GuySpace

Children and adolescents who are bullied online are less likely to report or to seek help than victims of traditional bullying (NCBI, 2017). This is compounded by the reality that help-seeking is often seen as a sign of weakness, and sexist gender norms dictate that men and boys should not show weakness. These factors combined put young men in a uniquely vulnerable position in relation to cyberviolence.

What is GuySpace?

GuySpace is a cyberviolence prevention program that is delivered annually at ten local junior high schools and six additional community locations throughout HRM. The program aims to address the stigma associated with young men expressing the full spectrum of emotions, by normalizing these conversations. 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 Offers

GuySpace offers weekly interactive workshops on cyberviolence and violence prevention, as well as an array of current issues that impact young men. The diverse curriculum may include; bullying and harassment, digital and online safety, multi-cultural awareness, healthy relationships, body image, mental health, self-esteem, and much more. Additionally, GuySpace offers a safe, inclusive, and judgement free space for young men to be themselves.

Eligibility

Young men and gender non-conforming youth in grades six (6) to nine (9) at participating locations in Halifax Regional Municipality are eligible for this program.

How to Get Involved

GuySpace takes place during Healthy Living periods at participating schools. There are three cohorts of GuySpace that are offered throughout the school year: October to November, January to February, and March to May. If you would like to know if GuySpace will be delivered at your school or have any other inquiries
 
Please contact the GuySpace Coordinator at
r.foster@ywcahalifax.com

GuySpace Summer Camp

GuySpace Camps are fun summer camps that are all about learning, getting active, meeting new friends, and trying new things! We play sports and games at our camps and encourage healthy physical activity. We also do learning based and creative activities in our down time.

Dates and Location

GuySpace Summer Camp was held July 24 to 28 and August 7 to 11 for 2023. Stay tuned for GuySpace camp dates for summer 2024!

Please contact Ryan Foster, GuySpace Coordinator, at r.foster@ywcahalifax.com for more info.

Eligibility

GuySpace Camps are open to youth ages 12-15 who are male, trans, or gender diverse. The camps are completely free to attend.

How to Get Involved 

We have so many fun and exciting activities planned so make sure to register early as space is limited!
 
Registration forms will be available closer to summer 2024 camp dates.
 
Please note submitting an application does not guarantee a place in the camp.
You will be contacted about whether or not your child has been accepted or placed on a waitlist.

Guyspace March Break

Stay tuned for Guyspace March Break 2024 details!

GuySpace is proud to announce that 2023 March Break will be a collaborative effort between GuySpace and White Ribbon. Our camp is provided completely free of charge during the March break holiday, March 13th-17th at St. Andrews Church  6036 Coburg Rd, Halifax, NS from 9am-4pm daily. Camp will feature educational programming for male youth, as well as a variety of games, sports, and activities. Registration is limited and participants will be chosen on a first come first served basis.

For all March Break Camp and GuySpace related inquiries please reach out to the GuySpace Coordinator Ryan Foster at r.foster@ywcahalifax.com

To register For GuySpace March Break Camp please scan the QR code below:

Or Click Here!