Programs & Leagues
TGCA Kids/Youth Programs
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.
Measles guidance and policy from the TGCA – Mar. 21, 2025
There are multiple confirmed cases of the measles in Calgary. Measles is transmitted through the air, is very contagious and particularly dangerous to young children-especially if they haven’t received the measles vaccination. As such, the TGCA is asking that all families (parents & children) participating in TGCA’s programs do not come to the centre when exhibiting signs of sickness and do not return until symptoms are completely resolved. Symptoms may include: fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, blotchy red rash that appears 3-7 days after fever (the rash starts behind the ears and on the face and spreads down the body and then to the arms and legs).
Learn more on the Alberta Health Services site: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Topic/Immunization/pages/measles.aspx
If you have any questions about this policy, please contact the TGCA programming and community engagement coordinator v.gillard@tgcacalgary.com.
TGCA Kids/Youth Programming
Free summer programming for youth 12 - 17
New activity & free pizza every Wednesday!
The TGCA is pleased to partner with YMCA Calgary and Planet Youth Calgary to bring the community free youth programming this July and August. Bring a friend or come and meet some new ones!
This is a free drop-in program for youth ages 12 – 17 at the TGCA on Wednesdays from 1 pm – 4 pm and there’s free pizza too! It’s a great opportunity for our local youth to learn a new activity or share their skills, but above all enjoy themselves in an active and socially-engaged way.
Activities will be supervised by volunteers with full vulnerable sector and police background checks. All youth are required to sign-in and provide a parent’s phone number on each date. Any participant that is behaving aggressively or inappropriately will be asked to leave and not return for the remainder of the summer programming.
How it works
Youth will meet volunteers at that day’s facility meeting spot (in schedule below) and volunteers will go over the day’s activity, should an explanation be needed.
Programming is 3 hours per date and youth are welcome to come a little later or leave early. Our volunteers will match up youth to enjoy activities together.
Pizza to be served around 2:30 pm depending on how activities are going. Please note: if you would like pizza, please arrive before 2 pm. Unfortunately, the TGCA can not accommodate food allergies and sensitivities. Please bring a snack if you can’t eat pizza. Jugs of water will also be provided.
Please note that depending on how many people participate, there may be a wait time for our limited facilities (courts, bowling lanes etc). Volunteers will do their best to cycle people through and encourage youth to join in with others.
Changerooms are available if youth want to change or shower. Volunteers can direct them to the changerooms.
Click a date to see programming details
Come and bowl and meet some new friends! Participants will be encouraged to team up for either singles or doubles matches, depending on turnout. Meet volunteers at the bowling alley on the lower floor of the south building of the TGCA. All activity equipment is provided for bowling.
Learn more about how to 5-pin bowl here
Wallyball is like volleyball but it’s in a racquetball court and you bounce the ball off the walls! Fun right? Meet volunteers at the racquetball viewing area (down the stairs to the lower floor in the south building). All activity equipment is provided for Wallyball, however indoor gym shoes are required in the racquetball courts.
Learn more about Wallyball here
Play some basketball with other youths on our court with 2 regulation height nets. Depending on the turnout that day, activities could include games of HORSE, 3 on 3, or full court matches. Meet volunteers in the main floor lobby in the south building. All equipment will be provided. Please wear indoor gym shoes.
It’s like soccer but different! Futsal is played with a smaller ball that has less bounce than a regular soccer ball. The rules are adjusted slightly to create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing. Meet volunteers in the main floor lobby and bring your inside gym shoes.
Learn more about Futsal here
Bring a friend or join in on a lively game of either badminton or pickleball! Meet volunteers in the main floor lobby. Badminton participants will need their own racquets. Pickleball equipment is provided. 2 courts of badminton and 2 courts of pickleball will be setup. Singles or doubles can be played in each court.
Learn more about Pickleball here
Learn some of the finer points of drawing the components of the face. Ryan Nordlund, of Planet Youth Calgary, will take the class through the various parts of the face and then each participant will draw their own. All supplies provided for this programming. Meet volunteers in the main floor lobby in the south building.
