Programs & Leagues
TGCA Kids/Youth Programs
Fall 2024 program info and registration dates below
As a community association, our mission is to provide community amenities combined with an extensive array of programs and year-round events and activities to promote and support our members and others who come to share and use our facilities.
We are consistently building on our programs to suit the perceived needs of Thorncliffe Greenview, first and foremost, and beyond.
If you have a suggestion for a program or you’d like to lead a committee or group, please contact Vanessa, v.gillard@tgcacalgary.com.
See our partnered organizations and clubs, like McKnight Hockey, Scouts & Guides, and The Thorncliffe Greenview Ice Skating Club, & North Calgary Football Club on the partnered organisations and clubs page here.
TGCA Kids/Youth Programming
TGCA Playgroup
PLAY | LEARN | GROW | BOND
Fall 2024 Playgroup drop-in registration ongoing
When? Wednesdays, 9 am – 12 pm
Fall 2024 dates: Sept. 18 – Dec. 4
Fees: $3 per day for registered drop-in or $24 for all 12 dates during registration period, Aug. 29 – Sept. 16 – now closed.
Where? In the 5600 Room, see orange star on map at bottom of this page
Who? Playgroup is open to children 0 – 4 years old and their parents/caregivers. This is NOT a drop-off program, parents must be present for the duration.
All participants must be registered to participate in this program. Learn more below.
Join neighbouring families every Wednesday in The 5600 Room at the TGCA for this socially focused playgroup. Making connections in the neighbourhood -for parents/caregivers and children- can make our lives and our community better, so come and create some bonds that could last a lifetime!
The playgroup includes a loose schedule of playtime, story time and snack time, and coffee is provided for parents/caregivers.
This group is run by volunteers and all participants are asked to pitch in with setup, cleanup and other minor duties.
Pricing and registration
The playgroup is a registered program to ensure that all participating adults are accounted for and the TGCA has all pertinent information. Playgroup participants are encouraged to become members of the TGCA, however this is not required, as it may be a barrier to inclusion for some families.
Drop-in registration now available only:
Drop-in remains open: participants fill out the form above online or in the office to participate in the program and will then be eligible to pay the drop-in fee. Drop-in fee is $3+tax per playgroup date to be paid in the TGCA office. To register for playgroup drop-in, click the link at the top of this page, fill out the form, and then pay in the office when you come to playgroup.
Registered – now closed: participants can no longer register for all of the playgroup dates. If you would like to pay for all the remaining dates of Fall playgroup, please fill out the drop-in registration and contact Vanessa, v.gillard@tgcacalgary.com.
Playgroup schedule
8:45 am – playgroup setup, all playgroup caregivers/parents are required to help with either setting up the equipment or supervising children
9 am – 12 pm: play time, circle time and snack time
12 pm – playgroup teardown and cleanup, all playgroup caregivers/parents are required to help
Here’s what playgroup setup/cleanup will look like:
Setup, 8:45 am – Retrieve keys from the office. Playgroup setup is opening doors, turn on lights, getting the toys and equipment out and arranging in the 5600 Room. If you have any questions, please ask the playgroup leader. Coffee provided in the adjoining kitchenette.
Teardown, 12 pm – Gather up toys, wipe any that are dirty and put away, wipe down the large equipment – slide/play kitchen. Clean up kitchen and coffee maker. Stack chairs and close/lock the roll cage by turning key just before the door gets to the floor. Turn off lights, lock 5600 Room door, storage doors. Return keys to office.
Snacks: There are no snacks provided for snack time, so please bring a snack for your child for each playgroup date if needed. Please avoid bringing snacks that contain nuts (peanuts and tree nuts). There is a fridge on the premises for any snacks that need to be refrigerated. Hot water is available to warm bottles and food.
Accessibility: the 5600 Room is in the mid-section of the TGCA building with the entrance on the east side through the Old Lobby only. There is stroller access and playgroup members may bring their strollers into the Old Lobby and park them by the door to the 5600 Room. Please see orange star on the map at the bottom of this page for more info.
Donations: This playgroup is run primarily by volunteers with donated space and supplies. If you would like to donate, please connect with the Vanessa at the contact info below.
