rid of the Gradient (below), Recreation Providers can:
1. Ensure there are NO CHARGE programs
2. Emphasize Skill development
3. Monitor Developmental ladder - participation, sustained participation, skill development, integration, incorporation
4. Cost Containment
5. Training Staff to work with poor
6. KEEP SCORE - monitor and evaluate effectively and over time
7. Encourage Volunteers - from all sectors, keep good coaches involved
• Goal: to be the first community in Canada where the gradient is flat where every child has equal access, participation and outcome with respect to recreation services.
• Ensure the race is fair and cut down the penalties for losing
• Take on the challenge with INFORMED PASSION
• Rely on the community, not government

SESSION A: PUBLIC SECTOR RECREATION SERVICES FOR YOUTH THAT WORK

Session Coordinator: Don Lonie, City of Ottawa
Facilitator: Audrey Laidlaw, City of Ottawa

Kathy Watcham, City of Ottawa, has been involved in recreation and leisure activities with the City of Ottawa for the past thirteen years. Kathy coordinated the Women and Sport Programme for six years and was a member of many committees and initiatives that promoted active and healthy living or Women and Girls. Kathy is also a Board Member of the Rideau Street Youth Enterprises which provides opportunities for street youth. Contact: 564-1050, 564-3780 (fax)

• There is a need for sports and recreation for women and girls
• At most ages, women and young girls are not as active as boys as they are not as encouraged as boys. Hence, where traditional sports are concerned, there are more opportunities for boys than girls
• Far less female traditional sports are covered by the media, in comparison to male traditional sports
• The repeated coverage received by female rower Silken Lauman was a relatively rare media endeavour; however she is a tremendous role model for women and women are in desperate need of female role models
• In 1983, the Girls Participation and Sports Committee discovered that while 61% of males were physically active, the same was true for only 39% of females; between the ages of 13 and 17 were the lowest level of active females .
• As a result, a two year pilot project at the City of Ottawa was created to get women involved and while the project did make a change, that particular age group is continuously bombarded by popular distractions such as the Internet and 90 pound "models of perfection"
• The program was successful because:
• there were no tryouts;
• anybody who came received a warm welcome,
• each program began with a skill session, acknowledging different levels of skill, yet providing everyone with the same opportunity to play;
• the program was inexpensive;
• strong and positive role models encouraged the participants and some of these women were later asked to become coaches themselves
• there was a sports hotline to find out game times and various types of programs available.

Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport is working for the fair participation of girls in sports and recreation with a VISION to have a world where women and men are equally valued in sports and recreation, Girls and women should reap the vast benefits associated with sports and recreation:

1)Health Benefits: reduce heart disease, increased energy, reduce likelihood of depression
2)Psychological Benefits: Elevated self confidence, self-esteem
3)Social Benefits: Feeling like part of a group, meeting new people etc.

• CAAWS addresses equity issues as it focuses on opportunities that include girls and women
• While 52% of the population are female, only 33% are registered participants
• Research suggests that at-risk behaviour is positively influenced by involvement in sports and recreation

Strategies to reach girls in the Community include:

• Ottawa-Carleton Girls and Women Sports Committee:
• since 1982 has employed a round table
• role to speak out to solve problems
• reminds agencies and organizations that sports and recreation need to be kept accessible and affordable
• Encourages girls-centred programming - began in 1985, start where the girls are at; talk with them and listen to what they want to do

What is Working?

• Partnerships with other agencies and the community makes programmes and special events work e.g. school board, sport agencies
• Using a community development approach is the key to success
• Organizations are being pro-active in addressing access and equity issues for girls and women
• Many programs and services are promoting a "non-competitive" approach, getting away from elitism in recreation and the idea of winning being the only goal

What needs to change?

• female role models need to be encouraged, integrated into programs and work at a grassroots level
• Scheduling and timing of program space needs to be investigated. An overwhelming amount of space is pre-issued to groups and these groups are predominantly male
• Cost of programs
• Need a strategy to recruit male and female coaches
• Need to analyze statistics and understand why there is a low response by girls for physical activities
• Volunteer strategy needs to be implemented
• Need to boost resources for female programming and services

Future Considerations

• Advocate for children and youth. Kids count!
• Need to make higher officials cognizant of the need to invest in our children and youth
• Keep Municipal recreation alive, its purpose was to be inclusive and accessible to everyone
• Youth and the Arts

Carol Parker, Township of Osgoode, former Chair of the Carleton Board of Education and President of the Greely Players, is an accomplished organist, musician and choir director who has employed her many talents to encourage and involve young people in the rural area, in the production of major musicals such as the Sound of Music, Peter Pan, Oliver and more. Involving dozens of youth and a host of volunteers, the shows have been sold-out community successes. Contact: 821-3313, 821-4815 (fax)

• Funding for the arts and recreation have been cut time and time again
• The arts have never been granted much importance where youth are concerned
• In 1989, a Musical Theatre Company was established in the Township of Osgoode with the goal of including as many children and youth as possible in every production
• By involving the children, you inevitably involve the whole family - parents, grandparents, siblings)
• The shows are always in the spring, rehearsing through the winter months
• In 1997 there were 85 auditions for Peter Pan - an incredible number for a rural township.
• Several young people from the theatre have gone on to perform in other theatres throughout Canada
• A live orchestra is employed, no child is ever turned away although choosing a cast is selective and insufficient funds permit only one show per year
• While those who are not selected one year may try out the following year, they art usually encourage to enroll in other aspects of the show
• There is evidence that some special needs students that have been involved in the program appear to have a marked improvement and sense of self-worth from the program and in turn, local support is currently increasing.

Sandy Merriam, General Manager, Arts Court, has been working in the community development and community recreation fields for over 20years. Having worked for the City of Ottawa since 1980, primarily in the local community centres, in 1995 she became the General Manager of Arts Court. Arts Court is a municipally owned and managed facility with 25 tenant organizations who provide artistic services and programmes to the community. Culture is an important component of a complete recreation delivery system. Contact: Arts Court, (613) 564-3093, 564-4428 (fax) Sandy Merriam, Manager, Arts Court

• Arts Court is a municipally owned arts centre in the City of Ottawa, focusing on the professional arts community and creative expression
• The project that has been working well is the Young Actor's Space, providing drama for youth, dance lessons are off‚red upon request, children can write stories and have the opportunity to use technical equipment such screenography and videography
• Unfortunately, there is only one theatre, meaning facilities and space are limited
• Municipalities can:
• Make a commitment to youth
• Build facilities that last
• Provide accessibility to different cultures

What is Working?

