Youth Services
Download the Youth Central Calendar
Kendra Bickford – Youth Services Navigator
Phone: (613) 392-2811 ext. 4739
Email: kendra.b@trentonmfrc.ca
The Youth Services department offers programming to children aged 6 to 18 at our in-house youth center, Youth Central. Activities include game nights, movies, crafts, mindfulness exercises, job readiness workshops, and much more. Other services include Youth Connect, a national Virtual Youth Center; the Military Youth Ambassador Program (MYAP) for teens who want to gain volunteer hours; and Home-Alone Safety and Babysitting courses.
*For children under the age of six (6), programs can be found under the Children & Parents section.
Building Blocks is a 5-week program taking place once a week, with each session lasting an hour and a half. Building Blocks is a program that uses Lego as a tool in a structured and inclusive way to increase motivation to participate and positive interaction with peers. Throughout the program the children will be using and developing social skills, building strategies such as sharing, taking turns, making eye contact, problem-solving, self-regulation, practicing patience, and using fine motor skills. Each week the children will be working in small groups where they will be given a role to assist in the completion of building a Lego set.
Emotionally Empowered Kids is a 6-week program offered twice a year. The program is specifically tailored to empower children aged 8 -12 with the essential skills to understand and manage their emotions effectively. Our curriculum, which blends interactive exercises, games, and discussions makes learning about emotions both educational and enjoyable. Each week is carefully crafted to build upon the previous one, fostering gradual but significant progress in emotional regulation.
Meet & Greet Mondays give kids a chance to have fun, make friends, work on social skills and problem-solving, and more! This is a perfect opportunity for military-connected youth who are newly posted to the area to meet friends and connect with the MFRC.
MYAP is a peer support team that provides in-school information and services to their fellow students focused on mental wellness, integration, social engagement, and increased awareness of the unique military family culture. The team will achieve this through peer support, social event planning, welcome services, mental health promotion, and awareness. Our Military Youth Ambassadors (MYA’s) will: receive training and certificates, accumulate volunteer hours for school, plan and attend social/educational events, and so much more! Most of all, they’ll be a part of something great that will improve the well-being of military-connected youth nationwide.
Resources
For Youth:
- Sesame Street for Military Families
- Hero in Training Activity Book
- Zen Garden App
- Crisis Texting Service for Kids of CAF Families
Text CAFKIDS to 686868 to chat with a trained volunteer Crisis Responder
For Parents:
- Camp Maple Leaf
- Support Our Troops – National Summer Camps Program
- Support Our Troops – Education Support
For Educators:
Resources for Exceptional Children
A collection of tips and tricks, how-to’s, and helpful information sessions put together by the Youth Services Navigator for families to access at their convenience.
- Speech and Language – Tips and Tricks for Preschoolers
- Social Skill Development
- Toddler and Preschooler Development
- Promoting Engaging Learning Environments
- IEP/IPRC Virtual Chat
- Sensory 101
- Red Flags for Literacy
- Picky Eating
Toolkit for Children & Youth
This Toolkit is an information package to assist in navigating the resources available for all military families supporting an individual with special needs associated with CFB Trenton. This toolkit will explain the process of who is qualified to provide a diagnosis, next steps, financial options, understanding the terms and acronyms, and navigating the Ontario School System.
View Toolkit for Children & Youth.
Toolkit for Adults
This toolkit speaks to individuals with special needs who are seeking guidance and support as well as parents and caregivers who are supporting an individual with special needs transitioning into adulthood.
“Homefront Heroes” is an activity book to help children cope with their emotions, thoughts, and experiences during each stage of deployment.
Pre-deployment: Kids will explore, understand, and prepare for the upcoming separation. Expressing themselves, having heartfelt conversations, and discovering their role as ‘Homefront Heroes.’
During deployment: Activities to cope with emotions, stay connected with loved ones, and learn about where they are deployed. Comfort, empowerment, and a sense of connection during separation.
Post-deployment: Reconnecting with loved ones as they return home. Rediscovering the joy of being together again.
“Homefront Movers” is an activity book designed to help military children navigate the challenges of relocation with confidence and resilience.
Preparing to Move: Kids will explore their feelings about moving, express their thoughts, and learn strategies to embrace change with activities to help them get ready for their next adventure.
Moving & Settling In: Engaging activities to ease the transition, create a sense of belonging, and stay connected to old friends while making new ones.
Feeling at Home: Helping kids adjust to their new environment, build new routines, and celebrate their journey as a ‘Homefront Mover.’
Let’s support our resilient military kids! Pick up a copy at the Trenton MFRC reception!