Child & Youth Programs

Britannia Woods offers many educational and recreational programs for children and youth. Through our programs, we offer activities such as homework support, basketball, soccer, swimming, STEM learning, photography, and more. We also provide healthy snacks as part of each program.

All of our programs provide a safe, accessible, and enriching space. We aim to empower children and youth to thrive and succeed, ensuring that every step of their journey is met with encouragement and support.

Beyond the Bell (6-12)

Our after-school program helps youth build confidence and succeed in school with academic mentoring and tutoring, among other activities.

Activities

Homework support
Tutoring
Social skills development
Arts and crafts
STEM sessions
Educational field trips
Indoor and outdoor recreational activities
Participation in ‘I love to Skate’ and ‘I love to Swim’ programs
Healthy snacks

Details

Ages: 6-12
Frequency: Mondays to Thursdays
Location: Dr. F J McDonald School
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Sister2Sister (9-14)

The Sister2Sister group offers a safe space where girls aged 9-14 build self-esteem, cultivate their sense of community, explore, and develop skills. Healthy snacks are also provided.

Through a variety of engaging activities, girls nurture healthy friendships, learn leadership skills, and gain the confidence to express themselves. Girls also have the opportunity to connect with mentors who offer guidance, helping them navigate challenges as they grow and discover their strengths.

Details

Age: 9-14
Frequency: Fridays
Location: BW Community House 9-115 Ritchie St., Ottawa, ON
Time: 4:30 to 6:30 PM

Summer Programs (6-14)

Through this 7-week-long day summer program, children and youth explore new interests and develop skills. Our camp offers a fun and safe environment for youth to learn, grow, and make new friends.

Activities

Sports
Art
Team-building activities
Leadership workshops
Field trips
Healthy snacks
And so much more!

Details

Age: 6 – 12
Frequency: 5 days a week for 7 weeks, starting the first week of July
Location: Dr. F J McDonald School
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Connect Youth

The Connect Youth Program brings together educational, recreational, and mentorship opportunities for youth of all ages, fostering skill-building, meaningful connections, and a strong sense of belonging.

Through a mix of academic support, creative activities, sports, and life skills development, participants explore their interests, build confidence, and receive guidance to thrive both now and in the future.

Jr Youth (Ages 13–14)

When & Where:

Day: Thursdays
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: BW Community House

Senior Youth (Ages 15–19)

When & Where:

Day: Thursdays
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: BW Community House

Youth iN Tech

Youth iN Tech empowers Black & Racialized youth in careers in tech. This 8-week program is a dynamic, fully-funded initiative designed to equip Black and racialized youth aged 18-29 with the skills, certifications, and connections needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced tech industry.

Supports

Eligibility

The Youth iN Tech program is open to Black and racialized youth aged 18-29 who are:

Cohort Start Dates

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Secure your spot by registering today!

Scholarship Programs

Britannia Woods offers scholarship programs where eligibility is open to people of any age.

Brilliant Voices

This program empowers young creatives to document culture, amplify community voices, and explore career opportunities. Through Brilliant Voices, youth build skills in creative fields.

Activities

This program is offered in collaboration with the City of Ottawa. Its goal is to engage residents in shaping the city’s 10-year Culture Plan through youth-led media, creative training, and community engagement.

More services to consider

Stop Now and Plan (SNAP)

Britannia Woods’ SNAP® program supports Black, African, and Caribbean children aged 6–11 who exhibit behaviours that may lead to conflict at home, school, or in the community.

As a licensed affiliate of the Child Development Institute, Britannia Woods uses the evidence-based SNAP® model to deliver culturally tailored programming. The program helps children improve emotional regulation, self-control, and problem-solving skills, and parents learn strategies to strengthen relationships with their children.

The goal is to prevent antisocial behavior, reduce conflict, and foster healthier family dynamics.

Supports

13-week SNAP® Boys or Girls Groups
13-week SNAP® Parenting Group
Growing Up Healthy sessions to enhance parent-child bonds
School advocacy and educator support
Family counselling and individual mentoring
Academic support and community connections

Details

Age: 7 to 11
Frequency: Monday & Thursday for 13 weeks*
Location: Mental Health Satellite Office
Session Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Contact

To contact SNAP, call (613) 820-0853 Ext.2

Family Capacity Advocate (FCA)

If your child has been in conflict with the law, you don’t have to face it alone. The Family Capacity Advocate (FCA) program is here to support you and your family every step of the way.

The FCA is designed specifically for individuals aged 12-25 and their families who have come into conflict with the law. We support parents and caregivers by helping them understand the legal process, providing emotional and practical guidance, and connecting them with helpful resources.

Supports

Helping parents and caregivers understand legal processes, court procedures, and their child’s rights so they can make informed decisions.
Offering counseling, mentorship, practical support, and guidance to help your family cope, strengthen relationships, and move forward.
Providing advocacy for your child in the courtroom, at school, or within probation programs to ensure your child’s voice is heard and their needs are met.
Helping families communicate with legal representatives, navigate rehabilitation programs, and access essential services to support positive change.
Connecting youth with mentors who encourage better choices, goal-setting, and personal growth through education and career opportunities.
Working alongside schools, community organizations, and legal professionals to create a strong support system that helps families overcome challenges and build a stable future.

The support includes advocacy, counselling, mentorship, and collaboration with partner agencies serving the youth. Services provided are tailored based on the needs and vulnerabilities of the youth and the law’s involvement. The program empowers families to navigate complex challenges.

Contact

To contact FCA, call (613) 227-2887.

Beyond Boundaries (12-21)

Beyond Boundaries supports Black, racialized, and low-income youth (12-21) in Ottawa’s west end who are at risk of or involved with the criminal justice system. Youth get support through a dedicated Youth Justice Counsellor.

By addressing systemic barriers, fostering protective factors, and equipping families with resources, Beyond Boundaries empowers youth to navigate challenges, enhance their well-being, and build pathways to long-term success.

Supports

Student Family Advocate (SFA)

All students deserve a fulfilling educational experience. However, some students experience discrimination, inequities, and other barriers that can impact their learning. The Student Family Advocate (SFA) program works with equity-deserving families to help them navigate the educational system. We tailor our support to the experiences and needs of Black students ages 6-15 years old and their families. We want to support Black and equity-deserving families before they get to the stage of crisis in the educational system. By acknowledging and addressing issues, we can reduce further harm. This program is accessible city-wide, with priority given to families living in Ottawa West low-income neighborhoods. It is highly targeted, community-based, and culturally and racially tuned.

Supports

Contact

To contact SFA, call (613) 223-0584.