Youth Mentorship Program
Ontario Youth Action Plan
The purpose of the Youth Mentorship Program (YMP) is to support the positive development of youth through access to consistent, caring adults who will support youth participants to pursue and achieve goals and outcomes related to:
- Employment/Entrepreneurship
- Educational Achievement
- Civic Engagement/Leadership
The YMP supports program participants through the provision of mentorship opportunities, to make health and safe choices, increase resiliency and make progress toward identified goals.
The Club is the lead organization in the development and execution of the YMP and is currently executing several programs within our community, supporting youth from BGC Brantford, Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services, Grand Erie District School Board, the County of Brant, and the City of Brantford.
Youth Mentorship at BGC Brantford
While some programs are available directly to BGCB members, most of our Youth Mentorship programming is delivered in partnership with schools and community organizations across Brantford and Brant County. We focus on community-based impact by meeting youth where they already are and supporting them through collaborative partnerships.
You can find details about our on-site BGCB programs below.
The Basement
The Basement is a welcoming, free drop-in space for youth in high school that is located upstairs at our main Clubhouse. Youth can connect with peers and staff in a safe environment filled with arts & crafts, games, tech access, and recreation — including open gym time and access to our climbing studio. Staff are available to support homework, employment readiness (like resume help and job applications), and volunteer opportunities. Dinner is provided during each session, and transportation support is available through our shuttle service.
Leader In Training Program
Our L.I.T. program gives youth ages 11–17 a fun, supportive space to grow as leaders and build real-world skills. Participants learn foundational leadership concepts, strengthen communication and teamwork, and gain confidence through hands-on experiences within our summer programs. The L.I.T. program is structured in progressive levels so youth can deepen their skills and take on more responsibility as they’re ready — from foundational leadership learning to supporting camp activities and mentoring others. For older youth who complete the highest level, the Counsellor in Training (CIT) component offers advanced leadership experience and mentorship opportunities that prepare them for future volunteer, employment, and community roles.
BGCB Youth Council
Youth Council members are ambassadors who influence decisions relating to issues impact Club members at the Club:
- They identify interests, ideas or issues,
- They create potential solutions,
- They are given access to the Club decision makers, and
- They collaborate with the Club to create solutions and/or change
Youth Council members provide the Club with valuable feedback on current programming, make recommendations for new programs based on interests and/or needs, collect relevant member data and are engaged with our community (e.g. focus groups, youth voice, youth wellness, etc.)
The BGCB Youth Council runs in conjunction with our Tween Evening Program on Tuesday nights from 6:00–7:00pm. Youth must have an active Evening Program membership to participate in Youth Council.