Afterschool Program
Program Highlight
Activities: Sports, Cooking Clubs, Book Clubs, Swimming, Art Club, Crafts, and more. | |
Operational Period: September to June, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Fridays. *PD Day, Winter Break, and Spring Break programs are available at additional cost. | |
Age Group: Children aged 6-12 years old in the Leduc Regional area. |
Afterschool programming runs from September to June. We are operational from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday. We offer PD Day, Winter Break and Spring Break programs at an additional registration and cost.
BGC Leduc offers a wide variety of programs that provide our children in Afterschool programming the opportunities to experience, learn and grow in their self confidence and friendships.
Programs include: Sports, Cooking Clubs, Book Clubs, Swimming, Music Lessons, Art Club, Crafts, and Mentorship Programs. We offer programming to children aged 6-12 years old in the Leduc Regional area.
Snack Program
- We provide one nutritious and balanced snack a day to our participants at BGC Leduc.
- We are a Peanut Free facility and also cater to other allergies as they are presented to us.
Fieldhouse Program
Our fieldhouse program, hosted in the LRC, provides our Club Kids with the opportunities to try new things, build healthy habits and burn some energy. We offer a wide variety of physical activities through planned games and sports programs. Some activities include teamwork, cooperation, positive communication and confidence building, while also focusing on being physically active.
In-Club Programming
In-Club Programming is an opportunity for our participants to spend some quality time in the heart of our club while connecting, building relationships and being creative in our space. Our In-Club Programming offers circle games, team building, sensory based activities, obstacle courses, brain building and free play options. This allows our kids to have both structured and unstructured play-based programming.
Craft
We offer one Craft based program a week. Our pre-planned craft program allows our kids to be creative all while following an instruction-based craft. Usually these are themes that align with the seasons of the year or special holidays coming up. These crafts are for them to take home or leave to be displayed around the Club to bring vibrance into our space.
Torch
Torch Club helps kids, aged 10 to 13, develop leadership skills and self-esteem in a respectful, diversified environment, all while engaging in what’s happening in their community. Members plan their own programming based on the issues important to them. The program also offers the opportunity to give back to others and gain a sense of responsibility that comes with making their own decisions. It is a small group experience, with the support and guidance of our youth coordinator.
Homework Club
We offer homework and educational support to all of our kids after shool to ensure academic success. Our staff support the home work room to help inspire, encourage, support and assist the kids with their homework and projects. Our dedicated team supervises homework time and also offers other education activities to develop their skills further. If kids are also looking for an opportunity to sit and read instead of participating in some of the higher energy activities, this program is a great opportunity for some quiet time.
Free Time Friday
We offer Free Play on Fridays for all our afterschool kids. It’s our fun way to kick off the weekend and celebrate a great week behind us! We have popcorn, movies, crafts, Lego, trains, coloring and boardgames! The children can pick and choose what area they want to hang out in and can interchange between each for the entirety of the program.
Extra Programming
All of our extra programming (swimming, music lessons, special art projects, intro to cooking, etc.) is provided throughout the school year in pre-planned sessions. Each session will vary in length and number of participants but we do our best to ensure there are enough opportunities for each child to participate in one session if they so choose. These programs are provided in order for the children and youth to experience things that they may not have access to otherwise in their daily life. These programs are completely free within your BGC Leduc Afterschool Care Program registration but do require a separate sign up sent out by the Afterschool Program Coordinator. These sign ups usually come out monthly and have all the information needed in order to find the right fit for your child.
Programs like these are such an important part of our Afterschool Programming because they give our children a barrier free introduction to spark their specific interest and creativity.
Youth Development and Wellbeing Programs
Program Highlight
Registration: Required for youth aged 12-17. | |
Cost: All youth programs, workshops, and special events are free. | |
Keystone Program: Leadership and community service program for youth 14-18. |
BGC Leduc is part of an official partnership under the Government of Alberta’s Family Resource Network programming with the City of Leduc and Creating Hope Society. We support youth programming for this network of social support agencies in our community. Under this partnership, we can support your family in a referral to receive home visitation, family support, parenting resources, Indigenous cultural supports and other caregiver workshops.
Learn more: https://www.leduc.ca/frn or by inquiring to our Executive Director, Cassy Nelson, executivedirector@bgcleduc.ca
Keystone Program
Keystone is a BGC national development program that:
- Provides youth with the knowledge and skills to make positive choices in their lives.
- Is targeted to youth aged 14-18, supporting their journey in making a difference in their local Clubs and communities.
