CYC After School

The after school program has been running for about 17 years. Spiros Papathanasakis developed the program to solve the problem of “Latch Key Children”. CYC now has a program that serves about 100 children out of the programs two sites, 2 Lancaster Ave and 650 Parliament St. The main feeder schools for the program are Winchester P.S, Rose Avenue P.S and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. CYC staff walks children safely from school (bus stop for OLOL) to CYC. Upon arrival children receive a healthy snack and participate in scheduled activities. The activities include the completion of homework, active games, quiet games, sports, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, drama and dance.

CYC Youth

CYC youth sports are available to all children ages 10-18. Sport activities available include basketball, indoor soccer and floor hockey. Children ages 10-14 receive quality instruction to develop their skills and confidence. All participants can practice their skills during the open gym time.

CYC Performing Arts

2010-2011 Performing Arts Schedule

Dance, Drama and Singing

The CYC has operated a specialized Performing Arts Summer Camp for the past 5 years. In the summer of 2006 the Ontario trillium Foundation provided a grant that would enable the CYC to provide a year long program. CYC had been able to increase participation in Performing Arts Programs from 62 in the summer of 2006, to 370 in the first four months of the year long program. Participants include our elite performers (35) that practice after school and on weekends, participants from our local schools (225 Winchester P.S), Parenting Centers (10) and the CYC After School Program (100). The ‘Elite’ performers will have the opportunity to showcase their talent by participating in several competitions and recitals throughout the year.

Summer Programs July-August

CYC’s summer camps provide a safe and stimulating environment for all age groups. Each camp features quality supervised and friendly instruction, along with low staff to participant ratio and an exciting summer experience.

Jr. Playgroup

The Jr. Playgroup program provides a safe, warm and inviting environment for children to participate in fun activities all summer long. Children are involved in both active and quiet games, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, music and movement, swim time at the wading pool and special trips each week. Children are asked to bring their own healthy snack daily, however, CYC can provide snacks for those who otherwise cannot. Special features include low staff to child ratio (1:5) and an end of summer special event.

All Day Sports Camp

The All Day Sports Camp is a non-competitive activity program. The philosophy of the camp is to expose children to a wide variety of sports and to develop fundamental physical movement skills, while they gain an appreciation for personal fitness through the joy of activity. A variety of activities are offered, including; cooperative games, ball hockey, basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball, tennis and recreational swim. Children are asked to bring their own healthy lunch and two snacks daily; however, CYC can provide lunch for those who otherwise cannot. Special features include weekly off site trips and an end of year BBQ for the whole camp.

Performing Arts Camp

The Performing Arts camp is designed to provide vocal, dramatic and dance training to youth in an innovative and enjoyable program. Youth of all performance levels from beginner to advanced are invited to register. Participants learn a varietyof dance styles, including ballet, jazz, hip hop and African. Children are asked to bring their own healthy lunch and two snacks daily; however, CYC can provide lunch for those who otherwise cannot. Special features include weekly off site trips, special guest instructors, and an end of year summer performance for the whole camp.

Basketball Camp

Taught by qualified coaches, participants learn basic rules, skills and play basketball in a fun and challenging environment. This program emphasizes sportsmanship and cooperative team spirit.

Tennis Camp (offered by the Philpott tennis organization)

The CYC partners with the Doug Philpot Inner City Children’s Tennis organization to provide a free tennis program to children in the community. All children registered receive highly qualified tennis instruction.

Summer Soccer League

The Summer Soccer league is one of the largest programs at CYC and considered a community tradition. The Summer Soccer league would not be possible without the generosity of 20 Cabbagetown businesses that sponsor teams in the league, 300 children ages 4 - 14 that participate and numerous parent and community volunteers.

The CYC relies on the support of the community. If you are interested in sponsoring a team this year please contact us at 416-960-1032. Your sponsorship will provide jerseys for one team with your company name printed prominently on the front, team pictures, equipment, awards and refreshments for the end of season banquet.

CYC Martial Arts

Karate, Aiki Ju Jit Su, Kendo

The Cabbagetown Martial Arts Program has been located in the basement of 240 Wellesley St. E, 650 Parliament St. and 280 Wellesley St. E in St. Jamestown Toronto for over a decade. Before that, the Dojo was located in a small community arts centre just down the street. The Martial Arts Program offers training in Chitoryu (1000 year old way) Karate, Koryu Goshin Aikijujitsu (the ancient art of bone breaking and joint locking), Lado and Kenjutsu (the art of the sword).

More than 60 children from the St.Jamestown community participate in the Martial Arts program, progressing through the different levels and competing in local competitions and demonstrations.

CYC Wrestling

The CYC has had a wrestling program since the summer of 1994. The club recruits its athletes and coaches from the Toronto area. To do this, the club networks with the high schools in the area in order to attract athletes for the age group. Currently the club is focused on delivering programs to wrestlers 14 years old and up. Starting in September, the club will be involved in the CYC After School Program, delivering programs to children ages 10 and 11. The club will also be a part of the CYC youth strategy program for those who are between 12-18 years old. Practice times will be set up specifically for 12-16 year olds. The senior program will continue to operate as a partner of the University of Toronto in assisting the U of T in maintaining its team. Our club has also had discussions with the athletic administrations at both York and Ryerson University to see the initiation of teams in those schools. The CYC Thunder always welcomes new members and coaches from the community to participate.

