Youth Week

National Youth Week celebrates youth across Canada. Youth Week is always May 1 to 7 each year. Brantford Youth Council (BYC) is a proud host of youth week in partnership with the City of Brantford.

Follow Brantford Youth Council on social media at Facebook.com/BrantfordYouthCouncil or on Instagram @BrantfordYouthCouncil for daily events and information on how to win prizes and join the conversation using the hashtag #BrantfordYouthWeek. Have a great idea for a YOUthweek event? Join the Brantford Youth Council to help plan and organize youth events or email your ideas to brantfordyouthcouncil@brantford.ca

Call for Youth Artists

Brantford youth (ages 15-25) are invited to perform/share their artwork at the 2024 Brantford Youth Excellence Awards happening on Tuesday, May 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Rope Factory. Musicians are requested to perform two acoustic songs (this can include brass, wind, string, and singer-songwriter styles). Visual artists can display up to two pieces of art, either pre-printed and framed or on a canvas that can be hung. Selected youth will be provided a $50 gift card and are invited to sell merchandise and promote their art at a table during the event. Submit your application.

 

Youth Week Activities

Open Gym - Wednesday, May 1

3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
Woodman Park Community Centre
Ages 11 to 17.

Join us at Woodman Park Community Centre for Open Gym from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. All skill levels welcome to enjoy sports in the gym and perhaps a few friendly games.

Become a member today! You must be ages 11 to 17 to participate and all Youth Week activities take place at Woodman Park Community Centre located at 491 Grey Street.

Flag Raising in Harmony Square - Wednesday, May 1

5:00 p.m. 
Harmony Square
All ages.

Join Brantford Youth Council to usher in the start of National Youth Week 2024. Brantford Youth Council (BYC) is a proud host of youth week in partnership with the City of Brantford. Are you a high school aged youth interested in finding out about Brantford Youth Council? Join us after the flag raising for a BYC meeting in the Community Room of the Brantford Public Library from 6:30pm-7:55pm. There will be light refreshments, information about how to get involved with BYC, and an UNO tournament. No pre-registration is required. 

Youth Garden Launch Event - Thursday, May 2

6:00pm – 7:30pm
Ages 15 to 30.

Youth are invited to roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and celebrate youth, nature, and growth. We'll be gathering at the Earl Haig Free Community Gardens to learn about Equal Ground and plant some seeds to kickstart Brantford Youth Council's garden beds. Bring a blanket and a mug as we'll be serving tea. Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity to connect with your community and make a positive impact. 

Register for the Youth Garden Launch Event.

Drop-in Basketball - Thursday, May 2

7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Woodman Park Community Centre
Ages 11 to 17.

Join us at Woodman Park Community Centre for drop-in basketball from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. All skills levels are welcome to play.

Become a member today! You must be ages 11 to 17 to participate and all Youth Week activities take place at Woodman Park Community Centre located at 491 Grey Street.

Woodman After Dark - Friday, May 3

3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Woodman Park Community Centre
Ages 11 to 17.


Woodman Park Community Centre will be open late from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for youth to celebrate Youth Week. Enjoy the open gym, video games and pool in the WLounge as well as free snacks, karaoke, and more. Youth must be signed in before 8:00 p.m. and re-entry is not allowed. Youth Members are admitted for free and non-members cost $3.00.

2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Board Game Potluck, Crafts & Tea - Friday, May 3

6:00pm – 7:30pm
Steve’s Tea Company & Tea Room, 505 Park Rd. N.
Ages 15 to 30.

Join us for a fun-filled event for 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth at Steve's Tea Company & Tea Room, in collaboration with Brantford Pride and The Bridge Brant. We'll be hosting a board game potluck, crafts, and tea event where you can relax, socialize, and have a great time with fellow youth in the community. Come hang out, learn about local resources, enjoy some delicious tea, get crafty, and challenge your friends to a board game showdown. Bring your own board games (board game potluck style!). Craft supplies, and light refreshments will be provided. If you have accessibility needs, please contact Taylor at tberzins@brantford.ca
Register for 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Board Game Potluck, Crafts & Tea

Bad at Lacrosse! with Onkwehonwe Games - Saturday, May 4 - CANCELLED

9:30am - 11:00am
Steve Brown Sports Complex, 20 Edge St.
Ages 15 to 30.

Youth (aged 15-25) are invited to join Brantford Youth Council for an introduction to lacrosse clinic with Onkwehonwe Games. This event is designed for participants who are curious about lacrosse but have never played, or consider themselves to be "bad at lacrosse." This event aims to be a low-stakes, judgement-free, playful space to learn something new. This event will also help contextualize lacrosse as a traditional Indigenous game and provide participants with historical and contemporary information about the sport. Bring a water bottle, and be prepared for the weather. If you have accessibility needs, please contact Taylor at tberzins@brantford.ca

 

Please note that this workshop has been CANCELLED.

Polymer Clay Workshop - Saturday, May 4
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Woodman Park Community Centre
Ages 11 to 17.

Join us for a Polymer Clay Workshop from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Woodman Park Community Centre. Make a pair of earrings, a keychain or  a pendant. Registration is required. Register online or call 519-759-4150 ext. 5079.
DIY Spring Bird Paint Class - Monday, May 6
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Woodman Park Community Centre
Ages 11 to 17.

Join us for a DIY Spring Bird Paint Class at Woodman Park Community Centre from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. With easy step-by-step instructions, we’ll help you create your own painting to keep. Supplies will be included. Registration is required. Register online or call 519-759-4150 ext. 5079.
Jane's Walk and Mental Health Week Self-Care Event - Monday, May 6
5:00pm - 7:00pm
TB Costain-SC Johnson Community Centre, 16 Morrell St.
Ages 15 to 30.

Join us for a facilitated trail walk from the Wilkes Dam to T.B. Costain Community Centre. Youth (ages 15-25) are invited to engage with and try out various self-care strategies including: trail walks, facilitated breathwork/gentle movement skills, and craft making. Therapy dogs will be on-site from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Come enhance your self-care toolkit! Please bring a water bottle, and dress for the weather. If you have accessibility needs/questions, please contact Taylor at tberzins@brantford.ca.  

Register for Jane's Walk + Mental Health Week Self-Care Event