Throughout the course of the year, Keystone participants complete at least one activity in each of the five core areas:
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Healthy Choices
- Service to Club & Community
- Learning For Life
Summer Camps
Duration: Eight weeks of summer day camp for children aged 6-12. | |
Activities: Outdoor field games, crafts, indoor circle programs, water games, swimming, and field trips. | |
Schedule: Monday to Friday (closed on STATs) Daily drop-off between 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM Pick-up between 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM |
BGC Leduc offers eight weeks of summer day camp for children aged 6-12. Each week is planned to support a “theme” of the week. You can select which weeks your child(ren) requires camp programming. Activities planned within each week include:
- Outdoor field games
- Crafts
- Indoor circle programs
- Water games
- Swimming
- Field trips
Programming operates Monday to Friday (closed on STATs)
Daily drop off: Between 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Daily pick up: Between 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Additional Support Needs
Children who may require additional supports (physical, behavioral, etc.)
BGC Leduc is an activity based program, with staff ratios of 1 staff to every 15 children and is not typically equipped to support complex needs or behaviors in all programs/locations. Possible arrangements for support(s)/ modifications may be available upon request. These supports are dependent/limited to: staff’s training, funding allotments, and the complexity of your child’s needs. Additional or Enhanced supports (1:1 or support workers) above the 1:15 ratio is not guaranteed, unless your child has a private aid and is able support them during programming.
Contact for Personalized Discussion
We urge Parents/Guardians/Caregivers to reach out via phone call OR email to the program site to further discuss the child’s needs, options available for their child(ren) and to determine if our programs will be a good fit for the child, prior to registration.
Integrated School Support Program
Program Highlight
Activities: Cooking skills, physical activity, crafts, games, and intergenerational mentorship. | |
Location: Willow Park School, serving grades 4-6. | |
Schedule: Three times a week from 3 PM to 6 PM. |
Our team attends Willow Park School three times a week to support grades 4-6s after school from 3pm-6pm. This program is under a pilot project named “Integrated School Support Program” (ISSP). We are fortunate that this program is partially funded by the City of Leduc for 2024/2025. We offer students cooking skills, physical activity, crafts, games and intergenerational mentorship opportunities which are made possible with our local partnership with PlaneView Place. An ISSP goal is connecting youth to various areas of their community in their developmental years so we can ensure that they receive emotional and practical support at a time in their lives when it is most impactful.
Contact Us
Contact Tanya Dukeshire at Willow Park School for more info on registering your child: tanya.dukeshire@gshare.blackgold.ca
Community Resources and Referrals
Does your family require some extra supports and don’t know where to start?
Connect with our seniorprogramlead@bgcleduc.ca for more information on how to access other local agencies supporting children, youth and families. Our team is honored to assist your family in being connected to community resources and contribute to your family’s safety, security and well-being.
Services Include:
- Referrals to Local Agencies: Assistance in connecting with local services supporting children, youth, and families.
- Jumpstart Funding for Individual Child Grants: Apply Here
- City of Leduc Community Directory: Discover Local Resources
- Subsidized Counselling: Learn More
- Recreation Assistance Program: Get Assistance
- Transit Subsidy: View Details
- KidSport Grant: Apply for a Grant
- Family Resource Network Caregiver Supports and Workshops: Explore Workshops
- Strengthening Home Fires Cultural Program: Learn About Traditional Parenting
Contact Us
For more information and to connect with community resources, email our Senior Program Lead at seniorprogramlead@bgcleduc.ca
Parent Handbook
All member parents are required to read, understand and abide by the rules set out in the Parent Handbook.
Please review before registering as we are a charity and we do operate differently than a typical daycare/afterschool care program.
View & Register for Programs
FAQs
General FAQs
Are you a licensed care facility?
No we are not! We are a for youth by youth facility. Many of our programmers are young adults pursuing careers as educators, social workers or child and youth care workers. We love that our programmers are youthful themselves and are healthy role models for our children and youth that attend our space and programs. All staff are required to provide clear Child Intervention Checks and Criminal Record Checks.
If I make a donation to the BGC Leduc, where do these funds go?
Monetary donations go directly towards programming supplies, healthy snacks, or into our Club’s Subsidy account to help support caregivers to register their children to attend after school care programs/summer camps whom otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it. We provide tax receipts and donor recognition on our social media channels and webpage (if you consent to this). Our Club is beyond grateful and humbled by the community support we receive. Leduc Region is generous and truly wraps around social support agencies to continue to make positive impact and be a safe place to land for children and youth.
Do you offer programs specifically for older teens?
Yes! We offer weekly youth programs that are open to youth up to 17 years old. We also have the Keystone Youth Leadership group for 14-17 year olds who meet weekly from Sept – June. Check out the Youth Development and Wellbeing Program for updates on youth programs, drop in nights and events.
What sets your Club apart from other service providers to children and youth?
