Today’s youth, tomorrow’s leaders

YMCA Achievement Program (YMAP) is a free program for high school youth and young adults who are new to Canada. Participants are often immigrants, refugees, international students, or second-generation Canadians. The program is social and educational, helping with integration and development of leadership and 
teamwork skills.

An innovative, youth-informed, early intervention program, Y Mind helps young people learn to manage stress and anxiety, and improves their sense of well-being. Both Y Mind Teen and Y Mind Young Adult programs are available.

The Calgary Flames Grade 6 YMCA Membership offers grade 6 students 13 months of YMCA Calgary access at no cost. The students participate in sports, activities, and programs, while forming new habits and making new friends. A Grade 6 Alumni program offers discounted access to facilities, and helps build confidence, leadership, and community volunteerism. In 2023, more than 5,400 Grade 6 students were enrolled in this program. 

We offer free tutoring services to vulnerable youth aged 14 to 21. Mentors assist with challenging math and science concepts, and positively guide youth by sharing career advice and personal experience.

An out-of-school option for students who are suspended or at-risk of being suspended, the Alternative Suspension Program offers additional support through youth workers.

  
By spending their school suspension period at the YMCA, they are redirected to positive behaviours and see a successful high school completion rate as a result.

Offered in eight schools across Calgary and supporting 292 youth, YMCA Chickadees Clan, Prairie Chickens Clan, and Brave Dog Clan provide Indigenous youth from elementary to high school opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture and traditions, earn credits towards graduation, and develop leadership skills. Our team inspires healthy lives through an Indigenous Active Life Drop-In program and our annual Indigenous Youth Hoops Tournament, now in its 17th season.

We offer three different approaches to camps. Day camps are offered at all six YMCA Calgary locations and provide children and youth access to our facilities and activities. Camp Riveredge is an outdoor day camp right in the inner city, on the banks of the Elbow River. The third is Camp Chief Hector, an overnight camp experience in Bow Valley Provincial Park.

YMCA Calgary has state-of-the-art theatres at our Rocky Ridge and Seton locations, further rounding out the options open to YMCA visitors, and strengthening our community role. In addition to staging performances we open the facilities to other organizations to host their performances. We also offer theatre technical training to students at Joanne Cardinal Schubert High School.

Our facilities house exceptional sports and fitness options for all ages, from fully outfitted gyms and NHL-size skating rinks, to running tracks, waterslides, and wave pools. We also launched an Esport Pilot Program in 2023 for youth to connect with each other while developing skills for success in STEM.

An innovative esports program offers youth competitive gaming options including leagues, tournaments, camps, and lessons. Participants also make new friends and build confidence while developing healthy online and offline habits.

The Youth Leadership Institute complements professional experience by offering leadership development opportunities that help youth become impactful leaders in the YMCA and in their communities. It’s available to YMCA Calgary employees and volunteers aged 15 to 29.

Offered at Saddletowne YMCA, the engagement program includes a Youth Empowerment initiative and a Teen Vibe experience, and engages youth in sports activities and leadership development.