Bring your favourite tabletop game to the TGCA for an afternoon of strategy and laughs. The TGCA has board games and puzzles available as well. Meet volunteers at the main floor lobby in the south building and bring a friend!
Show off your gaming skills at 6 different gaming stations or learn a new game! Games offered are Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Fortnite, and Rocket League. Meet e-sports YMCA volunteers in the Thorncliffe Room off the main floor lobby. All equipment provided.
Planet Youth is a primary prevention model designed to act on the root causes that contribute to substance use and mental health challenges among young people. Planet Youth is in Calgary communities to create social environments that support resilience and well-being for young people. Find more organisational info at www.planetyouthcalgary.ca. The TGCA is a proud community partner in the Planet Youth Calgary pilot in Thorncliffe and Huntington Hills.
If you have any questions about this program, please email the TGCA programming and community engagement coordintor, Vanessa, v.gillard@tgcacalgary.com or call the TGCA office, 403-274-6840, ext. 100.
TGCA Playgroup
Check back for Fall 2025 announcements in August
Winter/Spring 2025 sessions have concluded. Fall 2025 announcements coming in August.
When? Wednesdays, 9 am – 12 pm
Fees: $3 per day for registered drop-in or $2 per date for registered playgroup session
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.
Fees 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 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 Spring 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. All participating families are required to sign in at every playgroup.
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 received funding from City of Calgary Neighbourhood Grants.
TGCA Gym Night
Gym Night has concluded, please look for Fall 2025 announcements in August
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
7 – 8 pm, Wednesday nights in the TGCA Main Hall gym. Clean up 8 – 8:15 pm – Check back in August for Fall 2025 schedule and info.
Register
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.
Kids Summer Art Workshops
Summer workshops are a great chance for kids to learn something new and meet new friends
Come and explore a fun medium in a one-afternoon art workshop at the community centre this summer! These workshops are one afternoon, each with a different medium.
Ages: 5 – 10
Price: $35 for TGCA members, $45 for non-members
Where: the TGCA art room (Horizon Room) and Old Lobby. See orange star at the bottom of our contact and info page here.
Snack: bring a snack for a break when everyone can refuel for the rest of the art adventure!
Materials: some supplies will be required to bring by young artist. To be announced.
Instructor: Karen Pennifold teaches kids art classes at the TGCA fall, winter and spring. See her bio in the regular class intro below.
Workshop descriptions
Make Your Very Own Stitch Sculpture!
Saturday, July 26, 1 – 4 pm. Registration open July 7 – 21
Students will learn the basics of sculpting. Developing our spatial awareness skills and understanding of form and materials, we will experiment with some air-dry clay and then following the instructor’s guidance create Disney’s character Stitch from the movie Lilo & Stitch. Students will have their very own sculpture to take home. Please note, kids will use sculpting clay and then create a paper and masking tape sculpture to take home using the techniques they learn that day. Materials to be sent with participants here.
Let’s Create A Mural Together!
Saturday, August 16, 1 – 4 pm. Registration open July 28 – Aug. 11
Students will create their own mural art masterpiece but with a twist; when combined with their co-artists, they will make one large multimedia art installation with a focus on environmental stewardship. This is a great opportunity for children to foster a sense of teamwork and community while developing their art knowledge. Materials to be sent with participants here.
Kids Art Classes
Winter/Spring 2025 kids art classes have concluded, please look for Fall class announcements in August
TGCA kids’ art classes are for ages 5 – 8 & 9 – 12 on Sundays.
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 2025 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.