• Theatre programs are inexpensive, creative and beneficial for children and youth
• Arts programming should be incorporated into community centre operations, parks and other facilities
• When the costs are low, the response is greater
• Many arts groups have a "youth" component
• Ottawa School of Speech and Drama has linked with the corporate sector to sponsor youth who cannot afford the fees

What needs to change.?

• Arts and culture must have support and recognition from municipalities to develop and grow
• Municipalities need to target youth and get them involved
• Develop more and better access to facilities

Future Considerations:

• Have an "Open House" at Arts Court to promote arts and culture in the community
• Have a traveling road show to reach the communities
• Take into consideration the "isolation factor" and bridge the gaps
• Improve funding to new initiatives and seed money
• Develop grassroots arts programming
• Provide arts and cultural workshops to staff to stimulate programming
• Sell the value of arts and culture for youth to the private and corporate sectors
• Develop a youth policy and make a commitment to youth and the arts
• Municipal and grassroots programming can eliminate the "elitism" for arts and culture

Ethnicity and Diversity

Ali Mohamed, South-Fast Ottawa Health Services, is a Youth Worker for the Youth for Futures programme at the South East Ottawa Community Health Services Centre. Ali attends the University of Ottawa in Management Information Systems. Originally from Somalia, he has been active in the community for over five years. Contact: 521-9100, ext. 406; 521-2354 (fax)

• Works mainly with minority youths who are disadvantaged
• found that allot of these youngsters have lost all hope and feel that they are rarely listen to unless they are screaming or yelling
• An employment program was devised consisting of approximately 80 children teaching them important working skills
• The program was also youth centred, asking the kids what skills they wanted to learn; the purpose was to get the youths involved in decisions concerning themselves, as a means of increasing participation

Lisa Marshall, Advisory Committee on Equity and Diversity, is an educational consultant and co-founder of Ottawa-based "expressions of the Diaspora Books and Resource Service ". Her focus areas include gender relations, anti-racism work, and peoples of the African Diaspora. She is currently completing her Masters of Arts in cultural geography. She is active in community work – sitting on the City of Ottawa Advisory Committee for Equity and Diversity and on the Board of Directors of Interval House, a Women’s Sheller. Contact: 236-2277, 236-2080 (fax)

• Developed a program called "Expressions", trying to connect children with different cultures and historical figures through games, toys, puzzles and stories
• Mirroring is highly important; when children are with people who have had similar experiences, they feel less isolated and different
• "Expressions" provides youth contacts which have never before been off‚red to them; in turn, mentoring can occur with these positive role models
• The program teaches children that background is not the determining factor for future achievement and that they should strive to attain their dreams as anything can be realized with perseverance and determination.

What is working?

• Youth workers in the community are extremely helpful to the overall delivery of programs and services to youth
• Youth employment programs are giving youth the skills to develop employment opportunities
• Integration of different communities is helping with understanding and tolerance
• Youth driven programs
• Partnerships with the communities and a community development approach should be continued and strengthened
• Having the community take ownership, either through visibility in the community, consultation with other agencies or groups and involvement in any problem solving

What needs to change?

• Youth feel that adults in organizations or agencies break promises and youth have lost hope
• Youth need a voice, youth driven programs
• Youth have no sense of belonging to a facility, park or centre
• Recognize an adjustment period for youth from other cultures
• Education of staff and educating diverse communities
• People like familiarity, i.e. similar experiences and looks - reflect this in the workforce, need more diverse role models for mentors
• Provide more ethnic and diverse resources for staff, books, art, games, programming

Future Considerations

• Implement grassroots funding; same groups and organizations are continuously getting funds and there is little opportunity for new groups
• Make resources available for programs, groups and organizations
• Need more workers to be visible role models e.g. reflective of who they serve

SESSION B: INTERAGENCY INITIATIVES FOR YOUTH

Facilitator: Clement Pelot, City of Gloucester

Susan Horrock, Social Worker, Gloucester Center for Community Resources, 2339 Ogilvie Rd., Gloucester, 741-6025
Dan Rees, Manager, Orleans Boys and Girls Club, Youth Drop In, Cumberland 1490 Youville Dr., Gloucester, 830-7671
Constable Claude Parent, Program Staff, East Division, 4561 Bank St., Gloucester, 236-1222 ext. 6573
George Lencewicz, Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Services, Volunteer, Blair Road Station, Blair Rd., Gloucester, 788-1390
Guy Madore, Consultant, Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, 500 Tremblay Rd., Ottawa, ON 742-3365
Donna Quiggin, Recreation Coordinator, Special Needs (Therapeutic Recreation Specialist), City of Gloucester, 1595 Telesat Court, Gloucester, 748-415 1.

• The City looked at specific target groups, working with the police department to accumulate crime statistics
• The first step was to gather the professionals together and pool resources funding and grants from the City
• The Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation supports reducing risk to youth and has some human, financial and physical resources
• Challenge participants to take action and get community development process in order
• A CBC interview which interviewed elderly in this community concluded that the Youth on the Move Program was a great success, bridging the gap between age cohorts, dealing positively with racism and addressing youth that have available time on their hands
• The police department identified the specific parks, divided the City into sections and a team (1 police officer and a recreation youth worker) go from park to park and report findings on a regular basis; goals are established from these reports.
• The goal of the program is to give the parks back to the kids so that they can use them without fear of violence
• The roving van can be a basketball initiative, 3 on 3 tournament, resume writing workshop, potential employment and more; the program is preventative

Dorothy Gifford, The Millers Oven, Manotick, is Past President and Volunteer Coordinator for this unique establishment, founded in 1983, that is operated by seniors working along side 12 to 16 year old, teen volunteers. Unique in Ontario, if not Canada, this community-based project provides a friendly gathering place for youth and old. A heritage building, previously owned by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, but recently bought by the Millers Oven, this special restaurant provides lots of village hospitality to tourists from around the world. Contact: The Millers Oven, 113 7 Mill St., Manotick, 692-4304.

