YWCA Halifax

Our Youth Programs include YSpace, GuySpace, which are dynamic, youth-led programs for participants ages 11 to 15. Our free-of-charge programs are facilitated in junior high schools throughout the HRM and specifically target the needs of youth who are facing multiple barriers.

YWCA Halifax Youth Programs are possible thanks to the generous support from the Halifax Youth Foundation, the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, and Public Safety Canada.

YSpace

YSpace is a cyberviolence prevention program delivered annually to female, trans and gender diverse youth at local junior high schools and additional community locations throughout HRM. The program equips participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely navigate the online world, while encouraging leadership, building self-esteem, and fostering a safe and inclusive space where participants can be themselves and discuss issues that are important to them.

GuySpace

GuySpace is a violence and cyberbullying prevention program delivered to males, trans and gender diverse youth at local junior high schools and additional community locations throughout HRM. The program increases and empowers participants to take a stand against violence and its root causes, while exploring identity and building self-esteem.

YLeaders Youth Peer Mentorship

YLeaders is a youth peer mentorship program that trains students at J.L Ilsley Highschool to be mentors and leaders within their community. Our YLeaders mentors are then matched with younger mentees from within the community, and meet weekly to learn from one another and foster a supportive relationship. Youth mentorship programs have been proven to increase high school graduation rates, promote healthier relationships and lifestyle choices, increase self-esteem and self-confidence (MENTOR, 2009; Cavell, DuBois, Karcher, Keller, & Rhodes, 2009)

Youth Advisory Council

YWCA Halifax’s Youth Advisory Council, is a committee of individuals ages 16-30, advocating and advising on program management and activities. The council members build their capacity for civic engagement through planning and leading youth events and community projects. Our youth are our future. We are striving to create a world where young people are empowered to use their voices as a mechanism for creating lasting change. Youth are central to our mission.

PowerCamp

PowerCamp is a free summer day camp for youth to come together to address issues specific to them in a powerful action-oriented educational experience. The purpose of Power Camp is to offer a fun-filled, experiential week that will enable young people to discover and celebrate their inner power.

Youth programs are proudly supported by:

Palifax Summer Camp

Palifax (previously “Galifax”) is a fun summer camp that’s all about learning about yourself, how to express yourself creatively, advocate for your community, and share your voice! This year we’re excited to be partnering with the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning to run this year’s camp.