Each core program is designed to build specific skills related to our Core Values and the healthy development of a child and/or youth. Programs have an evaluation component that surveys the participants, parents, volunteers and other participating organizations.
The Club is constantly introducing new activities to complement its Core programming. These activities are often subject to funding availability and include:
* Arts & Crafts
* Biking Club
* Career Planning
* Games Room
* Hip Hop Night
* Hot Meals
* Movie Night - Girls Only
* Reading Club
* Ski Club
* Special Trips (e.x. Mont Cascade)
Camp Smitty:Camp Smitty (formerly Camp Minwassin) is a fun and exciting residential camp program for children. Camp Smitty allows boys and girls between the ages of 8 to 16 to escape the pressure of the city and replace it with the natural and relaxed beauty of the land. The camp offers qualified staff for swimming, sailing, canoeing, crafts, basketball, baseball, soccer, nature hikes, special events, campfires, sing-a-longs, and leadership development .
Bayshore Youth Centre:
The Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa has partnered with Minto Developments Inc., Ottawa’s largest rental property owners. The Drop-in offers adolescents an opportunity to actively and constructively participate in activities in their immediate community. Activities include sports, a homework Club, cooking, social outings, leadership opportunities, cultural programs and inter-generational activities with seniors. Youth also participate in several fund-raising activities to subsidize their activities. This program won the prestigious Bell Canada Award of Excellence for outstanding contributions to youth in 1997.
Ottawa Community Youth Diversion Program:
OCYDP The OCYDP is designed to improve the manner in which our community deals with youth aged 12 to 17 years who are in conflict with the law. OCYDP will act as a coordinating body or “clearinghouse” for the timely delivery of individualized interventions by a network of collaborative partners.
Contact Tom Scholberg at
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for more info.
OCYDP Testimonials
" The Ottawa Police Service has full confidence that the Ottawa Community Youth Diversion Program is making a difference in the lives of young people diverted from the formal criminal justice system. OCYDP effectively responds to the needs of a young person as well as the victim ensuring a meaningful and timely response. Our partnership with regards to this initiative is valued and central to our police diversion strategy. "
Sgt. Mark Houldsworth
Ottawa Police Service
Youth Intervention & Diversion Section
"In the year that I have been Youth Team Lead for the Ottawa Crown Attorney's office it has been my pleasure to work with the Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa in our combined efforts to provide effective and timely diversion for youth in our community. In my experience, staff at the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa are dedicated professionals committed to providing ongoing services which are responsive to the needs of our community. In my view, our youth are extremely lucky to have such excellent community based programming working on their behalf."
Lisa M. Miles
Assistant Crown Attorney
Youth Team Lead
Crown Attorney's Office
“My behaviour has changed so much and I have a much better attitude compared to when I started. As much as I didn’t want to be in this situation, it has helped me a lot and gave me a pretty big reality check and a better understanding from right and wrong.”
17-year old program participant