Youth Programs and Activities
The Municipality of Port Hope offers many youth programs in the community. From health and wellness programs to creative art programs, there is a program for everyone. Our registered youth programs provide opportunities to build self-confidence, learn new skills, and build new relationships.
Summer Registration Details
Summer Aquatics: Registration opens June 17, 2024 at 7:00 a.m.
Summer Programs: Registration opens June 18 at 8:00 a.m.
Learn more about session dates, how to register and more on our registration page.
Youth Program Information
Our registered youth programs provide opportunities to build self-confidence, learn new skills, and build new relationships. You can learn more about registration dates and payment options on our register for a program webpage.
Want more fun? Join us for these youth activities
Come hang out in these safe spaces for free! We have a Youth Centre and a drop-in program at Port Hope High. Bring your friends and join the fun!
Come play and hang out with friends. Participate in open gym time, Hoops, or try some drop-in programming. Equipment can be signed out from the front desk.
The skate park was a new addition to Town Park in 2010. The park is open to anyone and has been a great addition to Port Hope and surrounding communities.
Join us for National Youth Week for FREE events from May 1 to 7, 2024!
Escape Room |
Join us all week for Seven Nights at Seth's Escape Room. Play with friends or against them to see who finishes first for a chance to win some fun prizes. Drop in to the Town Park Recreation Centre anytime during National Youth week to test your skills against out puzzles. Planned in collaboration with the Port Hope Public Library.
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Basketball Skills Workshop |
Looking to work on your jump shot? Maybe you want to strengthen your defensive game? Are you a youth aged 13 to 16? Come join us for a dynamic and engaging basketball skills workshop that will teach helpful tips and tricks to the game, provide you with skill building warm-ups, and give insight into the rules and strategy of the game. If you are interested in basketball as a hobby, to join a team, or just a fun way to spend time with friends, we are happy to have you join us!
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Youth Volleyball with the Port Hope Police Service |
Come out and join us for a fun and friendly game of volleyball game against the Port Hope Police Services. Play a game of youth versus the police or mix the teams up for some friendly competition with your friends. Youth Volleyball will be FREE on this day to celebrate National Youth Week.
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Youth Acrylic Painting Workshop |
Come see us at the Youth Room Drop-in at Port Hope High School for an acrylic painting workshop. We will have snacks, good conversation, and a fun and creative art piece to put our unique spin on. Pre-register or drop-ins welcome.
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Game Night! |
Join us for an evening of games, friendly competition, pizza, and friends! We'll be having a fun evening playing games of all kinds! Board games, team games, card games, and more! Bring your own or choose from our selection. Bring a friend and meet us in the Youth Centre for an evening of laughter and fun!
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Volleyball Workshop |
Come join us for a fun and challenging skill building workshop that will teach you the basics of serving, volleying, spiking, and as well as touching on the rules and strategy of the game. If you are interested in volleyball as a hobby, to join a team, or just a fun way to spend time with friends, we are happy to have you join us!
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Youth Hub Grand Opening |
Please join us for the Youth Hub Grand Opening! Meet us at 15 Cavan Street in Port Hope from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity for youth to come in and check out a space designed by youth for youth and explore their new spot! While you’re there be sure to check out the Sundae Bar, popcorn machine, our live comedian and the nights MC Clifford, and an amazing lineup of local youth musicians!
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Skate Park Opening & BBQ |
Come out to Town Park for our annual Skate Park Opening and BBQ. There will be music, refreshments, games in the Youth Centre, arts and crafts, and the opportunity to shop the Youth Vendor Show. Join us for an afternoon of fun, food, and skate tricks.
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Featured Event: Youth Vendor Flea Market | ||
We're hosting a Youth Vendor Flea Market as part of National Youth Week on Sunday, May 5 from 1:00pm to 4:00 p.m. at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Join us if you love thrifty finds, new goodies, pre-loved treasures, hand-made goods and everything in-between!
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Port Hope Racquet Club: Opening Day Event | ||
Join us for the Port Hope Racquet Clubs Annual Kick-Off Event opening the 2024 season! Come out and enjoy the free event, refreshments, lessons, and some tennis fun! Everyone is welcome! There will be the ever-popular OTA Smash Cage and all ages and abilities are encouraged to give it a try! Racquets are provided. There will also be 2 hours of 'Drills & Skills' free lessons for both juniors (ages 7 to 16) and adults (16 years and older) happening on the day. Space will be limited for lessons, so please email contact@phrc.ca to reserve a spot in either lesson group.
