Parents’ guide to free extracurricular activities in Manitoba
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Do you want your child to be a future leader?
Getting them involved in extracurricular activities is a great way to support their growth and development. Kids who join such programs can find an outlet for their talents, develop new skills, and find friends and connections outside of school.
Aside from helping them develop holistically, these programs set them up for success. These are often stepping stones that can lead them to a fulfilling career or boost their prospects for a variety of opportunities.
The good news is that there are several extracurricular programs that can help your child. What’s more, these fantastic programs come at no cost to you.
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Cadets Program
What kids will learn and benefit from:
- Discipline, teamwork, leadership, and respect.
- Outdoor survival skills, marksmanship, and citizenship.
- Confidence and self-esteem.
- Physical fitness and personal responsibility.
Activities:
- Drills, field training, and outdoor adventures.
- Leadership opportunities and community service.
- Ceremonies and parades.
Who can join:
- Youth aged 12-18 years old.
- Must commit to regular meetings and activities.
Applicants can choose to join Sea, Army, or Air Cadets. The Cadet Program is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Department of National Defence, and in partnership with the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada. Cadets are not members of the Canadian Forces. There is no expectation that they join the military.
Learn more about the Cadet Program here: Join the Cadet Program
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After School Leaders (ASL)
What kids will learn and benefit from:
- Leadership and organizational skills.
- Confidence in public speaking and group facilitation.
- Teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.
- Community involvement and volunteer experience.
Activities:
- Workshops on leadership and personal development.
- Planning and executing community projects.
- Networking with peers and mentors.
Who can join:
- Youth aged 14-18 years old.
- No previous leadership experience necessary.
- Availability for after-school meetings and activities.
ASL Programs cover a wide range of interests, such as; culinary arts, comic book creation, musical theatre, film production, music creation, song writing, broadcasting, bike mechanics, science and technology, art, dance, and more. The program is funded by the Province of Manitoba and are delivered by partner organizations.
To learn more about ASL and to register, go to this page: After School Leaders.
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Teen Ambassador Program (TAP) of Canada Learning Code
What kids will learn and benefit from:
- Learn from subject matter experts in the tech industry.
- Meeting like-minded teens from coast-to-coast- to- coast.
- Develop leadership and communication skills.
- Learn how to use various digital tools like HTML & CSS, UX/UI, VR with A-Frame.
Activities:
- Participating in learning experiences and engage others in various communication channels
- Organize their own Computer Science Club
- Adhere to a Code of Conduct
Who can join:
- Youth aged 13-17 years old at the start of the upcoming 2023-2024 academic school year
- Enrolled in high school
- Exposed to activities involving computer science and STEM (like extra-curricular programs or self-studying)
- Striving to innovate during this growing and changing digital age
TAP is a leadership program administered by Canada Learning Code and supported by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Foundation. You can learn more about the program here: Apply for the Teen Ambassador Program. Applicants this year can apply until September 30th.
Sources: Experiences Canada; and Child and Youth Programs, Province of Manitoba. Accessed September 6, 2023.
Community Resources
For more after-school activities and recreation for kids in Winnipeg, please check: Recreation resources for school-aged newcomer children and youth