BGC is the largest child and youth serving organization across Canada. BGC Leduc reports to our umbrella organization of BGC Canada to ensure we are providing impactful programs and experiences to children and youth. Our programs go beyond supervision. Our Senior Program Lead and Coordinator team plans programs that support the social, emotional, educational, mental and physical wellness of our members.
Afterschool Program FAQs
How old do children have to be to be registered for After School Programs?
6-12
Who do I ask about registration, administrative or payment questions?
Who do I go to about programming questions?
Who do I go to about Volunteering questions?
Does my membership package automatically come with PD Day and fall and spring break camps?
No. These packages are extras but can be added to your membership if they fit the needs of your family
What are your Afterschool Care program operating hours?
3:00pm – 6:00pm
Can my child walk home on their own after BGC?
If your child is 10 years old or older or is accompanied but a 10-year-old or older sibling then you can sign a permission form that gives them access to leave the club at a specific time each day to walk home. On Extreme cold weather day this permission form may be subject to be denied by the coordinator’s discretion.
What are the ages of your afterschool Program?
We offer programming to children aged 6-12 years old in the Leduc and County Area. If your child is attending kindergarten and will be turning 6 by December 31st, they are still eligible to register for our programs. If they are not going to be turning 6 until the following year (After December 31st of that school year) then you will have to wait until they turn 6 to register or if our registration is full then you will have to wait until the following school years registration in April.
What is Torch?
Torch is our Mentorship program within the Afterschool Program. It is for kids aged 10-12. This is a program that speaks to the up-and-coming young leaders of our Club who want to lend a helping hand, lead by example, and learn about community awareness and the importance of volunteerism. If you have an up-and-coming leader that would love this program, we would love to have them join!
My child requires extra supports and have complex needs, can they still attend BGC?
If your child requires extras support from our BGC team we ask that prior to registration you book a meeting with our Programs Lead in order for us to better understand the support we need to prepare for. A priority of ours is to provide the best care and accommodate to the best or our ability but in some cases, we do not have the staffing capacities or supports available to offer one on one programming for members.
Can my child get sent home due to behavioural setbacks such as verbal or physical altercations with other members, or staff?
Yes. We will work through conflicts and any minor behavioural issues but if it becomes a repetitive problem or is escalating to be more of a major setback/conflict you will be involved and informed of any concerns we may have. If there is a serious incident regarding or involving your child, you will be called immediately and expected to pick them up at any time.
Do I need to show I.D. at pickup time? Why?
If you are a new member of BGC Leduc and we are not familiar with you, yet you will be required to show I.D. at pick up time. Once we get to know your family and the safe pick-up list then we will no longer ask for I.D. at pick up. With that being said anyone who is on your pickup list that comes to pick up for the first time will most likely be asked to show I.D. in order to verify who they are and since we may not see them regularly and we have many staff who rotate through this job we may be asking for I.D more than a few times. Please be patient with us as we are only doing what is at the top of our priority list which is keeping the children in our care safe! If there is someone new that is going to be picking up but they are not on your already existing pick up list please email the appropriate coordinator. Phone calls will not be accepted only email form with their full name and phone number.
Emails accepted by Brittany Garlough at seniorprogramlead@bgcleduc.ca
How do I sign up for your Afterschool Care Program?
Visit our website, find the Afterschool program tab, scroll, and click register. The website will take you through our registration process!
Who do I ask for a tax receipt?
Who do I go to about Youth programming Questions?
What is included in my membership package?
Access to our Afterschool Care Program that runs 3:00-6:00pm Monday to Friday along with the black gold school division calendar.
Do I have to pay extra for the additional programming that is offered within the afterschool program? (Ex. Swimming, music lessons, art, and craft clubs, etc.)
No all of our extra programming is included in your registration. If only requires an extra “sign up” that is sent to members after registration.
When can I pick my child up?
Anytime between 3:30pm -6:00pm but no later than 6:00pm. The Bus does not arrive form all the schools until 3:30pm.
Can my child leave BGC to attend extra curricular programming in the LRC on their own?
Same rules apply. f your child is 10 years old or older or is accompanied but a 10-year-old or older sibling then you can sign a permission form that gives them access to leave the club to attend specific programming in the LRC. You must specify if they will be returning to our facility afterwards (if it is within programming hours) or if they will be picked up from the activity location.
How do you support severe food allergies for my child?
We operate much like how the schools handle food allergies. If you have any special requests and needs for your child prior to attendance, please contact the appropriate coordinators to ensure that your child’s needs can be accommodated best we can. We are a nut free facility but beyond that we need knowledge of what other allergies may be present in order to work around those specific needs. We are happy to accommodate as much as we are able to!
If my Child requires a supportive Aid at school does that mean they have to have one attend with them at BGC Leduc.