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Youth Crochet for Beginners Workshop | ||
Looking to take up a new hobby? Have you been interested in making your own clothing or accessories? Are you a youth aged 12-19? Come join us for a fun opportunity to learn the classic skill of crocheting. We will learn some of the basic stitches, about tension, how to properly end a row, and how to transition in a new colour of yarn to your work. If you are interested in crochet as a hobby or just interested in an opportunity to learn a bit of a new skill, we would love to have you join us!
Notes: You are free to bring your own supplies but crochet hooks and yarn will be supplied.
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Youth Street and Beach Photography Workshop | ||
Are you a youth aged 12-16 interested in the art of photography? Come join us for an amazing opportunity with a pro photographer who will teach you the philosophy of street style photography and the basics of angles, lighting, poses, and more. We will exploring downtown Port Hope along with our beautiful beach front for a chance to capture some captivating and unique shots. The meeting point will be in front of the Capitol Theatre and then we will make our way through downtown and eventually over to west beach, working on our photography skills and knowledge along the way. This will be a two hour tour, which will end back at Capitol Theatre for pick-up. If you are interested in photography as a hobby or just want to have a good time with friends, then we would love to have you join us! Notes: This will be a rain or shine event, with the exception of severe weather, heavy downpour or thunderstorm. |
Youth events on our calendar
Many youth events are offered throughout the year. Past events included the skate park kick off, national youth week, and the youth Halloween dance. Please check back for upcoming events or stay up-to-date with our event calendar.
Parks, Recreation and Culture staff have put together a list of fun activities you can do with your family for any season. Make sure you check out our Seasonal Activities page.
Youth Volunteer Opportunities
The Youth Action Committee (YAC) is composed of driven and enthusiastic leaders from ages 13 to 19 who strive to see positive development toward youth recreation and culture throughout the Municipality of Port Hope. Read our FAQs for more information, or if you are interested in joining the Youth Action Committee, email the Recreation Program Coordinator.
Looking to get involved in your community? You can volunteer at the Town Park Recreation Centre. We are always looking for extra help with special events and children’s programs. It's a fun way to give back to your community. Email the Recreation Program Coordinator for more information.
Youth Action Committee FAQs |
What you need to know regarding the Youth Action Committee (YAC): What will they plan?This will be up to the YAC and the Recreation Program Coordinator. It could be anything from special events, to workshops, programs and dances; all for youth. They are the voice for Youth in the community for recreation opportunities. When and how often do they meet?The day that is chosen to meet will be based on the YAC's availability. When there is not a planned activity on the horizon, members will meet once a month outside of school hours. If they are approaching an activity's date, it will be decided as a group how often it will be necessary to meet in order to successfully facilitate that activity. Can this time be used toward my Community Service Hours?Absolutely! Members will need to bring in the appropriate document for the Recreation Program Coordinator to sign. What are other added benefits?
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Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines
It is proven that being active helps youth:
- Improve self-confidence
- Do better in school
- Learn new skills
- Feel happier
Physical activity recommendations for youth 12 to 17 years |
It is recommend by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology that youth should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. This should include vigorous-intensity activities at least 3 days per week. Moderate-intensity activities include bike riding and skating. Vigorous-intensity activities include running and rollerblading. It is also beneficial to include activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least 3 days per week. |
Youth Friendly Community
The Youth Friendly Communities recognition award is a program of Play Works, an Ontario partnership for youth. The program outlines criteria for communities to support engaged youth and highlights the investments the community makes to youth play. Promising practices for youth engagement are highlighted and celebrated. The award recognition is a community collaboration and involves youth to complete the submission. The Municipality has been recognized as a Platinum Youth Friendly Community since 2008.
What is a Youth Friendly Community? |
A Youth Friendly Community encourages play for youth in their community. Play is any non-school activity that has elements of choice, leads to satisfaction, and encourages progressive learning and enjoyment. Activities can include - but are not limited to recreation, sport, leisure, arts, drama, dance, civic engagement, youth activism, volunteerism, social clubs and youth leadership. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture recognizes and appreciates the many community partners it works with to create opportunities for youth play. |