• The Miller's Oven has two full-time staff and everyone else is a volunteer; 12-16 year olds from the area work with the seniors to wait on tables and receive a share of the "tip fund" as compensation
• The Miller's Oven Committee believes that the young helpers gain valuable work experience as volunteer servers, while learning to take a responsible role in the community
• From the beginning, the volunteers agreed that any surplus in the operating account and any tips would go to aid worthy causes, benefitting principally Seniors in Rideau Township and the surrounding area
• Vistors to this popular eating institution have come from many parts of the world Portugal, the United Kingdom, Papua New Guinea, the United States and many area of Canada
• Two long-time students have recently moved to full-time work in the kitchen after many years of serving tables

Louise Lemay, City of Vanier, is Director of Recreation in Vanier’s Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs. She has organized a Youth Fair - an opportunity for intermediate and secondary level students to shop for information on available resources for them in their community. The Fair included a "Battle of the Bands ", musical contest for high school bands, Climbing and Communication Sessions, Jobs and Youth, the Life of a Stand-Up Comic and more. Contact: City of Vanier: 747-2532, 747-2533 (fax)

• The City bas organized youth fairs since 1990, working with 20 agencies, Ottawa-Carleton Police Department, Crime Prevention Ottawa, Regional Health and others
• The purpose is to provide resources to youth and over 20 schools responded; the event is held over 3 days at a Vanier high school in November
• Many agencies are now involved and offer workshops or information of interest to youth-at-risk and youth generally
• The Fair raises awareness, encourages youth to make positive choices and has a very interactive component including standup comics, job searching, band competitions, discussion groups and athletes who tell about their success stories.

Kathy McConkey, South Nepean Youth Organization, is President of a community based organization trying to address the needs of youth in the Barrhaven area. Over the past several years the South Nepean Youth Organization has worked with the City of Nepean, the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police and a variety of other agencies to gain a better appreciation of the needs of youth in their area and how to address those needs. Contact: Mike Shonuck, City of Nepean 727-6640 ext. 227, 727-6691 (fax)

• The City had a brainstorming session with the kids to understand their needs and then created a summer drop-in and a City Skateboard area with City of Nepean funding
• Eventually the community realized that there was a need beyond the summer months and in 1994 funding was provided by service clubs and community organizations

Art Manhire, is Regional Manager Carleton East, YMCA -YWCA of/d'Ottawa Carleton. The YMCA -YWCA is a commutiity service organization with over 130 years of service in the Ottawa area. Art has 15 years of service with the YMCA in programming and community services including emergency housing, employment services and children and youth programming. Art is a newcomer to Ottawa, coming from Toronto and Montreal. Contact: (613) 837-2022, 830-7369,fax, 265 Centrum Blvd, Orleans, K1E 3X7, amanhire@istar.ca

• The YMCA-YWCA/ Boys and Girls Club youth centre is a drop in program with a mission. The program goals are to build self worth, confidence and responsibility and to provide an opportunity to build social skills and leadership. This message is the foundation of all programs and is delivered in a fun, safe environment. The partnership builds on each organization's strengths, delivering a better product.
• The Centre targets male and female youth from 13-18. The program delivery tool is primarily recreation: Pool, Ping Pong, Basketball, Volleyball, Video games and workshops. There is a minor fee for participants to help cover operations costs. The program runs four evenings per week. It operates at the Orleans YMCA-YWCA and draws 20 and 40 participants nightly from all across Greater Ottawa. There are regular partiicpants from Kanata and Nepean. The basketball focus programs draw 20-100 youth per night in high school basketball and midnight hoops.
• Other partnerships include: Place d'Orleans Mall Management; Youth Emergency Housing Program with Youth Services Bureau and CRC; Cumberland Parks Program with 5 community associations-, and Ottawa-Carleton School Board and Big Sisters.

Basic Partnership Principals include:

• 2+2+5, not 3!
• Provide a good product!
• No one thrives just because they represent a good cause Apple Pie!
• Focus on what you do well/ know your service position!
• Leave your fears behind!
• Believe that you can succeed and help others succeed!
• Tell your story to anyone hwo will listen!

SESSION C: YOUTH CENTRES: THE MYTH AND REALITY

Session Coordinator: Sue Korwin, Township of West Carleton
Session Facilitator: Rick Baker, City of Kanata

Joanne McIntyre was unfortunately unable to attend due to an emergency.

The Ottawa-Carleton Police Youth Centre is open seven days a week for young people ages six to ninety. The Centre offers sports, recreation, guidance counseling, diversion, alternative measures, youth council, leadership, homework club, scholarships, camping, personal development and much more.

The Centre strives to provide a safe place that youth can depend on. The staff are dedicated toward providing access to innovative programs and positive role models, in an atmosphere that is conducive to personal growth.

Julie Kelsey is a Youth Worker at the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Youth Centre. Contact: 727-5398, 727-2696 (fax)

• The Community Centre was an old firehall in a neighbourhood with a very high crime rate
• There is now a sense of ownership on the part of kids and a recognition that early intervention reduces future delinquency
• The qualities most needed in adult youth workers or role models are: consistency, reliability and dependability
• The program serves as a point of entry for kids into mainstream society; there are 80-100 kids, mainly 10- 16 years, every night
• There is a scholarship fund and help given with homework; the staff and volunteers are much more important than the facility

Tim Paquette, Kanata Youth Centre, is Manager of this unique space in the growing community of Kanata where there is a high percentage of young families and teens. Contact: 599-8228, 591-2501 (fax)

• Centre is geared to 12-17 year olds and open 16 hours/ week and free; located in the Town Centre mall and is operated through a partnership with the YM-YWCA
• The Kanata youth Centre is responsible for raising all of its own funds and operates with a volunteer Board of Directors
• The youth tend to support more spontaneous activities versus formally organized activities
• In the future the group hopes to have a more permanent, centrally located facility and is currently seeking more funding partners

Sean Allen, Renfrew Youth Centre, Co-ordinator Police Liaison, was involved in the initiation of a Youth Centre that is now used by up to 200 Renfrew teens on a regular basis. 11 was a cooperative effort involving local police, business and the school board, which donated an empty building. Contact: 432-3211, 432-7810 (fax)

• The goal was to provide a safe, supervised and free place for kids to spend their leisure time
• The non-profit organization looked at Renfrew and the surrounding area and developed a wish list, believing that sooner or later they would find the resources to meet the needs
• "Riot Squad" is the name of the team of youth; incredibly optimistic and encouraged to not limit themselves
• The Group gained access to Victoria School with a number of conditions e.g. clean out school; currently the Centre uses 25% of the building which is now also used by ‘alternate school' and other youth upgrading initiatives
• Corporate sponsorship is in the form of cash and resources
• The Youth Centre is in the local news every week with a column and operates arts, craft, sport and "battle of the bands" competitions
• Overall, a philosophy is needed, community support, partnership, trust, sense of ownership on the part of the kids, accessibility
• It is imperative to fight stigmas early e.g. police run program is NOT a correctional program for kids in trouble but for everyone; invite the community to check out the program
• The general policy is to pay what you can or no fee at all, must even the playing field and rely on community support
• With an all co-ed program it is important to have female staff and role models

