After-School Activities

Our after-school club is and designed to be as helpful as possible for kids between the ages of 5 and 12 in the area. The primary purpose of our after-school club is to make sure that young kids in our community in N.D.G. have an opportunity to do their homework in a safe environment should they wish to do so. All kids taking part in the club are supervised closely by staff as well as high school student volunteers.

Our kids will participate in a range of educational and engaging after-school activities such as arts and crafts, cooking classes, internet use, board games and sports such as basketball and soccer.

If you are from N.D.G. or the surrounding area and think that your child or children could benefit from our reliable after-school program, then why not give us a call today and allow us to point out how we can help you and your kids reach their full potential. Trust us, you won’t regret it.

Learn More About Our After-School Activities

How Do After-School Youth Programs Ensure Inclusivity?

Our after-school youth programs ensure inclusivity by creating environments where every child feels welcomed, respected, and valued. We achieve this by organizing diverse activities that cater to different interests, abilities, and backgrounds, such as art workshops and sports activities.

Our volunteers are also trained to recognize and accommodate different needs, ensuring children with unique learning styles can participate fully alongside their peers. We always encourage open communication and collaboration with families as part of this initiative.

In summary, we achieve inclusivity by offering:

Flexible activity levels: Programs are designed with varying levels of difficulty to ensure all children, regardless of ability, can participate and succeed.
Tailored communication styles: We provide visual aids, simplified instructions, and one-on-one support for participants with diverse needs.
Diverse program content: We include activities and curricula that highlight a wide range of perspectives and learning styles.

Passion for After-School Programs

Running from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM five days a week, our after-school program runs from September to December in semester one, and from January to June in semester two. Our paid staff work with volunteers such as nursing students from the School of Nursing at McGill University, as well as art students from Concordia University.

One project that our Concordia University art students have contributed to Westhaven’s centre includes our famous street art. Several of our art student volunteers will work with the kids who participate in our after-school club and teach them the inherent value that art can bring to our children. Combined with our artistic workshops, we will always try and include as much art as possible to our after-school programs.

Westhaven Elmhurst Community Recreation Association’s Activities for Confidence-Building Enrichment

Our confidence-building enrichment activities empower children aged 5 to 12 to explore their unique talents in a supportive environment. Through creative projects, group challenges, and skill-based learning, kids develop self-assurance and a positive sense of accomplishment.

Our after-school programs include:

Dedicated time and guidance to help children complete assignments and strengthen academic skills
Caring, trained staff ensure a safe and nurturing environment at all times
Engaging lessons and hands-on learning to inspire curiosity and intellectual growth
Fun exercises, sports, and games to promote health, fitness, and teamwork
Opportunities for kids to explore art in creative workshops

How Closely Are After-School Clubs Supervised?

Our after-school clubs are carefully supervised by our staff and volunteers to ensure a safe and secure environment for all participants. Staff-to-child ratios are kept reasonable, allowing for attentive oversight during activities like arts and crafts, sports, or group games.

For example, during physical activities, our supervisors ensure the proper use of the equipment and provide guidance to prevent injuries. Our aim is to provide a structured setting where your children can thrive and you can feel confident in your child’s well-being.

What Life Skills Can Children Learn in After-School Programs?

An important feature of our programs is the valuable life skills that children learn. By participating in a variety of group activities, projects, and exercises, children develop essential skills, including communication, collaboration, and leadership.

For example, throughout the semester, students will be encouraged to explore self-expression through art with mentors who guide them in activities like painting, crafting, and writing.

Other life skills include:

Time management: Learning to balance activities, homework, and personal time effectively
Basic cooking skills: Preparing simple, healthy meals and understanding kitchen safety
Responsible internet use: Navigating online resources safely, understanding digital etiquette, and avoiding misinformation
Organizational skills: Keeping personal and shared spaces tidy and managing schoolwork or project materials

Three Benefits of Westhaven’s After-School Club

The socially inclusive nature of Westhaven Elmhurst Community Recreation Association’s after-school club means that your kid will have the opportunity to grow as a person. The dynamic nature of our association means that we are constantly striving for new ways to assist and stimulate your child’s interests after school, five days a week.

Three benefits of our after-school club are as follows:

Improved Social Skills: Our after-school program promotes cooperation, support and respect among all our participants. This can help our kids feel more secure about joining in on a game of basketball or taking part in an art class.
Academic Resources: Our paid staff and volunteers are there to foster a structured supportive setting for your kids. If they wish to do some homework, then we can help with this but it is optional and not mandatory. Also, we will never do your child’s homework for them, we will always assist.
Safety and Supervision: Recent research shows that kids are most likely to get into trouble between the hours of 3:00 and 6:00 PM. This time period between school ending and you returning home from work is when the potential for engaging in risky behaviour is as high as possible. Our after-school club tackles this problem and ensures that your sons and daughters have a safe and secure location to hang out, get active and to do their homework.

Explore Programs at Our Community Center Today

Explore programs at Westhaven Elmhurst Community Recreation Association and give your child a safe, supportive, and fun space to thrive after school. With close supervision, educational enrichment, and exciting opportunities to build skills and friendships, our community center is the perfect place for kids to unwind and grow after the school day.

Looking for after-school activities? Contact us at (514) 872-6134.

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