Every year, we set aside time during National Youth Week (May 1-7th) to celebrate youth in our community. Browse our webpage to see a list of activities, and don't forget to send us your stories of youth impact in our community!
National Youth Week takes place each year from May 1st to May 7th. Youth Week is a time to celebrate and inspire proactive youth involvement in our community. Youth Week 2025 will be celebrated in person at the Halton Hills Youth centres.
This year, we will recognize and generate awareness of the value and impact youth have made in Halton Hills through storytelling. We will celebrate these impactful stories and highlight a few to share at our Youth Week Open House Event, “The Story of Our Youth”, scheduled for Tuesday May 6, 2025, at the Halton Hills Youth Centres in Georgetown and Acton. Youth, family, friends and members of the community are invited to the Open House Event.
Our annual Youth Art Exhibit will be featured in person at the Halton Hills Cultural Centre in the Sisnett Lobby. Come by and check out the amazing art on display from the talented youth artists in our community throughout the month of May. A highlight of the art exhibit will also be featured virtually on Thursday May 1, 2025. Submit your art pieces by April 28.
See what's happening at the Halton Hills Youth Centres during Youth Week! Stop by for tasty treats and exciting programming.
Youth Centres in Acton and Georgetown are open! Drop in and see us Monday-Friday from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m.
As part of our drop-in youth programming, The Town of Halton Hills operates two Youth Centres with locations in Acton and Georgetown. Recreation-based activities available include video games, arts and crafts, cooking, special events, movies and drop-in gym activities (Georgetown location). Facilities provide youth with access to lounge space, computers and Wi-Fi. Both Youth Centres are supervised by trained Town of Halton Hills staff. Community Partners & members of the Youth Network provide supports and additional programs in both Centres. Admission to the Centres is free and programs are provided at no charge or low cost. Open to youth ages 12-24 years old.
Sponsored by the Norval United Church, join us for this unique Youth Leadership experience. Through hands on activities, workshops and special guests, youth ages 15-21 years old will learn about different leadership styles, communication techniques and problem-solving strategies. The group will build competencies that will support and launch youth towards volunteerism, employment and leadership roles. Youth will connect with local organizations to learn about opportunities in our community, build their resume, and obtain a certification in HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development. The program provides meaningful and exciting experiences including cooking, special guests, personal wellness, meeting new people and a variety of activities. The leadership program takes place at the Halton Hills Youth Centres which will provide youth a variety of fun and youth friendly activities in a welcoming environment. This program will appeal to all youth looking to develop and grow as leaders and individuals.
Date/Time:
Fee: $179.30 (HST included)
To register: You can register online using our online registration system. For more information, please contact our registration hotline at 905-873-2600 ext. 2275.
Get connected, get social! Join us on Friday nights at the Acton Youth Centre for our new Friday Activity Night. Individuals ages 20-35 years old with exceptionalities can register for this social recreation program. Running for 11 weeks, this program will focus on connecting with others, building relationships, trying new things and enjoying time together. Each week there will be a different activity scheduled. Participants can enjoy hanging out with others, cooking, playing pool, art nights, life skill building, and making new friends. Town trained staff will facilitate the program.
Criteria for the program: participant has an intellectual/developmental disability, able to toilet independently, able to work with a group ratio of 1 staff to 10 participants. If the participant requires assistance to participate in the program and to interact with friends, please hire a support worker to attend the program. There is no additional charge for support workers.