The S.T.A.R. Program was established in 1965 and offers weekly classes in hockey, computers, arts and crafts, cooking, swimming, karate, guitar, cross country skiing and winter camping. Like the summer camp program, each child’s progress is carefully followed and acknowledged. Such proof of achievement builds confidence that carries over into other parts of their lives. Contact: 742-6922, 742-6944 (fax)

• Christie Lake Camp started in 1922 with 100 disadvantaged children staying for 2 week sessions
• Goal was to start kids at age 9 and they would come to camp each year
• There are approximately 800 people who want to attend, therefore long waiting list and the executive tries to identify those in the most need, working with school and social workers
• Camp has an adjustable fee
• Initiated the S.T.A.R. (Skills Through Active Recreation) Program in 1980's - a year round approach
• User fees are a real barrier to participation for these youth and a source of embarrassment for the child, so S.T.A.R. program has no charge

SESSION D: RECREATION: A VEHICLE FOR CHANGE

Session Facilitator: Jennifer MacDonell, Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation

Susan Kennedy, Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa-Carl‚ton, has worked as a senior Youth Worker at the Bureau for over 10 years. She has extensive experience in individual, family and group counseling. Susan was involved in the youth assessment that identified the needs for young people in the West End of Ottawa. She also is involved in the P.Q. Teen Drop In, now celebrating its third year. Contact: Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa-Carleton, Unit 8-35 Stafford Rd., Nepean, ON K2H 8V8, (613) 596-5621, 596-4600 (fax)

• Teen Drop-In for older youth (12-20) - Pinecrest Queensway
• West End Youth Needs Assessment - Advisory Committee of service providers, Advisory Committee of Youth - timeline developed
• Surveys - dances, youth day, video nights, improv. theatre
• Youth Issues identified - problems at school, drugs and drinking, sexuality, fear of gangs, poverty
• Recommendations - advocacy, examine accessibility of programs for youth, issue of under-representation of minority youth workers, youth medical services, West-end Multi-service Youth Drop-In Centre
• Partnerships - Youth Services Bureau, Pinecrest-Queensway Health and Community Services, YMCA/YWCA, John Howard Society
• Services Available: youth counseling, nurse practitioner and doctor on-call, employment counseling and listings, safe place to "hang", coffee house, weekly crafts, workshops and videos

"Children who are abused need the support of the entire community"

Two Key Principles:

• A child has the right to a plan of care designed to meet the child's needs
• A child in care bas a right to participate in recreation and athletic activities that are appropriate for the child's aptitudes and interests in a community setting wherever possible

Benefits:

Planning recreation and sports activities are key elements in the promotion of a child's well being:

• User fees erode the ability of clients to access recreation programs
• Recreation and sports enhance self-esteem through skill development
• Enhances social skills and encourages interaction
• Strengthens and supports the caregiver-child/youth relationship
• Provides a venue for fun, reduces tension and eases the pain

Children and Youth in the care of CAS may have some degree of pain however:

• like all children they want to be happy and successful.
• they want to be treated as individuals
• like all children then need support and encouragement and opportunity.

Also, see Appendix D for complete copy of overheads, charts.

Toby Robinovitz, Consultant, SMC Management Services Incorporated, has a diverse background in the field of recreation and non-profit management. Her areas of expertise span a range of experiences from working with the Alberta Department of Recreation and Parks as a Youth and Volunteer Consultant to working as the National Director for the Skills Program for Mangement of Volunteers. Toby has co-chaired the Canadian Parks/Recreation Association committee on Youth at Risk and has been contracted by, the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation to develop a Framework for Children and Youth Recreation Contact: 161 Briston Private, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5R3, (613) 247-9327, 247-1781 (fax)

• General Findings: - acknowledge the value of early intervention
• Role of both families and community are vital to healthy child/ youth development
• Goals relate to safety, security etc.
• Recreation outcomes: enhance motor skills, learn social skills, positive outlet for creative expression, develop intellectual capabilities, positive concept of self, decision making, build leadership skills and confidence
• Issues to address: agreement as to the value of recreation, not clear as to where/how the recreation delivery system is positioned, changing role of recreation delivery system,
• Challenges - participation, quality
• Systemic Barriers - fees, structure
• Challenges: - need to find a common ground (goals) with compatible sectors
• Make the case - the value of recreation and the role the recreation service delivery system can play

Anne McClenaghan has recently joined the High Five project as the training coordinator. She is responsible for the development and implementation of a province-wide delivery system for the training programs. Anne has experience working in municipal recreation, the YM -YWCA and the private sector managing the marketing and delivery of recreational Programs for all ages. Contact: High Five Program, Parks and Recreation Ontario, 1185 Eglinton Avenue E. Suite 405, North York, On M3C 3C6, (416) 426-7048, 426-7371 (fax)

• History of the Program - Parks and Recreation Ontario is an all inclusive, not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, health and well-being of people, their communities and environments in Ontario.

Objectives:

• To maintain affordability and accessibility while achieving the highest standard of quality
• To position recreation and sport as one of the leading partners in quality children's services
• To develop a process by which all recreation and sport service providers can offer a consistent high standard of services that focuses on the child first
• To enable recreation and sport providers to shift the focus from the product of a program to a process
• Video: - describes the program - here children learn to reach for the stars, builds self-esteem and confidence, helps them to understand certain basic laws of the world, builds competence, child learns to have goals and strive to attain them
• Life Long Learning: - begins with child's play, provides information tools and training sessions

Sr. Constable Rick Clark, Ontario Provincial Police, is an 18 year member of the OPP and has been with the Kanata detachment for the past 14 years. For the last 3 ˝ years Rick has been working with the community and schools to address l‚gal issues related to youth. Most recently, Rick was designated the Youth Liaison Coordinator and is responsible to coordinate police and community resources regarding youth issues. Contact: OPP 937 Teron Rd., Kanata, ON K2K 1X6, (613) 592-6061, 592-2982 (fax)

• Offer skateboarding and rollerblading
• There is a TV and VCR area, events and trips
• The main activities are decided by the youth themselves
• If guidelines are violated, the child is not kicked out but asked to take a vacation; they can return after a given period of time
• Basic Principles of Partnership include: - mutually beneficial and agreed upon goals, appreciation of professional diversity, shared responsibility and accountability
• Benefits of Partnerships: - "doing more with less", more reactive and accountable, better understanding between services; positive message to the community, generates other worthwhile initiatives

SESSION E:YOUTH INITIATIVES FOR YOUTH: MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Session Facilitator: Daniel Spence, Co-President, Bell High School

Karen M‚Vie, South Carleton High School, is currently Co-President. She helped to establish the Leadership Team at her high school and has served on its organizing committee for the past three years. Presently, Karen is sitting as the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Student Trustee. As well, Karen is active in community work. She serves as the student member of the Council of Manotick United Church and is a busy member of their Outreach Committee. In her spare time Karen works at Chamomile Country Project, a group home in Osgoode for children with special needs.

