RISE

This free program is open to all girls, trans and non-binary youth ages 9-13 and high school-age mentors 14-18. RISE provides ongoing space to have fun, be active and creative, and connect with others in a safe, judgement-free environment with positive role models. 
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‌RISE participants have opportunities to: 
-Make connections with new friends, positive role models and learn about building healthy relationships. 
‌-Build self-confidence through creative expression, leadership and physical activities. -Develop critical thinking skills by participating in media literacy and art activism. 
‌-Learn about positive body image, make and share healthy foods. 
‌-Participate in special events. 
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‌We offer: 
‌After-school groups
‌RISE Empowerment After-School groups are open to participants ages 9-13 and mentors ages 14-18 who are completing volunteer hours. Programs include physical activity and games (either indoor at Killaloe Public school or outdoor when weather permits), group sharing, healthy food, arts, media and youth-choice activities. Free program runs biweekly on Thursdays from 4 p.m. -7 p.m., September-June. 
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‌RISE 12+ groups 
‌RISE 12+ groups are open to participants ages 12 and older and our teen mentors to provide space for older youth to socialize, participate in age-appropriate conversations and learning, plan youth-choice and youth-led activities, and build on leadership skills. Teen mentors who are volunteering at our after-school groups may also participate in these groups. 
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‌Summer day camp 
‌Our five-day summer day camp runs one week in July each year and includes a wide range of activities, games, special guests, and a bus trip to a provincial park for a beach day. Each year is a little different, and past activities have included canoeing, whitewater rafting, hiking, needle felting, creating art, radio hosting, creating glass beads with artist Tanya Lyons, silk screening, tie dyeing, music, and a movie night sleepover. Teen mentors can sign up to earn volunteer hours at camp. 
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‌Engagement
‌RISE provides participants with opportunities to make new friends and develop positive relationships with others and their community. 
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‌Healthy snacks
‌RISE participants are able to participate in creating healthy snacks and meals together. This provides opportunities to learn about healthy food choices and safe food handling. 
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‌Time to explore
‌We explore issues such as building self-esteem, understanding media, creating arts and media, rights and feminism, positive body image development, and what safety means to each of us. 
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‌Our goals are
‌-To create inclusive and diversity-positive space 
‌-To provide opportunities for participants to develop critical thinking skills through media awareness and education 
‌-To support youth to develop their voices through media creation, art, and activism 
‌-To provide youth with a range of diverse role models of all genders 
‌-To build peer support networks and enhance connections between women, girls, trans and non-binary people in our community to support youth capacity to make healthy and safe choices