Aerobics, Weight Training and Computers

The aerobics class is designed with moves and routines that are safe and easy to follow for everyone. When executed properly, “Step” is a safe and fun exercise. Going up and down stairs is a natural movement, which we already do in our daily lives. It strengthens the muscles in the legs and the surrounding area in the knees.

Weight training

The 650 Parliament St. weight room is a great work out facility. It is approximately 800 square feet of space dedicated to cardio and free weight machines. The weight room is open everyday of the week to accommodate everyone’s schedules. As an added bonus, the change rooms are equipped with working saunas.

Computers (TBD)

The CYC computer school offers courseware in basic computing, word processing and Internet basics. The CYC receives support from the federal government to provide free computers with Internet access to the general public.

CAPC (Community Action Program for Children)

The Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) helps families with young children (infants to 6 years) living in conditions which may impact on their ability to reach optimal health. The program assists vulnerable families to increase both adult and child health, develop problem-solving skills and social networks, and to engage in their communities. There are 464 CAPC projects across Canada.

Guiding Principals

The common threads for all the CAPC projects are the Guiding Principles:

Children First
Equity and Accessibility
Community Based
Strengthening and Supporting Families
Flexibility
Partnerships

For more information on CAPC, please go to the links below.

CAPC St. Jamestown has been providing programs to families living in the St. Jamestown and Cabbagetown community since 1993. See below for our partners & programs.

Cabbagetown Youth Centre

Fathering Program

Movement and Music
Moving Together

Hincks Dellcrest (Growing Together)

Community Home Visitor

Toronto Public Health

Peer Nutrition (3 x’s a year) at Growing Together

Toronto District School Board

Learning with Science, Art, Math (S.A.M.) (Winchester)
Movement and Music (Rose Ave)
Step By Step (Rose Ave)
Book & Toy Lending Library (Rose Ave)

Step By Step

Parents / Caregivers along with their infants and toddlers enjoy creative sensory experiences and activity centres enhancing parent / toddler interaction. Simple games are introduced to teach social routines and support language development. Informal discussion is shared. A healthy snack is followed by a literacy circle, a read aloud / songs and rhymes.

Healthy Eating

Parents are involved in discussions relating to healthy living, nutrition, and life style. Many topics are chosen based on the interests of the group. Cultural traditions are shared, and ideas exchanged. A special focus is placed on meal planning, preparation and safety. Guest appearance(s) of community people such as a chef, health food specialist, fire prevention officer, pharmacist, first aid expert will be in attendance. Resources are shared and distributed throughout the program. Child minding is offered for our participants and the children also learn about healthy eating through make believe activities.

Learning Through S.A.M (Science, Art, Math)

Parents / Caregivers and children explore early math and science concepts through creative art and hands on play experiences.

Moving Together

Parents / Caregivers and children are actively involved in physical games and activities in a large space focusing on gross motor skills, balance, and co-ordination. Group activities promote the healthy development of peer relationships. A healthy snack and a story- music time bring closure to a fun-filled afternoon.

Community Home Visitor

The Community Home Visitor assists parents with children between the ages of 0-6 years with a variety of stresses and problems, including social assistance, housing, immigration, daycare subsidies, education, training, employment, special needs, eviction, family violence and disabilities. She assists and supports the families with resolving their problems, and helps refers them to the appropriate services. The Community Home Visitor can meet with you in the privacy of your own home or elsewhere to provide support.

Fathering Program

Fathers, grandfathers and male caregivers come together once a month on Saturday mornings with their children to share a healthy breakfast and interact with each other while engaging in a variety of play activities, story and music. Informal discussions from the perspective of male nurturing takes place.

Peer Nutrition Program

The Peer Nutrition Program is a Toronto Public Health program offered to parents and caregivers from ethnically and culturally diverse communities in Toronto. A Community Nutrition Assistant facilitates discussions about issues related to nutrition and parenting issues related to feeding children. Participants improve their knowledge of nutrition and their skills in budgeting, buying and cooking healthier food. The program is 6 weeks long and requires registration.

Toy and Book Lending Library

The Toy and Book Lending Library provides CAPC families the opportunity to borrow a range of educational toys, books and teaching resources for a two-week period. Families can choose from over 250 toys and 400 books for children of all ages.

Movement and Music

This program introduces children ages 2 - 5 to movement and music. Children develop a number of important musical, listening and movement skills. The program encourages creativity and self-expression by giving the children an opportunity to dance, skip, jump, run and play make-believe. Children learn new songs and rhymes with a variety of instruments and materials. Registration for the program is required.

Parents Talk and Kids Gym (Seasonal Program)

Parenting discussions are held weekly promoting knowledge of child development. There are many opportunities for sharing scenarios, and exchanging ideas while supporting one another. At the same time childminders engage children in active play with a large gym space nearby. At the end of the afternoon the children join the adults for a healthy snack.