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.

Calendar

SPECIAL EVENTS

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!

NEEDLE FELTING ADVENTURE
JULY 31, 2026, 2:00 pm

Learn the surprisingly fun art of needle felting. Experiment with textures, create unique designs, and discover how a handful of fluffy fibres can transform. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of needle felting, and enjoy the satisfying process of creating something uniquely yours. Led by Jodi Cooper.

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!

FINANCIAL LITERACY WITH KAWARTHA CREDIT UNTION
AUGUST 28, 2026, 2:00 pm

Come meet the amazing staff of Kawartha Credit Union, who have been long-time supporters of the Youth Centre, as they lead us through a discussion on financial literacy, and take our questions.

It’s a great opportunity to ask questions about how to manage money, how to budget, to save, and maybe even invest.

PROGRAMS

ARTS & CRAFTS

Our art room is always open for drop-in, and you can come explore the art supplies and work on your own projects! Thursday-Saturday, there are organized arts and crafts activities led by our staff. We also love to welcome local artists and creatives to lead workshops with us! Have a project you’d like to see happening? Get in touch!

SPORTS

During the summer, we are playing sports every day from 11:00 am-12:30 pm! This includes badminton, pickleball, volleyball, baseball, soccer, football, ping pong, and more. Thanks to our Canadian Tire Jumpstart support, we are well equipped, and everyone is welcome to join, regardless of experience or ability!

During the school year, join us Tuesdays-Fridays from 3:45-4:45 pm at the gym for indoor sports. Bring your indoor shoes, or wear your socks.

UKULELE LESSONS

Whether you’re a beginner or not, this program led by CYW Hailey is a great opportunity to learn a very cool instrument AND have an opportunity to share it with the community. Runs Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00 pm, starting July 7.

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 during the school year every second Wednesday 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. Summer hours are TBD. Stay tuned or contact us for details!

CHESS CLUB

Led by our very own in-house chess-xpert, James Kemp, Chess club runs during the school year 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 when Chess Club is running next.

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. This program will start up again in September.

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. Coming soon, this summer!

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. Coming soon.

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. As a Youth Centre member, you can avail yourself of these supports, no questions asked.

Other programs and activities

Homework help
Volunteerism
Entrepreneurship
Sports
Free wifi
Science experiments
Arts & crafts
Weekly summer field trips

Testimonials

Percy currently is not allowed to come to the centre due to COVID-19. Percy disclosed how COVID-19 has impacted him negatively as it has forced him to be stuck at home, which impacts his mental health as he is not allowed to see his friends face-to-face. Percy is grateful the youth centre has transitioned to be offered virtually as this allows him to still have some contact with his friends.

The youth centre has changed my life by letting me be myself when I can’t be at home because others might not agree but at the youth centre I’m accepted and feel valid which has made me a happier person.

The youth centre is the one place I can be myself and nobody will discriminate against me or call me names. It is a place where I feel comfortable and can share anything with them. It is an amazing place and I recommend you going there too!

The youth centre has impacted my life in many ways. It’s been a place where I can go to hangout with friends, and enjoy the company of others. The youth centre is a place I can go when I want to get away from home or need a different environment to work on school work in. It’s helped me grow in many ways and has helped me come out of my shell more.

I joined the Quinte West Youth Centre back in 2012, at first I was very shy and unsure about things. As time went on and with multiple staff there for support, it made me come out of my shell. I've had many great memories of the Youth Center, one of the best memories I have is working with Ron and Tabitha building the gardens that were once in the back of the building!

I really enjoy my time at QWYC. The people there have let me be myself for so long and I seriously appreciate things like that, and the staff there are very caring and understanding. This place gives me somewhere to be free to have my own identity and not get backlash for it. This place overall gives me somewhere to be happy.