Youth Programs

• Access to all Town of Aurora Facilities is limited to those who have pre-registered for a program or drop-in.
• Pre-registration is required for all programs. Visit e-PLAY to register online.
• As a part of registration, participants will be asked a series of screening questions. If participants answer “yes” to any of the questions, they will not be permitted to enter a Town Facility.
• Upon arrival to the facility for your scheduled program you will be met at the front entrance by a Facility Greeter. They will confirm your registration and ask the participant 1 affirmation screening question “When registering for the program, you answered screening questions in relation to COVID-19 symptoms and exposure. Have any of your responses to those questions changed?” At this time, the participant’s parent/guardian accompanying them to the program will also be asked the same screening questions the participant was asked at registration. If the participant or parent/guardian answer “yes” to any question, they will not be granted access to the facility. The participant must exit the building and contact their local unit for next steps.
• All Staff will also be pre-screening before entering any Town Facility each day.

• The Town of Aurora will follow all York Region guidelines for mandatory masks as outlined in The Regional Municipality of York Medical Officer of Health Instructions to Businesses and Organizations Currently Operating (under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), R.S.O. 1990 and related Regulations).
• Note: York Region lists children under the age of 2 as an exemption therefore it is not mandatory for them to wear a mask while participating in any program.
• Note: York Region lists physical activity as an exemption therefore it is not mandatory to wear a mask while exercising or participating in sport based programs. Masks must be worn into the facility and up until when the sports program starts. Masks must then be placed into participant bins. Masks must be put back on when the program ends, and as you exit the facility.

• There will be floor markings and signage throughout each facility to promote and maintain physical distancing.
• All participants must enter through the main entrance and check in with the Facility Greeter. Any exit can be used.
• Participants are asked to arrive for their program no earlier than 15 minutes before their program start time and must leave the facility within 15 minutes of their program or activity ending.

• All facilities will be cleaned and sanitized regularly to maintain sanitary conditions, with an emphasis on high touch point areas.

Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, gain a certification, or meet new friends, the Town hosts a range of programs for ages 12 to 17. Check the Program Guide or e-PLAY for the most up-to-date information and program offerings.

Sports Development: Being active is an important part of life at any age. The Town offers a range of programs for teens to learn a new sport, practice skills, or build confidence. Typically programs run 6 to 8 weeks and include a mix of drills, guided instruction and games. Programs can include Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Running, and Physical Fitness.

Life Skills: Whether it's your first time staying at home alone or you just want to learn how to cook an amazing meal, the Town can help. Check out a range of life skills courses include cooking, basic first aid and safety, job prep, technology and science, and acting. Programs offer you the chance to learn a new skill while having fun!

Leadership: Leadership courses can help build skills and strengths to help teens thrive in schools, succeed in future workplaces and become positive, contributing members of our community. Current courses include Red Cross Babysitter's Training, Leaders in Play, Summer Leader and Counsellor in Training programs.

Red Cross - Babysitter's Training

Age: 11 to 17 years

Location: A.F.L.C.

Participate in fun activities and gain hands-on practice in this Red Cross course. Participants learn how to provide care to children in a variety of age groups, and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. The course also offers youth the skills to promote themselves as babysitters to prospective families. This course focuses on how to be responsible and demonstrate leadership, how to feed, diaper, dress, and play with children and babies, first aid skills, the business of babysitting, how to make good decisions and manage difficult behaviours, information on children’s developmental stages, and specific strategies for each stage, and how to recognize and prevent unsafe situations, make safe choices and promote safe behaviours. 

STEM Minds – Girls E-Sports League

Age: 12 to 16 years

Location: STEM Minds, 212 Earl Stewart Drive, Unit 3, Aurora, ON L4G6V7

eSports is quickly becoming one of the most popular career options for today’s youth. More than simply playing video games, it is a thriving industry with different roles and career opportunities. In a state-of-the-art eSports lab, eAthletes will explore educational topics including: social skills and teamwork; branding, marketing and business; health and wellness; technology. Channel your gamer’s passions in a positive team-based environment with the Town of Aurora’s first-ever eSports League, in partnership with STEM Minds, and prepare them with critical skills for the jobs of tomorrow.