• Implemented Leadership Conference at South Carleton attracting more that 120 students in 97-98 school year; this Leadership initiative was so popular that the students ran two conferences and a follow-up several months later involving other schools
• Developed a partnership with elementary schools and local corporations including "Nortel"
• The overriding philosophy was "to empower and reach all of the community", the programme was easy to buy into and student led
• Leveling out - all participants are equal - staff and students
• Based on philosophy - wherever you are, start there; geared to build confidence and empowerment

John Brown, Osgoode High School, is a grade 12 student, and president of the Ontario Secondary School Students' Association. During Ontario’s debate over Bill 160, Ontario's controversial education reform, Brown with other members across Ontario’s 12 regions to make presentations, educate and inform. He has encouraged and supported student leadership through improvement of student councils and conferences to train and assist students.

• The Ontario Secondary School Students Association was founded 23 years ago due to lack of student voice in decision making.
• Largest student-run secondary school student association consisting of 12 regions throughout Ontario.
• Association meets in Toronto yearly and promotes student leadership amongst youth
• Advocacy - student voice within educational system (during recent Strike each of the 12 regions compiled a report to be distributed to the School Boards)
• Meet with the Minister of Education
• Host Student Council Conventions
• Initiated the concept of Student Trustees

Shannon Wilkinson, Nepean Showcase, has been working in Community Recreation Programs for ten years. As the Inter Action Coordinator, Shannon has worked hard to integrate people with disabilities into Nepeans programs and services. She has also worked for the City of Ottawa and other private organizations in the Niagara Falls area. She is continuing her education with the goal of becoming an Occupational Therapist.

• Consists of a series of special Events for youth talents and abilities; run for 18 years and is usually held in April
• Organized and run by youth with adult advisors
• Focus on working with high schools with at least one representative from each school
• Works with (publicity) Algonquin Radio Station
• Success Factors: youth involvement - have a voice input; sponsorship, media coverage, marketing, - doesn't matter how good the program is if you don't promote it

Simon Reader and Colin Richards, Grimacing Nun Youth Cafe, are two students, the former from Canterbury H. S. and the latter now at Carleton University, started a unique and successful youth cafe, located in the Glebe at the Glebe Community Centre. It’s a popular meeting place where talents, time and talk can be shared. Contact: crichar2@chat.carleton.ca

• Grimacing Nun Youth Cafe is a non-profit room in the basement of Glebe Community Centre
• Place for youth to hang out, created out of need for support for youth casualty class Emphasis on Arts, philosophy (and coffee)
• Focus on making the arts accessible to all - fight stigma of elitism
• Program includes poetry readings, band nights, art shows provide paints and anyone can come in and paint a poem on the wall
• Have corporate sponsorship

SESSION F: ACCESSING RECREATION FACILITIES AND SITE BY YOUTH

Session Facilitator: Lina LeGal, Township of Cumberland

Murray Shomp, McNabb Community Centre & Lansdowne Park, has worked with the City of Ottawa since 1981 at a variety of Community Centres involved with Dovercourt during the construction of that facility, and at the Canterbury Community Centre coordinating the Purchase of Service Agreements. He played varsity basketball and coaches Senior Girls Basketball at Glebe Collegiate and the Senior Girls Rugby team at Lisgar Collegiate. Mr. Shoup initiated the Lansdowne and McNabb Skateboard facilities. Contact: 564-4403, 564-4404 (fax)

• The differences between the two parks is Landsdowne is outdoor, unsupervised, drop-in skateboard facility where socializing is a big factor,
• Location is importune
• Degree of difficulty - speed, height (youth will divide themselves)
• Insurance is a big problem
• Socializing is a big factor
• McNabb is an indoor skateboard facility therefore a cost is involved - $1 per hour - where the facility is inspected every year, staff is well trained and it is a high risk activity

David Millen, Child and Youth Friendly Ottawa, is Executive Director with this important organization that advocates for the rights of children and youth. Youth are an integral part of the process. The organization has worked with a variety of tourist operators and businesses to encourage services that meet the needs of youth and participated in a Convention on the Rights of the Child. Contact: 747-7800 ext 2001, 747-4540 (fax)

• "My kids are your kids too"
• No one person has jurisdiction over our kids
• Initiative - youth solving problems themselves - kids doing the work
• Parents, schools, kids, businesses - mutuality relationship
• Child and Youth Friendly Ottawa struggles - title is a mouthful - a place and not a group of kids, that makes Ottawa proud

See Appendix for further documentation.

Principles:

• Every child has a voice (a precious resource) - youth struggle because they aren't always listened to, patronizing and condescending
• Equality - "Nothing about us without us!" and "Where ever you go take us with you!"
• Empowering youth to have greater and active role in the community (e.g. Ottawa airport terminal) - feedback,
• Take youth and include them - advisory role

• Need young to serve as ambassadors
• Kids travel allot too and one has to accommodate them and their needs (e.g. complimentary nintendo)
• businesses need for kids - youth friendly
• advocacy council
• work strongly with schools - art work needs to be seen in more places than just schools
• Give youth garage doors and let them paint - National Arts Centre example

While Place d'Orleans already has the Youth Services Bureau and St. Matthews storefront school, and is very different from Toronto, Orleans does have some similarities, such as "latch-key " kids, youth at risk, attempts at gang recruitment and drugs. In this new mall, Mr. Fisher has established fair and equal security, providing a basis of respect with youth and recognizing a major role of the mall being a social meeting place for youth Contact: 824-9468 ext222, 824-0258 (fax)

• There are similarities between all shopping malls e.g. gangs and drugs and all malls should be a place of safety and security
• All shopping centres have differences, reflecting the community's needs
• Youth are customers too although they are treated differently by store employees (e.g. 4 youths in jerseys are a team but 4 youths in Bulls Jackets is a gang)
• Train staff well to understand illusive association e.g. graffiti, gang signs
• Recognize faces that belong and those that don't
• Youth steal for fun, not for profit
• The role of the mall is to fulfill the social needs of youth create neutral environment for youth - respect youth and their safety and take away negative influences
• Make youth recognize it is a shopping centre and not a playground
• Put rule to respect on a business card, handed out by mall security - trespassing rule is a powerful one that can expel youth for long periods of time
• Youth have access to youth services bureau
• If youth under 18 commit an offense their parents are contacted; the Mall works with Youth Services Bureau and youth may lose drop-in privileges or expulsion
• Junior achievement for young entrepreneurs to develop manufacturing skills c-op maintenance - 1 Tuesday/ month
• 1995 Place d'Orleans went smoke free
• careful not to lose touch with youth - there is a youth turnover every 8 months
• continually introduce positive youth programs
• Teach retailers not to stigmatize or categorize
• Youth account for a lot of disposable income
• On average, 77-80 youths are banned each year, the average length youth are banned for is 3-6 months
• Place d'Orleans works with Youth Services Bureau and St. Matthew's High School

