National Youth Week – May 1 to 7, 2023

national youth week

National Youth Week - Annual Event

The Town of Aurora is proud to celebrate National Youth Week annually from May 1 to May 7.

Youth are a vital part of each community and contribute meaningful experiences through their participation in a wide variety of programs. Whether it is recreation, arts, civic engagement, drama, dance, sport, volunteerism, or leadership, their contributions help shape our communities.

Throughout May 1 to May 7, we celebrate teens aged 12 to 17 by offering a schedule full of free programs, events, and opportunities.

For more information or to get involved, please email the Youth Division

Youth Week 2023 - Schedule of Events

The Town of Aurora is excited to offer a variety of events during Youth Week 2023. Events are free for youth between the ages of 12 to 17. The Town reserves the right to cancel, amend or change activities. Unless otherwise noted, all events will take place at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex (135 Industrial Parkway North).

Youth Week 2023 - Schedule of Events
ActivityDates & Times

National Youth Week Flag Raising

Details coming soon.

Youth Open Gym Drop-Ins

Monday, May 1 – 4:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday, May 3 – 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, May 6 – 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Youth Volleyball Drop-Ins

Tuesday, May 2 – 4:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Youth Basketball Drop-Ins

Friday, May 6 – 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 7 – 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Youth Shinny*

Tuesday, May 2 – Ages: 15 to 17 years – 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 2 – Ages: 11 to 14 years – 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Loft Pop Up

Friday, May 5 – 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Teen Park Clean-Ups

Tuesday, May 2 - 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Lambert Willson Park)

Thursday, May 4 - 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Fleury Park)

Note: Pre-registration is required.

YNBA 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

Thursday, May 4 – 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Note: Pre-registration is required by April 27, 2023. See below for full details.

2022-2023 Youth Engagement Committee Applications

Applications accepted from May 1 to July 31.

Please visit our YEC webpage for full details and to complete an application today.

*Full equipment (mouth and neck guards, full helmet with cage) is required for Youth Shinny. 

Questions about Youth Week 2023? Please email the Youth Division or visit the @AuroraTeens on Instagram page for updates throughout the week.

YNBA 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

YNBA Tournament - Register Online

The goal of this event is to provide fun and friendly competition in a safe environment. All players and spectators will be required to demonstrate respect, honesty and good sportsmanship at all times. All players are expected to read and abide by all Tournament Rules and Guidelines.

YNBA Tournament - Flyer

Each player must register no later than April 27, 2023.

Minimum of three (3), maximum of five (5) players per team. It is recommended that you carry at least one (1) spare. 


Team

  1. Each team must have at least three (3) players and no more than five (5) players on their roster and be registered as a team by the entry due date of April 27, 2023. Additions and/or changes on rosters will not be permitted under any circumstances after the registration deadline.
  2. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of two (2) games.
  3. Players may appear on only one (1) team roster.
  4. Three players must start each game.
  5. Jewellery (earrings, rings, watches, etc.), hats, bandanas, and/or casts are not allowed to be worn by players during tournament play. Any player that refuses to remove any such item prior to play, is not eligible to participate in that game.

Game

  1. A regular game is 15 minutes with a continuous clock or to 11 points, whichever comes first.
  2. Starting possession is decided by a coin toss at the beginning of a game.
  3. Clock will only stop for injury, team time-outs or at the official’s discretion.
  4. Each team is allowed one (1) one minute time-out per game.
  5. Player substitution is permitted only during any dead ball situation.
  6. All participants, spectators and visitors must follow the Town of Aurora Community of Conduct. The Town of Aurora has the authority to disqualify any player who conducts themselves in an unsportsmanlike manner.
  7. Each successful basket inside the 3 point line will count as one (1) point and any basket scored beyond the 3 point line will be worth (2) points.
  8. Change of possession must begin at the top of the key.
  9. Following each dead ball period the team about to put the ball in play must check the ball with a defensive player.
  10. Following each change of possession the ball must be taken back past the 3 point line.
  11. If the ball changes possession and the ball is not cleared, and the player shoots and scores, no basket shall be awarded. The team who shot the ball will lose the possession of the ball.
  12. Jump balls will be awarded to the team on defence.
  13. FOULS: If a foul is committed, the opposing team takes the ball out at the top of the key. If a person is fouled while in the act of shooting, the fouled team gets one foul shot. Fouls that occur behind the three point line are still only one (1) foul shot. The shooter can choose to take a regular foul shot for one point (if the shot is missed the shooting team retains possession, if the shot is made the opposing team gets possession) or the shooter can take a foul shot behind the 3 point line to receive two points, on a 2 point foul shot possession changes to opposing team regardless if the shot is hit or not. After six (6) team fouls are committed, the team will shoot a bonus shot on all successive fouls, they may choose to take a one point foul shot or a two point foul shot and previous foul shooting rules mentioned above apply.
  14. TECHNICAL FOUL: You will be eliminated from the game after the first technical foul is committed, and eliminated from the tournament and ejected from the premises if a second technical foul is committed. Technical fouls may be called for, but not limited to bad language, unsportsmanlike conduct, fighting, etc.
  15. TIE GAME: Official will flip a coin to determine who will take the ball out at the top of the key. Overtime will be in sudden death format. The first basket in, wins.
  16. FORFEIT OF THE GAME: The following infractions will result in a game forfeiture: Failure to be on the court at the scheduled time; or, if three (3) players are unable to start or continue the game. 

