Youth Centre

Located on the upper level of the Wilmot Recreation Complex, the Optimist Youth Centre offers a place for youth (Grades 4 - 12) to gather, socialize and play games in a safe and supervised setting. 

About the Youth Centre

In addition to being a drop-in centre, the Optimist Youth Centre is also the home of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and Junior Youth Action Council. 

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

Youth Centre Equipment

The Youth Centre offers a variety of virtual play options, including PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One, along with a billiards table, ping pong table and a large variety of classic and new board games.

Rentals

Looking for a party that’s way more than cake and balloons? Maybe, your looking for a space to hang out with family or friends for an hour? Youth room rentals are for youth in grades 4 - 12, and accommodate up to 15 participants.

Birthday Parties

Looking for a party that’s way more than cake and balloons? Throw a birthday bash at the Youth Centre and dive into a world of non-stop fun! Our birthday parties are suitable for youth in grades 4 - 12, and accommodate up to 15 participants.

Every party in the Youth Centre includes access to:

  • Pool table
  • Ping pong table
  • Video games
  • Creative crafts
  • Board games

All parties are facilitated by a Township staff member. They will assist with setting up pool games, ping pong tournaments, and your desired craft.

Review the Youth Centre Birthday Parties Rental Guide for full details. 

Hockey Tournament Rental

Looking for a space to sit back and relax when you are waiting for your next game? Teams with players in grades 4-12 can now rent the Youth Centre for a space to hang out and bond! Our tournament rentals can accommodate up to 18 participants

Please note: one coach or team representative must remain in the space during the rental time.

Every rental in the Youth Centre includes access to:

  • Pool table
  • Ping pong table
  • Video games
  • Board games

All rentals are supervised by a Township staff member. They will assist with setting up pool games and ping pong. 

Review the Hockey Tournament Rental Guide for full details. 

 

Birthday Party Rental Times

Birthday parties can be hosted in the Youth Centre as follows (pending availability):

  • Saturdays: 1 - 5:30 pm
  • Sundays: 11:30 am - 5:30 pm

 

Hockey Tournament Rental Times

Hockey teams can be hosted in the Youth Centre as follows (pending availability):

  • Fridays: 10 am - 7 pm
  • Sundays: 11 am - 7 pm

Room Rental

$56.37 + HST per hour (minimum of 2 hour rentals)

Staffing Fee

$39.14 + HST per hour

Contract Cancellation Fee

$40

Insurance

$4.32 per hour (renters are required to have insurance; see application for more information about providing your own insurance)*

*Room rental times must include setup and cleanup time. You will only have access to the Youth Centre during the timeframe that you have booked.

A refundable $100 damage deposit is required prior to your rental. The full amount will be returned after a staff member completes a successful room inspection.

Rental Times

Birthday parties can be hosted in the Youth Centre as follows (pending availability):

  • Saturdays: 11:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Sundays: 11:30 am - 5:30 pm

Room Rental

$56.37 + HST per hour (minimum of 2 hour rentals)

Staffing Fee

$39.14 + HST per hour

Contract Cancellation Fee

All signed permits are subject to a $40.00 Cancellation Fee if cancelled anytime prior to the rental.

Insurance

$4.32 per hour (renters are required to have insurance; see application for more information about providing your own insurance)*

*Room rental times must include setup and cleanup time. You will only have access to the Youth Centre during the timeframe that you have booked.

A refundable $100 damage deposit is required prior to your rental. The full amount will be returned after a staff member completes a successful room inspection.

Rental requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance to increase the chances of securing a spot.

Availability is based on regular, non-programmed times.

Please complete our Birthday Party Application Form or Hockey Tournament Application Form

Submit by email to youthprogramming@wilmot.ca.

Each participant must bring a completed Participant Information & Waiver (PIW) form on the day of the event.

Please include a copy with your party invitations and encourage guests to bring the completed form with them.

Printed copies will also be available on-site, but it is the renter’s responsibility to ensure all forms are completed.

The Township of Wilmot values its residents and remains committed to prioritizing services for taxpayers.

Residents booking the Township facilities, including but not limited to community centres, meeting rooms and the pool, will be required to provide proof of residency when creating their account. Random audits will also be conducted by our facility scheduling team to verify residency status.

If you cannot provide valid proof of residency, your account will be changed to non-resident status, and a 25% surcharge will be applied to your account. Continued non-compliance or a second offence will result in suspension of access to all Township programs and rentals.

Proof of residency can be submitted:

  • Online
  • By email
  • In person at the Wilmot Recreation Complex, 1291 Nafziger Road, Baden

Acceptable documents include property tax, water or major utility bills, or a lease or rental agreement, signed by the landlord and the tenant.

  • Although you are welcome to bring and serve cake, please note that candles are not permitted in the complex. 
  • The Youth Centre provides a mini fridge for your use during your rental. If you need extra space, please bring your own cooler, as additional refrigeration cannot be provided. 
  • Renters are welcome to arrange and serve their own food, such as ordering pizza for their guests during their party.
  • Renters must provide their own dishes and cutlery.

Youth Programming

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

To enroll for a Youth Programming card, please use the following link or visit Customer Service at the Wilmot Recreation Complex. 