H.O.P.E,. is 15 years old and probably best known for their H.O.P.E. Beach Volleyball Event. Its mandate is to provide active community service; to organize fundraising efforts; and to have fun doing the first two and over these years, they have donated $1.9 million to local charities. Contact: 237-1433, 237-1601 (fax)

• From macro point of view - funding actors - government, social, private (socially responsible but need to be accountable) Shifting plates - lack affection
• Competition for dwindling resources
• HOPE - altruism - Terry Fox coincided with timing
• Holds huge beach volleyball tournament - Canada is now ranked in Olympics in very few sports can males and females compete equally, it is not an expensive sport
• Quality entertainment - hedonism, good for soul and raising money at the same time
• Private sector benefits economically but they are also helping out
• "Good ideas are the problem, raising money is not the problem."

APPENDIX A
Public Sector Recreation Services that Work

How Parents can Encourage Girls To Play Sport

Photograph your child being active

• Enlarge the photo
• Frame it
• Be proud of it!

Actively support your daughter's involvement in physical activity

• Buy her good equipment - not her brothers hand-me-downs
• Come and watch her games
• Consider volunteering
• Drive her to and from practices
• Make sure your daughter has time in her life to be active - don't make your daughter sacrifice her involvement in sport so she can baby-sit or do housework

Take your daughter to the park and be active with her

• Help her to learn the fundamental skills of running, throwing, catching, and kicking

Be an active role model yourself

• Mom's participation in sport increased participation rates of her child by 22%
• Dad's participation in sport increased participation rates of his child by 11 %

Emphasize fun and fitness rather than competition and slimness

• Encourage your daughter to try a variety of new activities, and help her acquire the skills and equipment she needs to participate.
• Avoid comments about your daughter's body size and shape.
• Love and support her just the way she is.
• Don't undermine her confidence and take the joy out of playing by telling her "she throws like a girl". Help her to learn the skills she needs to enjoy sport.

Introduce your daughter to active women

• All too often women in sport are viewed as cheerleaders, water girls or chauffeurs. Your daughter needs to be exposed to women who are athletes, coaches, officials and leaders in sport.
• Buy sports books about women athletes
• Watch women's sport events on TV with your daughter
• Take your daughter to women’s sport competitions in your community
• Read the sports pages with her and follow the performances of Canada's great athletes such as Silken Laumann, Kate Pace, Angela Chalmers, Myriam Bedard, Ljiljana Ljubisic, and Alison Sydor.

Plan Active Vacations or Weekend Excursions

• Try hiking, cross-country skiing, rafting

APPENDIX B
Interagency Initiatives for Youth

YOUTH AT RISK INITIATIVE

Donna Quiggin
Special Needs Coordinator
City of Gloucester

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROCESS

• Defined target population and issues facing Gloucester's youth -at-risk
• Consultation with Community Policing re: youth crime statistics and far of crime (School Resource Officers &Youth Officer)
• brain stormed possible solutions

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MODEL

• Role of the City of Gloucester (facilitator vs. leader)
• control and responsibility shared by all members of the group
• identified clear and realistic, meaningful goals for the group
• established a plan of action
• contributed financial and human resources which helped to share the load
• monitored the outcomes in terms of both the quality of the work accomplished as well as the satisfaction with the process by which the objectives were achieved

OUR YOUTH OUR FUTURE COMMITTEE

• committee struck to advise Recreation and Culture division on development of programs and services of support to Youth -at-Risk(Social Services, Boys and Girls Club, Regional Police, City, Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation)
• applied for Purchase Of Service dollars to host Interagency community consultation with youth service providers
• surveyed who was doing what in Gloucester
• received a report and recommendations from the preliminary research
• several models were presented from Youth Centers in every community to a traveling van meet youth in their communities

YOUTH ON THE MOVE PROGRAM

• traveling youth program(police officer and youth worker meeting youth in their communities on their turf)
• low cost/benefit high with partnership model in place
• easy to implement quickly
• prevention program emphasizing positive vs. negative approaches to reducing youth crime or perceived crime
• emphasis on having fun, celebrating success, bridging cultures and raising self-esteem
• towards creating communities where crime cannot thrive

OUTCOMES

• addressed problem of boredom
• released tension
• fulfilled, desire for risk provided challenge and competition, provided an outlet for violence and aggression
• trained youth worker to deal with behavior issues; police to deal with criminal issues
• intervention required to reduce levels of aggressive behavior/racism/anti-social behavior/fear of police
• referrals to appropriate social services
• reduction in youth crime and reports of incidents
• reduced isolation
• improved attitudes towards police
• sport developed pro-social behavior
• partnerships among youth serving agencies strengthened

For more information call Donna Quiggin @ City of Gloucester at 748-4151

APPENDIX C
Youth Centres: The Myth and the Reality

CITY OF KANATA SUMMER YOUTH DROP IN CENTRE
"Successful Partnerships At Work"

Program Description

The Community Resource Centre of Goulbourn, Kanata and West Carleton and the City of Kanata Community and Recreation Services have partnered for the last 7 summers to offer a Youth Centre for teens aged 12 - 18. Over the years the partnership has expanded to include the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa Carleton, the Kanata Goulbourn Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police and most recently the Kanata Youth Centre. In the last three summers the program has averaged over 450 youth members with the daily attendance being 110 youth.

The main goal of the Centre is to provide a safe, youth friendly enviroriment where youth have an opportunity to develop positive self esteem. The Centre provides summer recreational and social activities to teens who are not generally users of these types of programs and tends to attract the "at risk" population. The Kanata Youth Summer Drop-in provides youth with a place to go, plan and participate in activities or just hang out with their friends.

Using summer students and volunteers, the Centre operates out of a the Jack Charron Area that is not used in the summer months. Along with various recreational activities including skateboarding, rollerblading, ping pong, basketball, the youth are also linked with youth serving agencies to provide support regarding issues such as substance abuse, youth crime, dating relationships, family difficulties etc.

