There are many ways to support the well-being and wellness of young people. Because every young person is unique, approaches to well-being must vary – and the same is true for recreational activities. Many young people accessing Fernie Youth Services are naturally skilled and creative, but what grounds them in connection, purpose, and enjoyment looks different for everyone.
Justice-involved youth are often deeply isolated from their communities. That is why we place great intention on bringing well-being, wellness, and recreation directly into our programs – building connection, self-confidence, and self-esteem while nourishing their skills and motivation.
We recognize that not every young person has had the opportunity to explore what brings them true joy, whether through music, art, dance, movies, exercise, or outings. Exposing a young person to various activities is often just the beginning of discovering what lights them up and gives them purpose.
“One thing I really love is the excitement and joy on the youth’s faces every time we get ready for a workout or head out to play sports like baseball or basketball.” – Fernie Staff
Throughout our Fernie programs, we are intentional about building a supportive environment. In our housing programs in particular, we ensure youth have steady access to recreation, physical activity, and opportunities to learn new skills. Every day, our coordinators and staff collaborate to offer diverse programming so young people can stay engaged, build practical life skills for adulthood, and share their talents with others. Each year, we also seek out external resources to enhance their wellness and recreation, ensuring every youth has the chance to take part in something great.
Here are a few ways we have created meaningful, intentional experiences:
Movement: Access to local gyms with staff supervision, recreational sports, and community field trips
Community: Trips to Canada’s Wonderland, fishing outings, visits to the Toronto Zoo, and cooking and wellness education
Wellness: Paint nights, tie-dyeing, music-making, and songwriting
These opportunities actively shape the youth we serve. Beyond simply offering these programs, we give young people the power to choose what fuels, energizes, and inspires them.
Want to help empower young people through engaging wellbeing initiatives and fresh experiences? Let’s connect!
Edessa
Resource Development Coordinator
416-357-7188