Enroll online

To activate your card, please bring a copy of your receipt (printed or digital) with you to your first visit to the Youth Centre. 

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

Travel and Pick-Up Authorization

In an effort to make the Optimist Youth Centre and Youth Programming more accessible, with parental/guardians' permission: Youth Programming Card Holders (grades 7 through 12) can sign themselves in and out of the programming space through Travel Authorization. 

Pick-up Authorization applies to programming for grades 4 through 6, or if the Travel Home Alone authorization has not been completed for youth grades 7 through 12. This authorization allows parents or guardians to list approved individuals who are permitted to pick up their child.

Complete the Travel and Pick-Up Authorization Form

Youth Centre Programs

Grades 4 - 12 

The Buzz is a fun, welcoming drop-in program for youth in grades 4 – 12. It’s your hive to hang out, play, create, or just chill in a safe and supportive environment. All activities in the space are open for you to explore and enjoy. We hope you’ll join us; The Buzz is the place to bee!

Stay tuned for exciting new programs in the months ahead!

October Calendar:

Wednesday, October 7 | 4 – 6:30 pm

Wednesday, October 14 | 4 – 6:30 pm

Wednesday, October 21 | 4 – 6:30 pm

Wednesday, October 28 | 4 – 6:30 pm

You can also download our monthly activity calendar or visit the Wilmot Recreation Complex to pickup a hardcopy. 

Grades 4 - 12 

Smash boredom and build awesome!

The Splat is an after-school hangout where you can create, play, or chill.

Just bring your creativity, your friends, and your best game face.

SPLAT! is the place to be!

The Splat programs are offered by the Wilmot and Wellesley Resource Centre.

October Calendar

Thursday October 8 | 4:30 - 7 pm | Pokemon Cards

Thursday October 15 | 4:30 - 7 pm | Pottery Jack-o-Lanterns

Thursday October 22 | 4:30 - 7 pm | Portrait Painting

Thursday October 29 | 4:30 - 7 pm | Halloween Party

Special registered programs happening throughout the month for a small fee!

Youth Painting | October 17, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Spend the afternoon getting creative and creating your own painting!
Halloween/Fall Bag Painting | October 26, 2026 | 5:30–7:00 PM
Paint and decorate your own Halloween/fall-themed bag!
Youth Trivia Night | November 7, 2026 | 4:30–6:00 PM
Test your knowledge and join us for a fun night of youth trivia!
Youth Science Club | November 9, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Explore, experiment and have fun with science!
All programs take place at the Optimist Youth Centre, Wilmot Recreation Complex.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to register in advance!

Register here: Activity detail | Wilmot recWeb

Biweekly Mondays, 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
The Regional Youth Creators Club is run by the Home Watson House & Gallery and offers youth the opportunity to participate in creative art workshops. Registration is on individual dates and can be completed ahead of time or day of.
Register for dates here!

The Optimist Youth Centre is running a monthly colouring contest!
Youth in grades 4-12 can participate in the colouring contest for a chance to win a complementary family swimming pass!
How to participate?
  1. Ensure you have an active membership at the youth centre (free memberships can be obtained at wilmot.ca/youthcentre
  2. Pick up a colouring sheet at the youth centre, at the CSR desk or by printing a copy at home.
  3. Submit your completed colouring sheet with your contact information on the back to the youth centre during program or at the CSR desk, located on the pool side of the Wilmot Recreation Complex.

Tuesdays, 4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (Beginning October 6th)
The Travelling Youth Centre brings youth programming and activities to communities throughout the Township of Wilmot. Programming rotates between Haysville Community Centre, New Dundee Community Centre, and St. Agatha Community Centre.
First Tuesday of the Month - Haysville Community Centre
Second Tuesday of the Month - New Dundee Community Centre
Third Tuesday of the Month - St. Agatha Community Centre (Seniors Room)
A Youth Membership Pass is required.

Monday, October 12 - Thanksgiving

Youth Programming Feedback

We want to hear from YOU!
Help us shape upcoming Youth programming by taking our 5-minute survey. Your feedback helps us create programs and activities that reflect what youth in our community actually want and need.
  •  Have an idea for a program?
  •  Want to see something new?
  •  Have feedback on how we can make programming more accessible?
Your voice matters! 💬

Youth Week

National Youth Week runs annually from May 1 through 7, where programming staff along with Wilmot's Youth Advisory Council plan event for youth in the community. We will have a variety of activities from free to $8.00 during the week, including but not limited to specialty drop in's, art classes, movement and physical activities and more. Youth Programming Cards are not required, but be sure to to have your free youth programming card to receive an email when the 2027 information is released.

If you have any suggestions, please email at: youthprogramming@wilmot.ca

Registered Programs

For more information about registered programs for youth, such as Art Programs, Babysitting and/or Home Alone, visit our Recreation Programs page. 

General Hours

Please refer to the monthly activity calendar for specific dates and cancellations. 

Monday see calendar for specialty hours

Wednesday 4 - 6:30 pm

Thursday 4:30 - 7 pm

Saturday see calendar for specialty hours

Contact

Wilmot Recreation Complex

1291 Nafziger Road
Baden, ON N3A 0C4
T: 519-634-9225
Toll Free: 1-800-469-5576
TTY: 519-634-5037
Email