Youth Programming

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Registered Youth Programming

For more information about registered programs for youth, such as Artshine, Babysitting and Home Alone, visit wilmot.ca/Programs.

Youth Centre

Located on the upper level of the Wilmot Recreation Complex, the Optimist Youth Centre is a 1,200-square-foot facility dedicated for youth in Grades 4 to 12. The Centre offers a place for youth to gather, socialize and play games in a safe and supervised setting. A Youth Programming Card is required to access the space. Programming at the drop-in centre will include skill-building, workshops, movie nights, schoolwork help, and special programming throughout the year.

The space is run in collaboration with the Wilmot Family Resource Centre, which offers programming on Thursday evenings as well as special events.

In addition to being a drop-in Centre, the Optimist Youth Centre is also the home of the Youth Action Council (YAC) and Junior Youth Action Council. Each month, youth plan, organize and lead special events which help to fund the different initiatives planned for the Centre.

Equipment

Virtual Play

PlayStation 3
Nintendo Switch
X Box 1

Games

Billiard's table
Ping Pong table
Large variety of board games classic and new!

Hours of Operation - Spring 2025
Day	Time	Location	Program
Monday	4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please refer to program tabs below or to the monthly calendar for program specifics and aged timeslots.	Youth Centre	The HIVE
Tuesday	CLOSED
Wednesday	4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please refer to program tabs below or to the monthly calendar for program specifics and aged timeslots.	Youth Centre	The HIVE
Thursday	4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please refer to program tabs below or to the monthly calendar for program specifics and aged timeslots.	Youth Centre	The DROP
Friday	CLOSED
Saturday	CLOSED
Sunday	CLOSED

Monthly Activity Calendar

Please visit the Optimist Youth Centre or Customer Service at the Wilmot Recreation Complex for your printed copy.

May 2025 Calendar

Youth Programming Card

A Youth Programming Card is required for youth from Grades 4 to 12 to use the space for all program offerings.

Options to Complete the form:

Complete the Youth Programming Card Application and return it to the Supervisor of Recreation Programming via email.
Paper applications can also be completed upon arrival at the Youth Centre for your first visit but must be completed by a parent to stay.
Complete the online youth programming card application

Youth Programming Cards expire annually on June 30 and are required to be resubmitted each year to ensure the most up-to-date information and permissions for the participants.

Please note: cards must be presented for entry to any recreation Youth Program offered by the Township of Wilmot.

Youth Programming Card Application and Waiver- Printable Version

Travel Home Alone Authorization (Grades 7-12) -Printable Version

Cancellations/Closures

Please be aware the the Optimist Youth Centre will be closed on the following dates:

Monday, May 19 - Victoria Day

Youth Centre Programs

The programming offered in the Optimist Youth Centre is based around four pillars: Connecting, Engagement, Learning and Wellness.

Connecting

Youth Action Council

Wilmot's Youth Action Council is a dedicate group of Youth Volunteers who meet Bi-weekly to offer events and opportunities for youth and families in the community to be involved. Please visit Youth Action Council page for more information.

Engagement

THE HIVE

Play, create, or just chill at The HIVE. Make use of the tables and board games, as well as the game consoles.
Specialty programs such as Board Game Cafe's, Table Game tournaments and Video Game Nights will occurring during this timeslot
Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- *The Hive will be taking a break on Wednesdays for the summer! Our last Wednesday will be May 21.
Beginning Monday, May 26, the Hive Programs will be run by the Wilmot Family Resource Centre

Special Activities:

May 1: Youth Week* Pickleball
May 5: Youth Week* Open House
May 7: Youth Week* Craft Night

Program Cancellations:

Wednesday, May 28 - The HIVE is closed

The DROP

The space is run in collaboration with the Wilmot Family Resource Centre, who offers programming on Thursday evenings and Special Events.
Grades 4 through 12 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Weekly Activities: Prizes to be won at tournaments and popcorn will be provided at Movie Nights.

Special Activities:

May 8: Special Person Craft
May 15: Meme Day
May 22: Rock Band Night
May 29: Pay It Forward Day

Program Cancellations:

none at this time

Reaching Our Rural Youth Events

The Reaching Our Rural Youth (RORY) Project’s goal is to address the barriers to reaching youth aged 9-12 years and implement a Youth Engagement Strategy to co-develop a youth-driven model that better serves youth mental health and is operated by the Wilmot Family Resource Centre.

Stay tuned for more events.

Pipes and Rails - Currently on HOLD

Held at the New Hamburg Arena (251 Jacob Street, New Hamburg)
Calling all wheels; skateboards, longboards and scooters are welcome during this program. Using mobile ramps on the arena floor, participants have the opportunity to practice their favourite tricks and learn new ones in a safe indoor location. Helmets are mandatory, and additional safety equipment including wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads are highly encouraged.

A paid Youth Pass is required to participate in the program. Memberships must be purchased in advance from the Wilmot Recreation Complex. Cost is $3.10 per visit, purchased in a pass of 10. For more information, please contact the Supervisor of Recreation Programming.

Learning

More Programs Coming Soon

Wellness

More Programs Coming soon

The Optimist Youth Centre is proudly supported by the New Hamburg Optimist Club and the Petersburg Optimist Club.

Contacts

Lacey Smith
Recreation Programmer
Administration Complex
60 Snyder's Road West
T: 519-634-8519 ext. 251
Toll Free:: 1-800-469-5576
TTY: 519-634-5037
Email
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