KIDS ON TRACK ASSOCIATION OF EDMONTON

Family Programs

Celebrations – Key Family Celebrations throughout the year provide families with the opportunity to celebrate at significant times of the year with other families. This is particularly meaningful for families who cannot afford the cost that comes with attending events or hosting celebrations. They include a Family Picnic, Thanksgiving Dinner, Trunk or Treat, Blacklight Christmas Show, a Winter Carnival, a Mom’s Celebration.

Family Connect – Throughout the year families gather to build connections with other families in the community. Educational and fun activities are held for all age groups. Parents participate in a Parent’s Café, designed to support positive parenting strategies in a relaxed environment. Kids and youth engage with positive mentors while participating in hands on character education activities. These take place through the creative use of puppets, drama, science, games, and music.

HomeBuilders – HomeBuilders is an 11-week support group for children who have experienced separation, divorce, or a death of a primary care giver. An experiential learning curriculum designed by our own professionals gives children the tools to process their emotions and gives parents practical ideas to support their children at home. This program also runs in partnership with community sites where Kids On Track trains a group of facilitators to run the program in their community.

Active Families – Once a month families gather to get active and to learn new skills. Parents and children enjoy playing together while trying new recreational pursuits. Barriers such as transportation, equipment, and instruction are all addressed making the program as accessible and inclusive as possible. This is free program is especially valuable for new Canadian families and those who cannot afford the expense of ongoing classes or recreational programs.

Kids Programs

Character Clubs – Character Clubs are a unique 1.5 hour after-school or out-of-school-time club that pairs physical literacy with character education. No bored kids here - we are learning and moving! Affirming leaders create an atmosphere of learning and support. The clubs focus on building resiliency for kids coping with various life challenges.

Kids Day Camps – Kids get active throughout the summer while making friends and connecting with caring adults and youth from the LITE program. The 7 weeks of low-cost and no-cost day camp programs are delivered at various high needs community sites. The program combines hands-on character education with daily field trips and activities. Highlights have been biking through the Edmonton River Valley, trips to the zoo, wall climbing, laser tag, and the Royal Alberta Museum.

Youth Programs

SHIFT Youth (Youth Outreach) – Shift Youth Program offers community youth exciting social and recreational pursuits. Youth are given an opportunity to hang out with friends in a safe and fun way, explore life's questions with relevant mentors, and get active with their peers. We offer weekly youth drop-in, out-of-school time days, and interest groups where youth can explore different activities that interest them. These are often youth initiated and currently include a girl’s hiking group and a table-top gaming group. In summer, Shift Youth ramps up with programming provided for four days a week for 6 weeks. Additionally, our staff take youth to Jasper for an outdoor adventure camping experience and our Hike Like A Girl program empowers girls to conquer more intensive hikes in an outback experience.

Leaders In Training Experience (LITE) – If a youth can do it, it’s time for the adult to step back. That’s the motto of the Leaders In Training Experience (L.I.T.E.) Program. Youth are empowered and equipped to be leaders and positive role models using mentoring, leadership skill development, and community service. The LITE program provides hands-on opportunities to learn to lead, mentor others, and grow in their personal development. It develops effective and ethical young leaders which is critical to initiating positive change in our communities. An extension of the L.I.T.E. Program, the F.L.I.T.E. Program (Focused Leaders In Training Experience) is available for grades 10-12 when youth are ready to take their leadership development to the next level. They receive intensive mentoring and training, as well as assist in peer mentoring and training in the L.I.T.E. Program.