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YMCA Canada

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A group of people attending a conference are seated at a table together listening to someone (not pictured) at the front of the room speak

YMCA Programs & Services

YMCA Canada doesn’t run programs – we strengthen the people who do. 

Across the country, local YMCAs create life-changing opportunities through programs that reflect their communities’ unique needs. Our role is to support this vital work by bringing Ys together to collaborate on shared opportunities and challenges, and provide training, program development, and quality assurance support.

Everyone belongs at the Y.

If cost is a concern, connect with your local YMCA about financial assistance. Our transformative programs should never be out of reach.

Find your YMCA

Learn more about the programs available in your area. Please note programs and services vary by location and may not be offered by your local YMCA.

Connect with your Y

How YMCAs serve their communities

A teenage camper crossing a low ropes course with fellow campers and YMCA staff looking on.

Camping & Outdoor Education

From day and overnight camps that keep kids learning over school breaks to outdoor adventures for youth and adults, camp participants build confidence and independence.

Find a camp in your region
A YMCA Early Childhood Educator sitting at a table with two toddlers enjoying a snack.

Child Care & Family Development

A nurturing, welcoming, and inclusive environment is provided through our child care, where children learn, grow, and thrive through play-based learning guided by caring, qualified educators.

Employment Services

Faced with a precarious labour market, people find meaningful jobs with help from our free employment supports — from skills training to internships, work placements, job search guidance, and more.

A YMCA staff member shows a member how to properly use a weight machine.

Health, Fitness, & Aquatics

Whatever their age or ability, participants find state-of-the-art facilities and the supportive community they need to stay active and boost their well-being.

A woman is standing at a welcome desk speaking to a YMCA staff person.

Immigrant Services

It can be daunting for families to navigate a new country with a different language and customs. Through our free newcomer services, participants can find work, child care, housing, and other necessities, and grow their social support networks so they can fully take part in Canadian society.

A YMCA staff person is looking at participant standing in front of his desk.

Housing Programs

Emergency shelter and free supports like legal guidance, help finding work, and mental health and substance use counselling are available to people experiencing homelessness.

A child is lying on the ground in the gym with a big smile and making a star shape with her arms and legs

Youth Programs

Through free programs like youth leadership development, Youth Exchanges Canada, Summer Works Student Exchange, Back on Track, Y Mind, and more, youth build the skills they need to succeed in school, work, and life. They also find a sense of community and belonging as they meet new friends and adult allies.

The impact of the YMCA in our communities

  • Text: Tyler's Story, From Ally to Advocate for Indigenous Language Revitalization. Image: Tyler standing at a podium speaking at an event. The YMCA Shine On logo is in the bottom right corner.
    Stories

    Tyler’s Story: From Ally to Advocate for Indigenous Language Revitalization 

    YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick

    For Tyler Patterson, a Wolastoqey Language Advocate and member of the YMCA Youth Council, leadership means turning learning into action. The Wolastoqey language, like countless other Indigenous languages across Canada, is critically endangered. With well below 100 fluent speakers who are all above the age of 65, the time to act is now. Read Tyler’s full story here.

  • Text: Jill's Story. Four Decades of Giving Back. Image: Jill and another woman stand behind a large cake that says Happy 10th Birthday YM-YWCA
    Stories

    Jill’s Story: Four Decades of Giving Back 

    YMCA of Southern Interior BC

    For 44 years, Jill has been part of the Y community. After overcoming a lifelong fear of water and learning to swim at the Y, she began volunteering and hasn’t stopped since. Today, she continues to give back through events, administration support, and community programs for older adults.

  • Text: Together, We Shine. Read Aderonke & Agnes' Story. Image: Aderonke and Agnes are standing together in front of a mural and smiling. The YMCA Shine On logo is in the bottom left corner.
    Stories

    Aderonke & Agnes’ Story: From First Project to Meaningful Impact

    YMCA of Greater Toronto

    Last summer at the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Summer Club, two new educators, Aderonke and Agnes stepped into their first major leadership opportunity.