YMCA youth leadership development program in King comes to close

Program funded by 3-year, $383,600 donation from Ontario Trillium Foundation

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 3, 2023
Simone Joseph

Eniola Macaulay can pinpoint the best parts of the YMCA program she attended in March and June 2023.

“The high ropes and the campfire,” the 18-year-old said. “I got to learn and spend time with my friends while doing fun activities.”

This program encouraged leadership development and civic engagement outdoors. It wrapped up in June.

The YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre leadership program, funded by a three-year $383,600 donation in 2018 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ontario government. The program was meant to expand the centre’s impact on youth aged 12-18 who are Indigenous, 2SLGTBQIA+, newcomers to Canada or have learning disabilities or neurodivergence (meaning different from normal function. It often refers to people with autistic spectrum disorder).

The grant was paused in 2021 because of the pandemic.

King-Vaughan MPP Stephen Lecce visited the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Schomberg location June 27 to announce the completion of this multi-year leadership program.

“I am proud to mark the completion of an investment at YMCA Cedar Glen, which supported the leadership development of youth in King and Vaughan," Lecce said.

Lecce wants to see more of this kind of education, he said.

“To see young people being involved in more hands-on experiential learning, outdoor learning,” he said. “I mean I've come to a realization that is where we can stimulate minds most bringing the kids outside of the classroom in the learning environment like here in our natural environment,” Lecce said.

“There's no better place to learn. We're now building schools where we have outdoor classrooms, rock formations to try to encourage educators to bring classrooms outside just to enjoy the beauty of our country.”

This program at YMCA Cedar Glen in King provided youth with outdoor programming, overnight food and accommodation, as well as transportation.

A program survey found:

• 84% of youth said the program impacted their ability to work in a team to a great or very great extent.
• Youth who identified as Black or a person of colour felt significantly more impacted by the program in terms of their interest in community engagement/volunteers, and their belief in their ability to accomplish what they set out to do than youth who did not identify in this way.

“In the survey results, we're very proud participants reported their ability to feel connected to other youth in their group and their ability to respect people who are different than them, said Marissa Straatsma, general manager at the Schomberg YMCA.

Through the grant, we were able to provide a free, outdoor experience, she said.

One of the largest projects, made possible through this grant, was the building of an outdoor maze. Participants built a 100 by 80 ft. wooden maze.

But why has funding for this project come to an end?

“The grant came to term,” said Grace Lee, spokesperson for Stephen Lecce. “It doesn’t mean funding is ending. The YMCA is free to apply again to Ontario Trillium Foundation for funding.”

So, will the YMCA apply for funding and continue the program?

“The Y is not currently applying for another (Trillium) grant to support the Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre leadership program,” said a YMCA statement. “The Y continues to collaborate with The Ontario Trillium Foundation and other funders to develop and deliver new programs and initiatives offered by the charity, including the Black Achievers mentorship program.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Toronto programs and services, including youth and leadership programs, visit https://ymcagta.org/. Learn more about YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre programs at https://cedarglen.ymcagta.org/.