Local businesses and service clubs have been highly supportive of the program. This program is a positive example of what can happen when police, social services, recreation and volunteers partner to offer programs for youth in our community. The Summer Youth Drop in has been presented at the 1996 Ontario Community Policing Conference and the 1997 and 1998 Parks and Rec Ontario Conferences. The model has been successfully adopted by other communities in Ontario.

For further information please contact:

Mark Guy
City of Kanata
Community and Recreation Services,
580 Terry Fox Drive,
Kanata, Ontario
K2L4C2
Tel: (613) 592-4281
Fax: (613) 592-9529

Peggy Austen
Youth Community Coordinator
Community Resource Centre of Goulboum,
Kanata and West Carleton
150 Katimavik Road,
Kanata, Ontario
K2L 2N2
Tel: (613) 591-3686
Fax: (613) 591-2501
email: crc@igs.net

What is the KANATA YOUTH CENTRE ????

It's a place where teens, 12-17 years old, are always welcome, a place where youth can have FUN in a safe environment supervised by 2 Adult Staff members!!!

The Centre welcomes anyone from 12-17 years of age.

The Centre is open:

Thursdays 3:30-8:30 p.m.
Fridays: 3:30-10:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 12:30-5:00 p.m.

Location

150 Katimavik Rd., Kanata, Ontario (On the Wave Pool side of the Kanata Town Centre Mall) 613-599-8228.

Barrhaven Youth Summer Drop In
Larkin House
Summer 1998

Corporation of the City of Nepean

For the fifth year a joint effort between the City of Nepean Parks and Recreation Department, South Nepean Youth Organization, Ottawa Carleton Regional Police Service 21 Division, and the Youth Services Bureau, has begun in planning the Barrhaven Youth Summer Drop In which will begin full time on Monday June 29th 1998.

Since 1995, the program has operated from the Larkin House Community Building at 76 Larkin Drive, Nepean, and sees approximately 50-60 youth per day between the times of 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p. m. Youth also have the opportunity to organize activities to truly make it their centre. For the summer of 1998, partnerships have been established between the Parks and Recreation Department, South Nepean Youth Organization, Ottawa Carleton Police, and the Youth Services Bureau, to better serve the youth in the Barrhaven community.

The goal of the drop in is to give the youth direction, foster self confidence, and build healthy relationships in their lives. Staff and volunteers provide a safe and comfortable environment where all youth have an opportunity to develop healthy self esteem. Appropriate links with resources in their community are, hopefully made, allowing the program to offer maximum preventative service linking the youth to the greater community.

A positive social and recreational environment is maintained through modelling appropriate behaviour and allowing the youth to be involved in planning activities. It is hoped the Youth Committee will foster an increase in self-esteem and self confidence among participants. Active participation in activities instills a sense of ownership and pride in their centre. The Barrhaven Youth Summer Drop In provides youth with a place to go, plan and participate in activities and be with their friends.

It is hoped that an active committee of youth will be formed to act as liaison between the youth, staff, volunteers, and the community. The committee would help staff and volunteers coordinate events and deal with issues facing the centre. The process provides the youth with a sense of ownership and responsibility for their centre and its events.

General Daily Activities

• Pool tables
• Ping pong
• Cards
• Canteen Service
• Sport activities
• T.V. and V.C.R.
• Music
• Special Events (See list below)

Over the past three years many workshops and special events have been organized with a great response from the youth.

• Sex Sue
• Anger Management
• Narcotics and Alcohol Abuse
• Accident Prevention and
• Substance Abuse
• Inter Action Workshop
• Self Defense
• Food Drive
• Car Wash
• Concerts in the Park
• BBQ's
• Casino Night
• Baseball Game vs. 106.9 FM The Bear
• Pasta Night
• and Much More.

The Youth Centre is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The Youth Centre will continue to operate until the end of June. As of Monday June 29, 1998, the centre will be open Monday through Friday until Friday August 21, 1998. The official opening day will be on Monday June 29, 1998.

Each year, the Centre has two full time staff to run the centre. This year, the Barrhaven Youth Centre is fortunate to have Gus de la Fuente returning from last summer and the Fall/Winter program. Gus will be joined by Heather Steel who has worked on the Nepean Youth Nights Program plus has experience in municipal recreation. The South Nepean Youth Organization has also been very busy since last fail in being involved in the overall operation of the program. Many efforts by this group are being made to keep the community aware and involved with youth issues in South Nepean. If you are interested in volunteering contact Kathy McConkey, SNYO Chairperson at 825-3990.

The Barrhaven Summer Youth Drop In depends upon individuals and group support as well as organizations throughout the community. Any donations would be used to fund activities or future programs. With donations for activities or overall operation of the centre staff will be able to spend more time planning exciting events thus providing a fulfilling summer in which youth will be able to participate and enjoy.

APPENDIX D
Recreation: A Vehicle for Change

HIGH FIVE:
the issue is quality for children

HIGH FIVE: Quality at Play

* 349 Crown Wards
** 351 Crown Wards

PART V
Section 101(l). A child has a right to a plan of care designed to meet the child's particular needs, which shall be prepared within thirty (30) days of the child's admission to the residential placement.

(2) (F). A child in care has a right to participate in recreational and athletic activities that are appropriate for the child's aptitudes and interests in a community setting whenever possible.

Overhead #8
PLANNING FOR RECREATION/SPORTS ACTIVITIES

• Long term goal is to promote the child's well being.
• based on assessed needs - abilities of the individual child/youth.
• the interests of the individual child/youth.
• the child's/youth's placement:
• foster home/group home
• rural/urban
• short term - long term
• CAS expectation: each child is encouraged to participate in one organized community activity per season, i.e. cubs, swimming lessons, hockey, dance, ...
• OPR and foster homes are expected to engage children/youth in family and group recreational sports activities, i.e. table games, cards, bowling, pool, …
• appropriate sports/recreation equipment will be provided, i.e. bikes, gloves, balls, skates, ...

Overhead #9
CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN CARE

• in some degree of pain
• want to be treated as individuals
• want to be happy and successful
• need support and encouragement and opportunity

CAMP PROGRAM - 1997

27 Residential Camps
43 Day Camps

IN-CARE:

182 children/youth $71,556.
(21 Special Needs 17,054.)

Cost/child

- 2 week camp 483./child
- Day camp 197./child

Special Needs

- 2 week camp 841./child
- day camp 538./child

OWN HOMES:

223 children/youth - 55,640.
(8 special needs - 3,185.)

Cost/child

- 2 week camp - 343.
- day camp - 168.

Special Needs

- 2 week camp - 734.
- day camp - 232.

