Youth Programs and Opportunities
Youth Council
The Youth Council is designed to connect youth ages 15 - 18 with other youth and their social and civic communities. Working with Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), the Youth Council supports youth-led community events and programs, and volunteer groups. The council also functions to provide a youth perspective to the Town of Canmore, community groups, and organizations when they seek a broad range of voices and perspectives in decision-making processes.
The council is made up of 8 - 12 individuals, ranging in ages from 15 - 18-years-old. The council is inclusive and made accessible to all youth, including those who may be marginalized such as English as a second language learners, new Canadians, LGBTQ2+, and youth who may not be enrolled in a private or public school.
Those interested in joining the Youth Council are asked to complete an application and to go through an interview process to ensure a balance and breadth of membership.
The council is primarily youth-driven to allow members the opportunity to develop autonomy and to expand on leadership- and decision-making skills. To support youth leadership, an adult advisor from FCSS sets the guidelines and expectations for the council, and guides members in skill development and healthy civic engagement, while simultaneously acting as a liaison between the community and youth.
Members of the council will discuss and determine the official structure of their meetings, as well as determining meeting frequency, locations, times, and agendas.
Community agencies, Town of Canmore departments, and local businesses are encouraged to engage with the council as an ally, partner, mentor, and/or advisor.
Of the Youth Council:
- To participate and remain engaged in the Youth Council
- To thoughtfully and professionally share feedback, ideas, and opinions when consulted
- To understand that the Town of Canmore, organizations, businesses, and community partners are not obligated, although encouraged, to connect with the Youth Council, and that the youth council is not part of a formal engagement process
- To actively participate in community events, partnerships, and initiatives
- To volunteer and contribute to the overall success of the community
Of FCSS:
- To support youth with creating and hosting community events
- To discuss with youth current community events and share opportunities to appropriately engage
- To support youth with connecting with community in meaningful and respectful ways
Of Community Organizations/business/groups who chose to connect with the Youth Council:
- To engage the Youth Council in meaningful ways
- To respectfully hear and consider Youth Council’s perspectives
- To provide additional context, if needed, to support youth with developing a robust understanding of the organization
Are you interested in learning more about the Youth Council? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at 403.609.3743
Adulting 101
Transitioning to adulthood can be tricky and knowing where to start can be difficult. To help youth in grades 10 – 12 develop skills beyond those learned in school and at home, and to help them transition into adulthood, Adulting 101 workshops provide opportunities for participants to build independence and confidence in their ability to enter the adult world.
Each Adulting 101 workshop focuses on a different skill while providing participants with practical skills and tools to face adult situations, topic-specific resources and local contacts, self-esteem and the confidence in their ability to live on their own, an opportunity to meet other people the same age and create a support network, a chance to win an Adulting goody bag with local treats and workshop-specific items.
Session topics include: Basic car maintenance, outdoor survival skills, applying to university, rentals and roommates, travelling safe and smart, cooking on a budget, and taxes.
To sign up for Adulting 101 workshops, click here
Click here to browse and register for other child and youth programs.