Playgroup volunteer requirements: The TGCA Playgroup is a grassroots program with a focus on two outcomes: connecting parents in the community to build supportive networks and creating a positive developmental foundation for babies and toddlers. It’s run by volunteers in cooperation with the TGCA and all playgroup participants are required to volunteer as either playgroup leadership or play a supportive role in the program.
Playgroup concerns? If you have any questions or concerns about the playgroup, please reach out to the playgroup leaders at playgroup or email TGCA programming and community engagement coordinator, Vanessa, for more information, v.gillard@tgcacalgary.com.
This program is funded by City of Calgary Neighbourhood Grants.
TGCA Gym Night
Fall 2024 Gym Night registration now closed
We’ve got lots of equipment to play with, tons of space in the gym and plenty of kids typically come too! This weekly program is a great opportunity for the kids to blow off some steam in a supervised environment, giving parents an opportunity to use our facilities, do an errand, enjoy our wing night in The 56 or just take some much deserved you-time.
Balls, tumbling matts, nets for basketball and soccer, racquets, fun kids’ games, and much more are available for use. You’re welcome to bring your own toys and equipment, however, no floor hockey, scooters, skateboards or roller blades, please.
Rules & Guidelines at Gym Night
Open Gym Night is a registered program and open to TGCA members only. All children attending must be registered. Registration is online for each child 4 – 15 years of age.
- Children under 5 years of age and under are required to be accompanied by their parents. No exceptions. Parents not following this rule will be contacted and all registered children will be barred from Gym Night.
- During drop off, parents are to wait for Gym Night supervisors before leaving their children (Vicky is always wearing something very visible – such as carrying a teddy backpack) for sign in. Do not leave before you have checked your children in with Gym Night supervisors or your children will not be permitted to participate in Gym Night.
- Doors closed at 7:20 pm. All children must be checked in by that time or they will not be allowed entry on that Gym Night.
- Children must bring their own water bottles (label the bottle, please).
- No one is allowed to enter the back room or the loading dock area. Please ask a Gym Night supervisor for help if you need something.
- Participants aren’t allowed to change or remove any setup that is currently available in the gym.
- Bathrooms are NOT A PLAYGROUND. Please explain this to your children.
- Gym Night is in the gym and no where else, unless arrangements have been made prior to that Gym Night date. For their safety, children are not permitted to leave the gym without their parents/caregivers.
Dates, time and fees
Fall 2024 Session registration closes Sept. 24, 9 am
Time: 7 – 8 pm, Wednesday nights in the TGCA Main Hall gym. Clean up 8 – 8:15 pm.
Dates: Fall 2024 session: Sept. 25 – Nov. 27 | 10 dates
Fees: $25+tax ($2.50 per night). Fees will not be prorated based on when your child can and can’t attend.
Register
Fall 2024 registration note: Spring 2024 Gym Night registrants are eligible for a $7.50 credit toward this Fall’s program fees. Those who qualify will be emailed instructions when Fall registration opens.
To register, make sure you’re logged into your membership account, click on the registration link above and register each child in your family who will be attending-including their name and age.
Registration will not be prorated if your child missed dates or can’t attend.
Ages 4 – 15 welcome. Our Gym Night supervisors will divide the groups for various age-appropriate activities, if registration numbers are high.
The TGCA takes Visa and Mastercard for online payments. Members may also pay fees in the office with cash, debit or credit, Mon-Fri 9 am – 4:30 pm.
Supervision
Children 5 years old and under are required to have a parent or guardian present at Gym Night. Our volunteer supervisors are dedicated childcare professionals, so your children are in good hands. Of course, parents are always welcome to stay and play!
Please sanitize your child’s hands and check in with gym night supervisors upon arrival. All registered participants will appear on the list and be admitted. Those who do not appear on the list, will need to get registered and will not be admitted.
Behavior and pickup
Children are to behave appropriately. Parents will be called and asked to pick up their child if there are any incidents of bullying or aggression. You may be asked to remain at Gym Night to supervise your child if there are multiple incidents.
All children are to be picked up at 8:15 pm sharp. Please encourage your child to help clean up the gym at 8 pm. TGCA volunteer supervisors really appreciate help from kids and parents.
Cancelation
Program cancellation due to COVID regulations: the TGCA follows all restrictions recommended by both the civic and the provincial governments. If new regulations are announced that force the cancelation of Open Gym Night, and the amount of time remaining in the program warrants it, the TGCA will issue refunds for the remaining dates of the program.
