Children and Youth Programs
Creating safe and inclusive spaces for children and youth to further their academics, practice leadership skills and become more resilient . . .
Learning and Fun Afterschool Program
The Learning and Fun (LAF) afterschool program serves children from St. Lawrence and Bennetto Elementary Schools (Grades 1-8). LAF partners students one-on-one with volunteer mentors from Student Open Circles (McMaster University). Together, they work on their literacy, numeracy, and social in a safe and fun environment. It also includes our newly developed financial literacy program! Students are picked up by volunteers from their schools and provided a healthy snack to start the afternoon. Program participants are given access to a lending library, computers, games and sports equipment. LAF is made possible by the generous support of the Edith H. Turner Foundation, Allen and Milli Gould Family Foundation, and United Way Halton & Hamilton.
Teen Talks (Youth Resiliency Team)
Welcome Inn is deeply committed to promoting wellness and fostering learning among our youth. Our brand new program--Teen Talks--gives youth the opportunity to learn leadership and life skills, develop healthy and supportive relationships with peers, and engage other youth in important discussions related to mental health. It's all about empowerment! Youth will be given the space to develop fun activities and initiatives that can be shared with others either at their local school or at other youth programs like our own Learning and Fun. It's a hands-on program that includes a safe space for sharing and growing together. And, of course, it includes some delicious and healthy food! Teen Talks is made possible by the generous support of Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority and the CST Foundation.
Summer Day Camp
The Summer Day Camp at Welcome Inn is run in partnership with the City of Hamilton and is held at the Bennetto Recreation Centre. Our summer camp provides Hamilton families with quality, affordable and exciting summer programming for their children, cultivating an inclusive community for all. Summer Camp runs during the entire month of July (9am-3pm) from Monday to Friday. Campers, ages 5-11, participate in group games and activities, arts and crafts, dress-up days, counsellor challenges, swimming, and an incredible weekly outing. Older children are invited to volunteer and further develop their leadership abilities.