Youth Services
Engagement and recreation opportunities for youth in our community.
Fun drop-ins, leadership courses, volunteer opportunities and more!
We offer a number of options, some free of charge and others with associated fees, to meet a range of interests and needs. Other Youth drop-in programs include:
- Lengths swims
- Shinny hockey and skating
- Sports (badminton, basketball, and volleyball)
Due to the popularity of our drop-in programs and capacity limits, we recommend you secure your spot online in advance. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits. If you pre-book, you must arrive within 15 minutes of the program start time or your spot may be offered to those waiting. Schedules are subject to change.
Weekly programs and workshops offered include:
- Basketball and volleyball
- Tennis, badminton and squash
- Tae Kwon Do
- Digital drawing, 3D printing, sewing, drawing and painting, and digital photography
Our Learning and Life Skills programs are a great start for anyone beginning their employment journey. We provide leadership opportunities like Pool Pals and Learn to Lead that help young people make social connections and build confidence in themselves.
Youth between the ages of 14 and 17 are automatically eligible for our Student Fitness Membership and can purchase one online. Visit the Memberships page for details.
Fun free activities for youth
The Town of Oakville is committed to providing safe and inclusive spaces for youth. Hang out, listen to music, and make new friends at The Drop. Each session is free and offers a variety of activities, crafts, and sports to suit any interest. For this drop-in program, youth are permitted to come and go as they please.
Get involved!
The Recreation and Culture department provides youth with volunteer opportunities:
- Program Volunteer: Program volunteers shadow staff in delivering engaging community-based programs while supporting participant inclusion, engagement, and positive program experiences. Volunteers can indicate their preferred community centre and area of interest and may support a variety of children and/or youth programs, including sports, dance, arts, and general interest programs. Responsibilities vary depending on the program and may include assisting with program activities, welcoming participants, and helping with program set-up and clean-up. Minimum Commitment: one shift (1 hour) per week.
Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to learn more about other opportunities and to apply.
Learn to Lead
Youth leadership participants support camp staff by assisting with program setup and cleanup, preparing materials, welcoming participants, and contributing to a positive camp experience through participant engagement and encouragement.
Youth interested in camp placements must complete the Learn to Lead course prior to the placement. Minimum Commitment: one consecutive week
How to apply? Log into your recreation and culture account, click “Youth Leadership Training” and apply.
Leader in Training (LIT) Program
More than a volunteer opportunity, this program helps youth build leadership skills, gain hands-on experience, and develop the confidence needed to pursue future volunteer and employment opportunities in recreation and camps.
How to apply? Log into your recreation and culture account, click “Youth Leadership Training” and apply.
Pool Pals
Support swim instructors during aquatic programs and help create a positive, safe, and engaging environment for participants. Youth leadership participants assist with basic lesson support and pool deck tasks under the direction of staff. Current aquatic certifications are required by the position. Minimum Commitment: once per week for the duration of a program session.
How to apply? Log into your recreation and culture account, click “Aquatic Training and First Aid” and apply.
Aquatic Leader in Training (LIT) Program
This program goes beyond earning volunteer hours by equipping youth with aquatic leadership skills, industry-recognized certifications, and hands-on placement experience. Participants gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience needed to pursue future volunteer and employment opportunities in aquatics, including lifeguarding and swimming instruction.
How to apply? Log into your recreation and culture account, click “Aquatic Training and First Aid” and apply.
Youth Week
Every year, Oakville celebrates National Youth Week from May 1 to 7 with free activities, learning opportunities and events for youth. Visit the Youth Week page for details.
We also honour young change-makers in our community at the annual Oakville Youth Awards.
Contact us
Program Supervisor
905-845-6601, ext. 3624
oakvilleyouth@oakville.ca
For registration assistance Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. contact:
905-815-2000
recreation@oakville.ca