Kids Art Classes
Fall 2024 kids art class announcements below | please note classes are now 1.5 hours
The TGCA is pleased to offer kids art classes for Fall 2024. Our classes are for ages 5 – 8 & 9 – 12 on Sundays, beginning September 15.
The instructor, Karen Pennifold (see bio below), will lead classes through age and skill appropriate art concepts and methods and use contemporary and historic examples in her lessons to bring context and weight to how art effects our lives. Younger and older kids can expect a fun and engaging class where they’re encouraged to discover their individual talents and explore their imaginations.
Class structure
TGCA kids and youth art classes cover similar mediums and subject matter but are split out into age categories. While each class is the same topic and medium, the instructor, Karen, tailors the lessons to each group.
Returning families, please note: classes have been expanded to 1.5 hours going forward.
Age category and class times: ages 5 – 8, 12 – 1:30 pm | ages 9 – 12, 1:45 – 3:15 pm
Fees & Registration
Classes are 5 dates/1.5 hour each | $75 for TGCA members, $112.50 for non-members. Become a TGCA member here. Learn more about the TGCA membership here.
Registration dates and class descriptions are outlines below. Classes are maximum 8 students and registration will close when a class has filled. When registration is open, you can click on the class with age range under the class title to purchase with Visa, Visa debit or Mastercard.
Location
All classes are in The Horizon Room in the mid-section of the facility. See the orange star on the map at the bottom of this page.
Materials
The materials required for class are to be provided by students. See 2024 materials list here.
Additional program details
All kids program instructors and volunteers hired or placed by the TGCA have valid Calgary Police vulnerable sector searches on file with the community association.
The TGCA abides by all civic and provincial health and pandemic restrictions. Currently there are no restrictions in place, however, should there be announcements of restrictions, students will be expected to abide by these mandates. Refunds will be provided only in the case of a mandated closure of the TGCA and refunds will be prorated for the remaining duration of dates in the classes.
If you have any questions, please contact Vanessa, TGCA programming and community engagement coordinator, v.gillard@tgcacalgary.com
Your TGCA Youth Art Instructor: Karen Pennifold
Karen has been creating children and youth art programming for over 15 years and has experience with children and youth of all ages as well as art classes in a variety of mediums. She is a self-taught artist and her artwork depicts Canadian landscapes, wildlife, Canadian Indigenous Culture and her work has been greatly influenced by The Group Of Seven.
Fall 2024 kids art classes & registration
Pixel Portraits: draw your favourite videogame characters
Registration now closed
In this engaging and imaginative art class, young artists ages 5-8 & 9-12 will embark on an exciting journey to draw their favorite video game characters, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Pikachu, Zelda, and iconic Fortnite Skins. Our curriculum is designed to develop essential artistic skills, with a strong emphasis on line drawing, shading, and the vibrant art of cartooning. Through fun and interactive lessons, students will not only bring their beloved characters to life but also build a solid foundation in various drawing techniques. Join us for a creative adventure that will inspire a lifelong love of art!
When/where: Sundays, Sept. 15 – Oct. 13 in the Horizon Room in the mid-section of the building.
Price: member fee $75, non-member fee $112.50
Class times (1.5 hours): ages 5-8 class: 12 – 1:30 pm & ages 9-12 class: 1:45 – 3:15 pm
Registration open: Aug. 30 – Sept. 12 or when classes are full
Anime Art Adventures: drawing Asian pop culture characters
In this enchanting art class, young artists aged 5-8 & 9-12 will explore the captivating world of manga and anime, drawing beloved Asian-influenced TV and movie characters such as Sailor Moon, One Piece heroes, Ponyo, Studio Ghibli and Hello Kitty. Our lessons are designed to spark creativity while focusing on essential skills like line drawing, shading, and cartooning. Through engaging and playful instruction, students will bring these iconic characters to life, building a strong foundation in various drawing techniques and fostering a love of engaging with their imaginations.
When/where: Sundays, Oct. 27 – Nov. 24 (5 dates) in the Horizon Room in the mid-section of the building.