Note: As an all-girls league, we will create a safe space for girls to compete and explore the exciting world of eSports.

STEM Minds – E-Sports League

Age: 12 to 16 years

Location: STEM Minds, 212 Earl Stewart Drive, Unit 3, Aurora, ON L4G 6V7

eSports is quickly becoming one of the most popular career options for today’s youth. More than simply playing video games, it is a thriving industry with different roles and career opportunities. In a state-of-the-art eSports lab, eAthletes will explore educational topics including: social skills and teamwork; branding, marketing and business; health and wellness; technology. Channel your gamer’s passions in a positive team-based environment with the Town of Aurora’s first-ever eSports League, in partnership with STEM Minds, and prepare them with critical skills for the jobs of tomorrow.

The Town of Aurora offers a range of drop-in programs. A drop-in is a program where youth can come and go as they please and with no formal instruction. Drop-in fees depend on the program. Drop-ins are now operating on a pre-registered basis. Please visit our AFLC Drop-In webpage for full schedules and registration details. Youth staff are onsite to supervise the space and facilitate use of space and equipment. We currently offer the following drop-ins.

Youth Open Gym: Teens can access a range of sports equipment in the Gymnasium at the AFLC including basketball, volleyball, badminton, dodge ball and soccer. Full court games are dependent on drop-in numbers and participant interests.

Youth Basketball: One of our most popular drop-ins, this Gymnasium program is a great opportunity to practice skills or play a pickup game. Half and full court games are dependent on drop-in numbers and participant interests.

The Loft: A lounge specifically for teens, this space is open for ages 12 to 17 to hang out with friends, spend time after school, and be themselves.

Rock Wall: Come try something new! Challenge yourself and try your hand at the wall. All climbers must complete a waiver form prior to climbing. Those under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Closed until further notice. Please check our AFLC Drop-In webpage for the up-to-date schedule. Rock Wall - Waiver Form

Skate Park: Come checkout our 10,000 square foot permanent skate park, located at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex. There are numerous ramps, rails and bowls. Although the park is unsupervised, it is recommended that full gear is worn while at the park, which includes a helmet.

It is important for teens to feel connected to their community and see the impact of their contributions. We offer several opportunities for teens to gain community service hours or connect with local community groups.

Youth Engagement Committee: Looking to make a difference in Aurora or ensure that youth voice is heard? The Youth Engagement Committee (Y.E.C.) is a group of nine teens between the ages of 12 and 17 who advise Town staff in ensuring programs and services are youth friendly and engaging. Visit the Y.E.C. webpage to learn more about the committee's role and how to get involved.

Program Volunteers: If you're looking to get coaching or childcare experience, the Town offers a range of opportunities to volunteer in play programs and gain community service hours. Teens can volunteer as Leader or Counsellor in Training (ages 13 and ages 14+) during summer camps or be paired up with an individual with special needs as a Leisure Buddy (ages 14+). For more information on both programs, check out the Program Guide or the e-PLAY website.

Volunteer Fair: Once a year, the Town organizes a volunteer fair for teens to learn about opportunities in the community for them to get involved in. Held at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, the fair features over 20 community organizations. Representatives from each organization are on hand to speak with teens about the various opportunities.

In collaboration with the Special Events division, the Town offers a variety of youth events across the community. Events are aimed at getting teens involved and provide a safe and fun environment. Past events include movie nights, skateboard and bmx showcases, art shows, and basketball tournaments. Check out the Youth Events webpage for current offerings.

Each year on the first week of May, the Town celebrates National Youth Week. Schedules include free access to programs, special events, and sports tournaments for teens. The Town of Aurora is proud to recognize the contributions of youth to our community and across Canada.