Time Outs & Substitutions

1. Each team is allowed one (1) one minute time-out per game.

2. Player substitution is permitted only during any dead ball situation.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

The Town of Aurora has the authority to disqualify any player who conducts him/herself in an unsportsmanlike manner.

Teens in Focus

Teens in Focus is all about recognizing and celebrating the youth in our community. The program aims at highlighting youth ages 12 to 17 years across Aurora.

There are no requirements for accomplishments or merit. Instead, we want to highlight the everyday teens in our community, including those that make a difference, that are great friends, and that are just typical teens. The Town of Aurora is proud to have these teens as part of our community.

Each day during Youth Week, teens will be selected by community submitted nominations and featured on the @AuroraTeens Instagram. Teens and community members are encouraged to submit nominations at any time by completing the following steps:

  • Email the Youth Division or Direct Message @AuroraTeens on Instagram.
  • Nominations must include name and Instagram username of the nominee, a brief reason why they are being nominated and a photo if possible.
  • Nominees must be between the ages of 12 to 17 years.
  • Nominations are subject to the discretion of Town staff. The Town of Aurora reserves the right to cancel, amend or change this program.

For questions or more information, please email the Youth Division


Youth Volunteer Fair

Do you need volunteer hours for high school? Are you interested in getting involved in your community? 

The Town of Aurora hosts a Fall Youth Volunteer Fair each year to provide an opportunity for youth to speak with community organizations about current or potential volunteer opportunities. We hope to inform youth ages 12 to 17 not only about opportunities to complete their high school community service hours requirement, but also about how they can get involved in their communities at large. 

For more information about Youth Volunteer Fairs, please email the Youth Division 

Looking for current volunteer opportunities? Head over to our Youth Volunteering webpage for more information.

Fall Youth Volunteer Fair - Thursday, November 17, 2022

Thursday, November 17, 2022
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Aurora Family Leisure Complex

This year’s fair will take place in-person with a variety of community organizations. Youth will have a chance to learn about opportunities directly from community organizations or sign-up for opportunities on the spot. For more information or to sign-up as a community organization, please email the Youth Division.

Youth Volunteer Fair - Flyer


Aurora’s Teen Idol - Spring/Summer 2022

Aurora Teen Idol

Registration 
Are you between the ages of 12 and 17 and a resident of Aurora? Then you could be Aurora’s next Teen Idol. Registration takes place in the Spring each year. For more information, visit the Aurora Teen Idol webpage. This annual competition is a great opportunity for budding artists. 
Auditions 

For the audition round, each participant will prepare one song which they will perform in front of three judges. They can choose any song of their choice. The auditions will be taking place in June of each year. When you register to participate, more details, including the audition location will be sent to you.

The judges will be choosing eight semi-finalists which will perform one more time on Canada Day in Lambert Willson Park. Not only will these eight semi-finalists get to perform on the Canada Day stage, but each semi-finalist will also be invited to perform the national anthem at the beginning of one of the Concerts in the Park during the summer. 


Teens In Focus: Highlighting Teens in Aurora

Inspired by National Youth Week, Teens in Focus is all about recognizing and celebrating the youth in our community. The program aims at highlighting youth ages 12 to 17 years across Aurora.

Teens in focus image

What is Teens in Focus?
There are no requirements for accomplishments or merit! Instead, we want to highlight the everyday teens in our community, including those that make a difference, that are amazing friends, and that are just typical teens. The Town of Aurora is proud to have these teens as part of our community!
Nomination & Selection Process

Each month, teens will be selected from community submitted nominations and featured on the @AuroraTeens Instagram and the Town of Aurora website. Teens and community members are encouraged to submit nominations at any time by completing the following steps:

  • Email the Youth Division or Direct Message @AuroraTeens on Instagram.
  • Nominations must include name and Instagram username of the nominee (if they have an Instagram account), a brief reason why they are being nominated and a photo if possible.
  • Nominees must be between the ages of 12 to 17 years.

Nominations are subject to the discretion of Town staff. The Town of Aurora reserves the right to cancel, amend or change this program.

Youth Week 2020 Nominees

For questions or more information, please contact the Youth Division