NOTE: User fees erode ability of clients to access recreation programs

National Hand Bail Team - transportation to Toronto

Youth Choir concert tour of Europe

Youth off to Winnipeg School of Ballet

Track scholarship to U.S.A. University

Football partial scholarship to U.S.A. university

Growth Through Adventure

Child/Youth Recognition Ceremony and dance

Staff vs kids activities

Loonie-Toonie Olympics

Seven dimensions along which children need to make satisfactory progress if they are to achieve satisfactory well-being in adulthood are:

• health
• education
• identity
• family and social relationships
• social presentation
• emotional and behavioural development
• self-care skills

Recreation/sports

Health

• How often does the youth exercise?
• What does he/she do, like to do?

Education

• What are the youth's leisure interests?

Children will only make satisfactory progress if their needs in each of these dimensions are adequately met.

Overhead #14
BENEFITS

• strengthens and supports the caregiver - child/youth relationship.
• assists with integration into the community (normalization).
• enhances self-esteem through skill development.
• enhances social skills and encourages interaction.
• provides a venue for fun.
• reduces stress/tension.
• eases the pain.

Recreation: A Vehicle for Change

Professionals working in the human service delivery field are finding themselves in a rapidly changing environment. Provincial and community-based agencies dedicated to providing safe and secure environment for children and youth are facing unprecedented challenges. As the result of increasing importance of community, virtually every human services field is struggling to meet new demands and deal with increasingly complex social issues. With government reorganization and downsizing at both the community and provincial levels, public and non-profit sector agencies are taking a critical look at their operations.

Generally research supports.- the contention that participation in physical activity and recreation decreases at risk behaviors and contributes to the development of a sense of self-worth, confidence and general well being that help young people prepare for adult life. For example, Dr. D. Offord points out: "If a boy is a good swimmer and he has access to swimming lessons, he may become a swimming instructor or a camp supervisor. That gives him a chance to earn money and to hang around the kids from different backgrounds who are not into deviant behavior ... You want kids at risk to have access to a variety of pathways that might bring them back to the mainstream."

There is renewed focus on addressing the issues surrounding children and poverty, and there has been a concerted effort on behalf of various government and non-profit organizations to create a national discussion on related issues. In response to this, the Interprovincial Sport and Recreation Council (ISRC) selected child poverty and its impact on recreation as their focus for the next two years. A number of discussion papers and background documents have explored the unique role recreation and sport plays in the broader context of healthy children and youth development.

Many factors influence whether a young person participates in recreational activities. The nature of these influencers is well documented, and highlighted in the 1995 Report entitled: "Impact and Benefits of Physical Activity and Recreation on Canadian Youth at Risk". Since this report was published there have been additional reports, from various provincial recreation ministries and other sectors that have looked at the issues related to barriers to participation among children and youth. The most common barriers to youth participating in physical activity/recreation include:

• poverty related issues, such as, poor health, financial limitations, poverty, etc.
• transportation issues that limit accessibility to centralized programs:
• program design and delivery issues have been identified as not being conducive to youth at risk involvement;
• communications and lack of information has limited participation by youth that are not in school or other programs;
• changing nature of Canadian communities and the increase of multiculturalism, may influence participation by some groups of youth;
• lack of family or parent support often results in limiting participation in recreation and sport;
• systemic barriers influence participation.

APPENDIX E
Youth Initiatives by Youth: Making a Difference

PRESENTATION OVERHEADS
by Karen McVie

• START BY DOING WHAT IS NECESSARY, THEN WHAT IS POSSIBLE... AND SUDDENLY YOU ARE DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE!
• THE GREATEST FULFILLMENT IN IMPROVING OURSELVES COMES IN OUR EMPOWERMENT TO MORE EFFECTIVELY REACH OUT AND HELP OTHERS.
• I’LL NEVER BE ABOVE YOU
  I’LL NEVER BE BELOW YOU,
  I’LL, ALWAYS BE BESIDE YOU,
  I’LL ALWAYS BE YOUR FRIEND! -German Handshake
• WHEREVER YOU ARE START THERE!!
• A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step... Take that step today!!
• What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
• If you are a dreamer, come in.
  If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
  a hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer.
  If you're a pretender, come sit by my fire for we have some flax-golden tales to spin. Come in. Come in!! - Shel Silverstein
• Two roads diverge in a wood,
  and 1... 1 took the one less
  traveled by, and that has made all the difference.
  - Robert Frost
• Our lives are a result of our choices. To blame and accuse other people, the environment, or other factors is to choose to empower those things to control us.
• Life is too short to wait in line or miss a sunrise or a chance to cheer. We only have so many opportunities to go to the park or hear babies laugh.
• Be bold and courageous. When you look back on life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.
• Ane when things start to happen, don't worry. Don't stew. Just go right along you'Il start happening too! - Dr. Seuss
• People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are.
  I don't believe in circumstances.
  The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look to the
  circumstances they want, and if they can't find the, they make them.
  - George Bernard Shaw
• There are people whose feelings and well being are within my influence. I will never escape that fact.

the Grimacing Nun Youth Café
(a café for those 14 and up.)

Supported by the Glebe Community Center (GCC, Glebe Neighborhood Activities Group (GNAG) & various local businesses.

c/o Glebe Community Center
690 Lyon Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1S 3Z9
(613) 564-1058

PROFILE

Mission:

The Nun is a non-profit, affordable café‚ run by youth for youth which offers a safe, open environment to gather and socialize. This removes the usual pressures placed on youth in

for-profit establishments.

Location:

A room in the basement of the Glebe Community Centre affords the Nun a special area set aside for youth, where they can adapt the space to suit their ever changing needs.

Operations:

The Nun is open most Friday nights from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am. While it does not have a formal structure, this encourages creativity, participation and interaction in all of the aspects of the café‚. There is very little distinction made between the managers, helpers and patrons.

The management hierarchy of the Nun is focuses upon the 44 passing on of the torch" to insure that the direction and goals of the café‚ remain in touch with the needs of the youth.

Essentially, the patrons and staff are free to, do as they choose, as long as it is not harmful. They can lounge passively or play assertively.

Patrons:

A varied and diverse base with different groups - some of which do not usually associate with one another normally - and areas of interest, with majority of the youth focusing on the arts: theatre, literature, poetry, painting, drawing, et cetera.

The café‚ has become a laboratory for creativity and growth: discussions and activities are wide ranging. The past five years have been a success, quantifiable through the paths followed by the patrons, past and present.

APPENDIX F
Accessing Recreation Facilities and Sites by Youth

Ramp Building

http://www.heckler.com/ramps.html

APPENDIX G
Participant and Contact List

APPENDIX H
Final Program and Fact Sheet

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