Child and Youth Resources
LIFE*SPIN RESOURCES
We At LIFE*SPIN Offer Many Resources For Children And Youth
POCKET-SIZED FARMS
Since 1994, LIFE*SPIN has been offering a free day-camp program, Pocket-Sized Farms, to teach young children about environmental protection, organic food production, literacy and building community. It's located in Old East Common, an urban oasis in the Old East Heritage District. We strive to create an environment that promotes healthy eating, learn-by-doing, teamwork, and an active lifestyle. Our program is specifically designed to benefit children by teaching them to meet some of their own nutritional, health, and learning needs. Pocket Sized Farms is a great opportunity for your child to learn new things, develop new skills, and have fun! Environmental stewardship, nutrition and literacy are the fundamental core of this outdoor learning centre/day-camp experience. Campers spend the morning in the garden, tending to their plot and exploring the outdoors. In the afternoons, we explore our community together, enjoying a wide variety of recreational, environmental and artistic learning experiences.
FREE STORE
The Free Store is an opportunity to have new-used, good quality clothing for all of your family - for free! The Free Store has started Stage 2 Covid-19 Safety Plan, being operational only on Tuesdays for registered Shoppers. To register as a shopper and for further information see below.
Just-4-Us
Just 4 Us is our free program for female & female-identifying teens between the ages of 13-18. Once a month, we meet up for an evening of activities. The purpose of Just 4 Us is to have a safe, fun environment for teen youth in families facing low-income issues. Just 4 Us meet on the evening of the 3rd Thursday of every month, with the time depending on the activities planned. Each meeting starts with dinner at LIFE*SPIN.
LIFE*SPIN Workshop: Play your Way - Sports and Recreation Subsidies
LIFE*SPIN Informational Workshop, where we show just how easy it is to apply for the Play your Way Subsidies with the City of London. This workshop breaks down the application process, making it easy for the whole family to participate in the available sports and activity programs. PLAY YOUR WAY
Big Brothers and Big Sister of London and Area
415 Wharncliffe Rd S London ON Canada N6J 2M3
The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London and Area (BBBSOLA) provides mentoring programs to children and youth between the ages of 7 to 17. Mentors are screened and trained to provide their mentees with support and companionship, while acting as positive role models. They usually meet once a week, for 3-4 hours.
Parents or guardians interested in getting their child involved are encouraged to fill out the application available online. An interview will also be required. BBBSOLA offers additional group mentoring programs for young people who are ready and waiting to be matched with a mentor.
Tel: 519-438-7065
Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre
550 Hamilton Rd., London, Ont. N5Z 1S4
The Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre is a neighbourhood organization that brings diverse people together to plan, develop, and provide services and activities that support and build community capacity, and nurture the well-being of all residents in the Hamilton Road Community.
Crouch offers free recreational programming for youth. Drop-in activities and organized clubs are a great way for youth to make new friends in a positive, healthy neighbourhood environment. They offer a community development program, neighbourhood support services, and a youth program. The focus of these programs is to improve the physical activity, health, wellness, and nutrition of children and youth in our community. In addition, homework help, literacy and numeracy skills, arts and crafts, and cultural activities are integral parts of the programming.
Tel: 519-642-7630
Email: info@crouchnrc.org
Girl Guides of Ontario
Find you London location
Girl Guides of Ontario offers the widest range of activities of any extracurricular activity for girls and young women. Developing friendships, while exploring the arts, sciences, cultural awareness, and so much more. Their programs let girls from 5-18 try a variety of enriching experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime. Through fun activities and dynamic discussions, their goal is to increase girls’ awareness about the wider world, promote cross-cultural understanding, and educate girls on global issues that will inspire them to take action.
Financial assistance is available for those who cannot afford the membership fee.
Toll Free: 1-877-323-4545
Email: info@guidesontario.org
The Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre
244 Adelaide St. South, London, Ont. N5Z 3L1
The Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre offers children’s and youth programs. Their programs offer access to positive experiences, role models, and opportunities for objective, self-evaluation.
Tel: 519-668-2745
Email: info@gccrc.ca
London Recreational Services Spectrum
151 Dundas St., 3rd Floor, London, Ont. N6A 4L9
The London Recreation Services Spectrum offers year-round sports and recreational programs for children and adults, including summer camps. All programs can be subsidized. However, you must provide a letter from a recognized Social Service agency to confirm your financial situation. You may still be asked to pay 50% or more of the costs. Programs occur in neighbourhoods throughout the whole city.
Local libraries carry copies of their current programs. You can also give them a call, or visit their website (click on the headline) for listings. Visit the Play Your Way Fund webpage as well.
Tel: 519-661-5575
Email: recreation@london.ca
London Scouts
541 Windermere Rd., London, Ont. N5X 2T1
Scouts Canada employs a system of progressive self-education, which includes the practices and methods of committed to the values in a Promise and Law, learning by doing, commitment to the values of doing one’s best, contributing to the community, respecting and caring for others, contributing as a family member, relevant through youth and young adult engagement, and the use of outdoor activities as a key learning resource.
Co-ed programs for boys and girl, include Beavers, Cubs, Venturers and Rovers. Programs start at age 5, and go until young adulthood. Their programs cover adventure, recreation, education, social and community work. Financial assistance is available, including the cost of uniform---all you have to do is ask. Groups meet every week throughout the school year, and there are groups organized in neighbourhoods throughout London. There are also camps organized for the summer months.
Tel: 519-432-8313
Email: info@scouts.ca
St. Leonard’s Society of London
405 Dundas St., London, Ont. N6B 1V9
St. Leonard’s Society of London offers youth community and school based programs, including housing for those who experience chronic homelessness. They also offer purposeful programs for adults and youth who are or could be in conflict with the law. Their mission is to support, advocate with, and empower individuals who are, or who are at risk of being justice-involved.
Services include:
youth school-based programs
adult community programs
adult residential programs
Some programs can be accessed by anyone who wants service, but in other cases they may need a referral.
Tel: 519-850-3777
YMCA of Western Ontario
The YMCA or The “Y” is a charitable organization, offering health, hope, and opportunity for all. They are dedicated to the enrichment of communities through growth in spirit, mind, and body, for people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. It provides programs and flexibility to serve everyone’s unique needs.
Their facilities include track, swimming, exercise classes, weights, day and overnight camps for children.
The "Y" offers subsidized memberships to individuals and families who are low-income, or on assistance. Minimum payment is usually $5 but, if you can afford more, then you may be asked to contribute more. Subsidies require proof of income, and a meeting with a "Y" staff member to process your application. For camp subsidies, you must apply months in advance.
382 Waterloo St., London, Ont. N6B 2N8 Tel: 519-667-3300
1050 Hamilton Rd., London, Ont. N5W 1A6 Tel: 519-451-2395
920 Sunningdale Rd. East, London, Ont. N5X 0H5 Tel: 519-667-4400
Youth Opportunities Unlimited - Youth Action Centre
332 Richmond St., London, Ont. N6A 3C3
Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) supports youth to build skills, confidence and independence to reach their potential. They help youth reach their potential through education, skills training, employment supports, and referrals they need to lead positive lives. They offer a wide range of services, including health and dental care, housing, education, workshops, job search and on-the-job skills training. They serve all youth, from those at risk to those seeking summer employment. As a non-profit, registered charity, YOU receives funding from all levels of government, national, regional, and local businesses, as well as foundations.
Not sure who to turn to? The Youth Action Centre can help as a resource referral drop-in centre for youth 16-24 years of age.
Tel: 519-432-1112