Winter/Spring 2025 kids art classes & registration
Draw Chapter Book Characters
Students will explore the world of chapter books (Narnia, Amulet, Charlotte’s Web) and their engaging characters, bring them to life in cartooning style and exercising their imaginations. 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, Jan. 12 – Feb. 9 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: Dec. 13 – Jan. 8, now closed
Draw Cartoon Villains | registration now closed
Let’s draw the cartoon villains we love to hate! Children will explore the captivating world of cartooning while learning skills like drawing, shading and composition. 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, Feb. 23 – Mar. 23 (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 now closed
Abstract Watercolour Painting for Kids | registration now closed
This abstract watercolour class will guide budding artists aged 5-8 & 9-12 into the world of the abstract. Students will explore the artworks of Mondrian and Picasso, emulating similar artwork, but will also exercise their creativity when making scribble, geometric and glue art with watercolour paints.
When/where: Sundays, Apr. 6 – May 11, no class April 20 (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: Mar. 12 – Apr. 3
Animals in Oil Pastel - registration now closed
Discover the vibrant world of oil pastels while bringing to life creatures like sea turtles, roosters, peacocks, frogs, flamingos, fish and toucans. Through fun and interactive lessons learners will practice different techniques when working with oil pastels. Join us for an artistic adventure that will inspire a love of the rich world of colour and texture.
When/where: Sundays, May 25 – June 22 (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: Apr. 30 – May 21
Out of the Box Games Club - 14+
Enjoy some tabletop games with neighbours and friends Thursday evenings!
Out of the Box Games Club is your go-to spot for tabletop fun! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, join us for a night of strategy, laughter, and good company.
Each week, we feature a fun selection of board games/card games like: Seven Wonders, Magic: the Gathering, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Citadels and more! Want to learn Magic: The Gathering? We’ve got 40- and 60-card decks ready for teaching and mini-tournaments—so whether you are a beginner or looking for others to play in the community this club is for you!
Got a favourite game but need more players? Bring it along and let’s play!
This is an inclusive, friendly gathering. All are welcome and a TGCA membership is not required to participate.
When: Thursdays, 7 – 9 pm
Where: the TGCA boardroom, south building beside the main lobby sliding doors.
What: Tabletop Games! Board games, card games.
Who: adults and youth (14+) – age is not important, just bring your enthusiasm!
Fee: $2 cash only. Please bring exact change, if possible. This is a drop-in club. No registration required.
TGCA Out of the Box Games Club guidelines:
• Club participants are expected to treat each other with courtesy and respect.
• Please treat games that are shared with care.
• Games club leaders are neighbourhood residents Sierra and Krista. They will be on site to provide guidance in learning new games or just playing your fav ones.
• Games provided by club leaders but please feel free to bring your favourite game with you.
• Game play will begin shortly after 7 pm, so please try to be on time to make sure everyone is included in the evening’s activities.
If you have any questions about this club, please email Vanessa, v.gillard@tgcacalgary.com.
Teen Art Classes - program discontinued
The teen art classes at the TGCA have been discontinued due to low registration
Instructor, 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. 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 Saturday afternoons, 3 – 4:30 pm
Supplies: students to supply their class materials and bring to class. Please find required materials lists for both Winter/Spring 2025 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.
Winter/Spring 2025 teen art classes
Flip Books, Comics and Sequential Art - CANCELED
An introduction to sequential drawing for visual story telling. Students will create their very own flipbook, graphic novel or comic strip while learning how to use a series of drawings to show actions, motion and more. Students will learn how to use components like panels, speech balloons, hand lettering and visual sound effects to tell their very own stories. Principles of simple animation and creating motions by flipping pages will be explored as well as the key components of story telling, including composition, plot, setting, character development and more. Students will do exercises for building drawing/painting dexterity and brainstorming ideas, while also exploring strategies for developing a personal art style that suits their interests. This class offers a strong foundation for future projects and courses as well as skills to observe artwork critically and deliver positive constructive feedback to others.
When/where: Saturdays, 3-4:30 pm, Mar. 8 – Apr. 5 (5 dates) in the Horizon Room in the mid-section of the building.
Price: member fee $75, non-member fee $112.50
Registration open Feb. 14 – Mar. 5