YAK’s After School Program (ASP) is open to all youth in Grade 6 and up, and runs from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday to Thursday.
Our ASP includes an exciting range of programs and activities focused on engaging youth and promoting their physical and emotional well-being. In addition to the physical activities and mental health workshops we offer, participants are also provided with a tasty variety of nutritious snacks and meals every day.
Youth enrolled in YAK’s ASP can enjoy sports and recreation, art classes, trivia nights, and game tournaments; they can also get help with their homework, make use of our computer lab, or play with our enormous collection of musical instruments!
If you’re tired of the same old after-school routine, let our ASP liven up your weekday schedule! At YAK, we understand the importance of providing a safe, well-supervised, and supportive environment for youth. Our highly trained, energetic, and compassionate staff are here to ensure a positive and inclusive experience for all involved. Everyone is welcome, and we’re always eager for new members to come and join our ASP community. We look forward to seeing you!
We also offer a Drop-In program from Monday to Thursday, 5-6 pm. Participants can play ping pong, foosball, pool, and make use of our computer lab and multi-use sports court, and art supplies.
Rememeber to register and sign in
To help ensure everyone’s safety, we kindly ask that all participants fill out the Online Registration Form, and remember to sign in and out of the Youth Centre every time you visit us.
YAK Youth Services is thrilled to bring our exciting, high-quality programming to a younger crowd!
The Junior YAKker Program is geared for children between the ages of 8-11. Beginning on September 22nd, this afterschool fall club will meet from 6:00-7:00pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursday September to December.
The Junior YAKker Program is a perfect opportunity for kids to make friends, have fun, and enjoy a wide variety of engaging activities, including arts and crafts, sports, games, and much more! The Junior YAKker Program also provides a welcoming and inclusive community where kids can truly thrive. Our experienced team of activity leaders ensures a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment in which everyone can play, learn, and grow in their own unique ways.
With limited spaces available, we strongly encourage parents and guardians to secure a spot for their child as soon as possible. If you are interested in enrolling your child in the Junior YAKker Program, please get in touch with our Program Coordinator at (613) 264-8381 or via email at staff@yakyouth.ca
We hope that you’re able to join us for this exciting new afterschool club!
Open Mic Night
YAK Youth Services welcomes you to join us for our Open Mic Nights! If you’re a young person with a passion for the stage, this event is for you! Whether it’s singing, rapping, poetry, dance, or any other type of performance, we’d love for you to come and share your creative gift with us.
YAK’s Open Mic Night provides a platform for local youth to showcase their talents, express themselves, and make a difference in our community.
Stay tuned for upcoming dates.
RBC Bluesfest Be in the Band
About the RBC Bluesfest Be in the Band program:
- First launched in 2009, the “Be in the Band” initiative groups young musicians (ages 11 to 17) who want to be in a band together with other potential bandmates.
- A number of professional local musicians mentor the aspiring future stars through weekly rehearsals in a high-quality ensemble experience.
- The program finishes with a community performance and potential performance at RBC Bluesfest in July!
- This unique program has grown from one community centre in 2009, to ten centres and schools, including at-risk youth, in various communities.
- Program start dates vary from centres to schools, but are typically offered from January to April, or April to June as a 10-week session.
- Interested young musicians with at least one year of experience on their instrument apply to the program at their local, participating community organization or school.
- Potential participants are evaluated to see if they are ready to be part of the program and then are sorted into bands.
- The young musicians participate in a weekly practice with the musician/ mentor to learn two to three rock songs – cover and original songs both welcome!
- RBC Bluesfest provides a musician/mentor for each band as well as the necessary technical equipment (if needed) at each centre or school.
- The program finishes with a performance in the community through the community centre or school. From there, the bands have the potential to participate in the ‘Be in the Band’ day at the RBC Bluesfest in July. How much does it cost? The fee to participate in the programs varies depending on the needs of the community centres and schools from no charge to about $100.
Subsidies are available on a case-to-case basis.
Testimonial: “When I first auditioned I didn’t know what I was getting into, but by the first or second rehearsal it was really cool to know what I’d be able to do by the end of it. Writing a song and seeing it come to life; that was probably the coolest part.” Katelyn, Be in the Band Member
www.ottawabluesfest.ca
Ottawa Bluesfest is a non-profit charitable organization (Charitable status #8693622780RR0001)