Youth volunteering |
|
Looking to get your 40 volunteer hours? Want to make a difference in your community and the lives of fellow neighbours and friends? Consider volunteering with the Town of Halton Hills! Build leadership skills, give back to your community and meet new people. Recreation & Parks offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for youth. Visit our volunteer webpage to learn more about available opportunities and the application process. |
Youth taxi scrip |
|
The Youth Taxi Scrip Program is a service that allows registered youth riders to receive a discounted fare (up to 40% off) with participating taxi companies for travel within Halton Hills. Visit the taxi scrip webpage to register and learn more. |
Youth jobs |
|
Check out current job postings available today! Summer employment information is available as of December. |
Acton Youth Centre renovation project (2021) |
|
In September of 2021, The Town of Halton Hills announced the official grand opening of the renovated Acton Youth Centre. Located at 19 Willow Street North in Acton, within the Acton Town Hall, this newly renovated Youth Centre will serve as a hub of activity and a place for youth to gather, socialize, learn, collaborate, innovate, access local services and grow. The Acton Youth Centre has been set up as a one-stop shop for youth in our community that supports and enhances recreational opportunities, mental health, and other services that support youth in navigating community resources. The Acton Youth Centre includes a variety of amenities to offer the community including:
|
What happens at the Halton Hills Youth Centres? |
|
We are committed to providing an active, social and educational environment for youth in our community. Youth ages 12 – 24 years can drop in for daily recreation activities and wrap-around services* provided by various partner agencies. Youth can come and go to each location freely without barriers to entry and no cost to take part. *The concept of wrap-around service is used to describe any program that is flexible, family or person-oriented and comprehensive – that is, several organizations work together to provide a holistic program of supports. |
Where are the Halton Hills Youth Centres? |
|
Georgetown Youth Centre is located at 96 Guelph Street in Georgetown, inside the Gary Allan High School (entrance through door #8). Acton Youth Centre is located at 19 Willow Street North in Acton, located on the north side of the Acton Town Hall building. Both Youth Centres are open Monday-Friday from 3:00-7:30 p.m. from September to June and from 1:30-6:00 p.m. for July and August. |
Who runs the Halton Hills Youth Centres? |
|
The Halton Hills Youth Centres are run by the Town of Halton Hills’ Recreation & Parks department. The Recreation Coordinator of Youth oversees the daily operation of the Youth Centres. Both Centres are staffed by trained Town of Halton Hills program instructors. Partner agencies like Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK), ADAPT, Bridging the Gap, and CMHA, provide social services on site. |
What ages does the Halton Hills Youth Centre serve? |
|
Halton Hills Youth Centres serve youth ages 12-24 years old. |
How do you support such a large age span? |
|
Drop-in recreational activities are chosen based on input from youth who use the Centres. Our programming targets all interests while our wrap around services targets the entire age range. Research shows that transitional aged youth, ages 18-24, are at higher risk. We support this vulnerable population through relationship building, onsite supports in our own community and curating programs and services that assist transitional aged youth. Staff reinforce positive interactions and relationships, as well as using the space for its intended purpose. |
What is the Town doing to support youth in our Town? |
|
In addition to the Halton Hills Youth Centres, we offer other free to low-cost recreation programs like free youth skates and swims, drop in skating, and leadership programs. These programs offer youth a chance to socialize and exercise in a healthy, positive environment. |
What is the Halton Hills Youth Network? |
|
Town Recreation staff chairs the Halton Hills Youth Services Network. The purpose of the network is to ensure that there are services in place for local youth by working with all local agencies to identify any service gaps and enhance the level of service. The Youth Network meets quarterly. Objectives of the Youth Network include:
|
What if a youth needs help? |
|
We work in partnership with social service agencies like Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK), ADAPT, CHMA, Bridging the Gap, employment services, food supports, and Halton Regional Police, to provide onsite assistance to youth. Aligning with the priorities of the Youth Service Delivery Model, youth can participate and engage in the following at the centres:
|
Why is a recreation facility supporting mental health? |
|
We follow the provincial Youth Wellness Hubs of Ontario model, which incorporates best practice for youth services. Supported through the Ontario Ministry of Health, Youth Wellness Hubs of Ontario is an Integrated Youth Services (IYS) initiative designed to address the service gaps in the youth mental health and substance use sectors in Ontario. The Halton Hills Youth Centres collaborate with local youth servicing agencies to provide local youth with one stop access to a full range of integrated services that support their individual needs, including mental health and substance use supports, primary care, education, employment, housing, and other social services in one youth-friendly space. |
What happens if I am concerned with something related to the Youth Centre? |
|
Any concerns related to the Halton Hills Youth Centres can be directed to the Recreation Coordinator of Youth or call 905-873-2600 ext.2285 |
How can youth get involved? |
|
The Halton Hills Youth Centres host a Youth Advisory Committee at the Georgetown and Acton Youth Centre. The Halton Hills Youth Advisory Committee is a catalyst to meaningfully engage youth in the planning, execution, and evaluation of services. Youth meet at the Halton Hills Youth Centres to discuss, advise, recommend and advocate on behalf of local youth for services, new initiatives, and to guide the work of the Youth Centres and Youth Network. If youth are looking for volunteer hours, visit our volunteer webpage for more information. |
What if I would like to see the Youth Centre before allowing my child to attend? |
|
Tours are available of both Youth Centre locations. Please reach out to our Recreation Coordinator of Youth to set up a tour of the space or call 905-873-2600 ext.2285 |
Where can I find more information about services for youth? |
|
Visit our website at www.haltonhills.ca/youth or follow us on Instagram @_HHYouth . For other inquiries please email youth staff or call 905-873-2600 ext. 2285 Anyone needing help to access services like mental health support, counselling or housing can contact the following resources:
|
