Programs & events
The QWYC offers a wide variety of programming, ranging from daily drop-in activities, registered monthly programs, special events, and trips. Our focus is fostering connection and engagement among the youth of our community.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Friendship in aN AGE of crisis
june 30, 2026, 2:00 pm
Join us for a conversation with Philippe Mesly of Great Lakes Institute for Public Humanities.
Many people feel that we are living through a time of deep uncertainty and change. When a situation becomes too complex, when old solutions no longer fit new problems, and when the outcome is truly unpredictable, we call it a crisis. A crisis can go either way, and everything depends on how we choose to respond to it. Faced with a similar crisis in the Roman Republic, the philosopher Cicero advocated for friendship as a guide and a resource. Compared to friendship, he wrote, “nothing is so conformable to nature and nothing so adaptable to our fortunes whether they be favourable or adverse.” In other words, friends are those who make good times better and hard times easier. Join us this Tuesday for a round-table discussion about friendship: what it means, who it includes, and how it can sustain us in times of trouble.
CAREER EDGE PRESENTATION
JULY 23, 2026, 2:00 pm
Meet Corbin Franklin from Career Edge and learn about all the ways that they help youth with employment. Whether you’re looking for your first job, making your resume, trying to practice interview skills, or needing any other help with your career planning, you will definitely learn something and find helpful resources!
HOSPICE QUINTE PRESENTATION
AUGUST 18, 2026, 2:00 pm
Lisa Young of Hospice Quinte will present about the organization, and the services they provide for the community. Lisa is also one of the original founders of Quinte West Youth Centre!
PROGRAMS
YOUR VOICE, YOUR STORY
Whether you’re a beginner or not, this program ran by CYW Hailey is a great opportunity to learn how to express yourself through music AND have an opportunity to share it with the community. Runs Tuesdays from 6-8 pm, starting May 5.
What's cooking
‘What’s Cooking’ is a daily program that underscores the importance of healthy eating and nutrition. This program is aimed at educating youth about the many facets and complexities of nutrition and overall health, including- but not limited to- portion control, nutritional labels, meal preparation, and clean-up. This is an open program that runs every evening that the QWYC is open (Tuesday through Friday between 3pm-8pm). Youth are encouraged to collaboratively prepare and cook meals for all who are interested in eating, and those who wish to eat are asked to participate in the clean-up of their own dish and of the meal itself.
Rainbow Rising
Rainbow Rising is an ongoing program offered to youth who identify as or are allies of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, which runs every second Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. This group is a safe, inclusive and open group that encourages discussion about relevant issues faced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and what youth are facing in their daily lives.
CHESS CLUB
Led by our very own in-house chess-xpert, James Kemp, Chess club will run on every second Wednesday, with some exceptions. Beginners who have never played before can learn the rules, and those with some experience will be able to develop strategy and further their skills! Come have fun at chess club – who knows, you might be Quinte West’s Next Chess Master! Contact us if you want to find out if Chess Club is running on a particular Wednesday.
GYM
Join us Tuesdays-Fridays from 3:45-4:45 pm at the gym, where we play volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, and other games. Bring your indoor shoes, or wear your socks. This program operates during the school year. During the summer, sports and games are played outdoors.
fempowerment
Fempowerment is for anyone who identifies as a girl between the ages of 12-18. This 10-week program, participants meet once a week and explore topics such as healthy relationships (with friends/family/romantic partners/with self/community/etc.), self care, confidence, social media, and healthy habits vs diet culture. The goal of the program is that participants leave with higher self confidence and the skills to create and maintain healthy relationships in their lives. DATES AND TIMES TO BE ANNOUNCED
YOUNG MEN'S GROUP: Manly manifesto
This program is created to assist young boys in their transition into manhood. Becoming an adult can be a complicated and overwhelming experience, and many young men benefit from guidance during this stage. Some of the topics this program discussed include: gender roles and stereotypes, mental health and support, respecting others, consent, and positive relationships. By the end of the program our goal is that the members of the Manly Manifesto have developed the knowledge, skills, and self-awareness to become more confident with becoming an adult and recognizing positive support groups in their lives. DATES AND TIMES TO BE ANNOUNCED
mental wellness
Mental Wellness programming provides opportunities for youth to learn about techniques and coping mechanisms to support their mental health. This program is also designed to provide educational information on mental health illnesses and end the stigma around mental health. DATES AND TIMES TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY
bridge to hope
Bridge to Hope is designed to support youth who are at risk of becoming homeless or are homeless by providing preventative support. This program offers FREE laundry services, food, basic necessities, personal hygiene products, clothing, shoes and cleaning supplies.
Other programs and activities
- Homework Help
- Volunteerism
- Entrepreneurship
- Sports
- Free Wifi
- Science Experiments
- Arts & Crafts
