This summer, Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association was proud to bring young people together through TGCA Summer Club, creating a welcoming space where youth could build connections, try new things, stay active, and feel a sense of belonging in their community. Summer Club was more than a series of activities. It was an example of what can happen when programming is shaped by community needs and supported by organizations, volunteers, families, and young people working together.

At the heart of the program was Planet Youth Calgary’s community coalition approach, which helped guide our focus on creating the conditions for young people to thrive. Rather than simply providing activities, we wanted to strengthen protective factors such as social connection, physical activity, creativity, skill-building, and belonging. Throughout the summer, youth participated in sports, creative activities, cooking, gardening, photography, bowling, games, and other hands-on experiences. The program gave young people opportunities to try something new, connect with their peers, and build relationships with caring youth and adults in a safe and welcoming community space.

We could not have done it alone. United Way of Calgary and Area provided a generous grant that made Summer Club possible, investing in young people and in our neighbourhood’s capacity to create positive opportunities for them. The YMCA supported us with volunteers, bringing additional energy, skills, and caring adults into the program. Our own volunteers were equally essential, giving their time to help with activities, setup, cleanup, and everything in between. Their enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in helped make each session possible, and reminded us that strong communities are built by people who are willing to show up for one another. Program delivery partners, Thunder Basketball League and the Calgary Horticulture Society, were also incredibly generous with their time and volunteered to lead activities at Summer Club.

We ended the summer with a Family Carnival Night, bringing the Summer Club program families, volunteers, partners, and community members together to celebrate. With games, food, carnival activities, prizes and plenty of laughter, the evening was a fitting conclusion to a summer built around connection. More than anything, it gave us a chance to celebrate what our community can accomplish when we work together.

For the TGCA, Summer Club demonstrated what community development can look like in action. Planet Youth helped shape the approach, United Way helped make it possible, the YMCA and our volunteers helped bring it to life, and our community provided the heart of the program. We are grateful to everyone who contributed, and especially to the young people who made Summer Club their own.

Click the link to learn more about our local Planet Youth coalition. To join as a parent, resident, agency, business or youth, please contact Edore via email at edore.ossai@ymcacalgary.org.

Many thanks to these organisations that supported TGCA Summer Club through donations: Calaway Park, Heritage Park, Flying Squirrel North Calgary, and Theatre Calgary.