Price: member fee $75, non-member fee $112.50
Class times (1.5 hours): ages 5-8 class: 12 – 1:30 pm & ages 9-12 class: 1:45 – 3:15 pm
Registration open: Oct. 11 – 24 or when classes are full
Teen Art Classes
The TGCA is excited to offer teen art classes with a new time and length in Fall 2024
The TGCA is excited to offer teen art classes with a new time and length in Fall 2024Instructor, Dane Thibeault (see bio below), will lead classes through skill appropriate art concepts and methods in project-based classes in which students can choose a project that appeals to them to practice techniques and mediums. Students can look forward to completing a project like: a comic book page, a posters, an animated flip book among others. Teens can expect a fun and engaging class where they’re encouraged to discover their individual talents and explore their imaginations.
These classes are open to all skill levels, the techniques covered in the first class in Fall 2024 builds on those in the second but either can be taken with no prior knowledge needed.
See class descriptions and register at the bottom of this section.
Class structure
Ages: 13 – 16
Class size: max 8 students
Time/day: classes are on Friday afternoons, 12:30 – 2 pm
Supplies: students to supply their class materials and bring to class. Please find required materials lists for both Fall 2024 here.
Location: All classes are in The Horizon Room in the mid-section of the facility. See the orange star on the map at the bottom of this page.
Fees
Classes are 5 dates/1.5 hour each | $75 for TGCA members, $112.50 for non-members. Become a TGCA member or renew here. Learn more about the TGCA membership here.
Registration
See the registration dates in the class descriptions below and register through our site via the link that will be available underneath during that period or until the class is full. Registrants may pay with Visa, Visa Debit or Mastercard online or cash, credit or debit in the office.
Contact
If you have any questions about this programming, please contact Vanessa, TGCA programming and community engagement coordinator, v.gillard@tgcacalgary.com
Instructor bio | Dane Thibeault
Dane is a professional illustrator and a graduate of Alberta University of the Arts(formerly ACAD) with a degree in Visual Communications Design-Illustration. Dane is represented by a global illustration agency, and has done artwork for clients throughout the world, including major publishers Harper Collins and McGraw Hill U.S.A, the University of Calgary, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Dane has worked on illustrations for award winning children’s books, magazines and websites, and specializes in illustrating characters, animals, and other topics such as dinosaurs. Dane enjoys sketching and illustrating in variety of media, and works on artwork using both traditional and digital tools.
instagram: @danethibeault
Website: https://danethibeaultart.com
All youth program instructors and volunteers hired or placed by the TGCA have valid Calgary Police Services vulnerable sector check on file with the TGCA.
Fall 2024 teen art classes
Drawing Fundamentals: From Sketch to Completed Project
An introduction to the key components of drawing, including composition, line techniques, shading techniques, character/animal construction, perspective and backgrounds, and visual storytelling. Students will choose a project based on their personal goals/interests and apply the skills taught each week to these projects will receiving constructive feedback from the group and the instructor. These projects may include but are not limited to: comic book pages, art journals, trading cards, posters, animated flip-books, or character design sheets. Students will use dry media such as pencils, ballpoint pens and coloured pencils to learn exercises for building drawing dexterity while also learning strategies for developing a personal drawing style that suits their interests. Students will develop a strong foundation for future projects and courses, as well as learn how to observe artwork critically and deliver positive constructive feedback to others.
When/where: Fridays, 12:30 – 2 pm, Sept. 20 – Oct. 18 in the Horizon Room in the mid-section of the building.
Price: member fee $75, non-member fee $112.50
Registration now closed
Media Exploration: Discover Your Style
An introduction to using painting tools and techniques, as well as coloured drawing media. Students will develop a mixed media sketchbook or art journal, learning about a different drawing or painting tool each week and applying it to their ongoing project. Students may also choose to further develop projects created in other classes. Students will learn how to practice and create artwork with a variety of dry and wet media, including graphite, pen and ink, coloured pencils, watercolour, and markers. Lessons will show students how to apply these tools to their favourite subjects, as well as provide opportunities for mixing mediums together and exploring different ways of making pictures such as collage. Students will learn exercises for building drawing/painting dexterity and brainstorming ideas, while also learning strategies for developing a personal art style that suits their interests, developing a strong foundation for future projects and courses as well as learn how to observe artwork critically and deliver positive constructive feedback to others.
When/where: Fridays, 12:30 – 2 pm, Oct. 25 – Nov. 22 (5 dates) in the Horizon Room in the mid-section of the building.
Price: member fee $75, non-member fee $112.50
Registration open Oct. 11 – 22 or when class are full