Our policy states that children that require a supportive Aid at school are required to provide one at BGC Leduc as well.
My child has medical concerns or requires taking medication at a specific time each day, can you administer that?
Yes. There is a form at registration that you can fill out and bring with you along with your child’s medication that they require to take each day. A coordinator will be responsible to administer any medication and will have a reminder each day as to when the child needs to take it. They will follow the instructions on the sheet of paper as to the request. If there is no signed form with specific instructions, then we will NOT administer any sort of medication.
Medical concerns have to be discussed with the coordinator prior too attendance and a game plan or action plan for emergency situations will be put in place. Big or small medical concerns will be taken seriously and discussed in depth in order for us to keep all our children safe while at club.
What do I do if I am running late to pick-up?
We get it, things happen! Please call ahead as soon as possible so we can notify camp leaders. While we try to be understanding that sometimes unforeseen circumstances arise and cause caregivers to be put behind schedule, please call ahead as soon as possible so we can notify our programming staff of the late pick up. Please note that incidents of late pick up may result in additional charges as per the discretion of the Senior Program Lead’s decision given the frequency of late pick ups.
Summer Camp FAQs
When is registration for summer camp and how do I sign up?
April 1st, 2024, summer camp and afterschool programming for 2024-2025 school year will open. You can register for both programs or just one or the other. All Registration is done online at our website bgcleduc.com
What are the operating hours of your summer program?
Drop off is between 8:00am and 8:30am and pick up is between 4:30pm and 5:00pm.
What are the hours of operation for Summer Camp?
Drop off anywhere between 8:00am and 8:30am. Pick up anywhere between 4:30pm and 5:00pm. If you require to drop off or pick up any other times other, then the specified times you will need to email and arrange with the coordinator prior too. Because we have off site activities (the park, nature walks, swimming, and fieldtrips) it isn’t always guaranteed that we will be here at all times. If we can prepare and plan ahead for an alternate time, then it will be a lot smoother for everyone.
If my Child requires a supportive Aid at school does that mean they have to have one attend with them at BGC Leduc.
Our policy states that children that require a supportive Aid at school are required to provide one at BGC Leduc as well.
If I have concerns, questions or general inquiries about summer camp, activities or my child at summer camp, who do I speak with?
Our Summer coordinator will be the main point of contact.
Paislea Thompson is the summer coordinator.
Email: supportscoordinator@bgcleduc.ca
Club phone: 780-986-3121
Cellphone: 780-266-9773
My child has medical concerns or requires taking medication at a specific time each day, can you administer that?
Yes. There is a form at registration that you can fill out and bring with you along with your child’s medication that they require to take each day. A coordinator will be responsible to administer any medication and will have a reminder each day as to when the child needs to take it. They will follow the instructions on the sheet of paper as to the request. If there is no signed form with specific instructions, then we will NOT administer any sort of medication. Medical concerns have to be discussed with the coordinator prior too attendance and a game plan or action plan for emergency situations will be put in place. Big or small medical concerns will be taken seriously and discussed in depth in order for us to keep all our children safe while at club.
Do I need to show I.D. at pickup time? Why?
If you are a new member of BGC Leduc and we are not familiar with you, yet you will be required to show I.D. at pick up time. Once we get to know your family and the safe pick-up list then we will no longer ask for I.D. at pick up. With that being said anyone who is on your pickup list that comes to pick up for the first time will most likely be asked to show I.D. in order to verify who they are and since we may not see them regularly and we have many staff who rotate through this job we may be asking for I.D more than a few times. Please be patient with us as we are only doing what is at the top of our priority list which is keeping the children in our care safe! If there is someone new that is going to be picking up but they are not on your already existing pick up list please email the appropriate coordinator. Phone calls will not be accepted only email form with their full name and phone number.
Do you prorate or refund if children are absent for specific days or weeks.
Once payment has been received, for any program, no refund will be issued under any circumstances (including volunteer commitments/deposits), regardless of your child’s attendance or circumstances. BGC Leduc operates on an extremely tight budget, and as such, budgetary decisions are made based on our confirmed registrations. Staff Members are hired based on child to staff ratios, and if you withdraw your child from our program (either voluntarily or involuntarily) after the fact, we cannot then adjust our staff at that point, accordingly. As such, we also do not pro-rate payments, nor issue “credits” for programs and activities that are paid for, but not attended. We understand that circumstances do indeed change for families, but as a charity, we are unfortunately not able to absorb the costs that are incurred by such changes. By registering your child in our programs, you are agreeing to abide by this policy.
What do I do if I am running late to pick-up?
We get it, things happen! Please call ahead as soon as possible so we can notify camp leaders. While we try to be understanding that sometimes unforeseen circumstances arise and cause caregivers to be put behind schedule, please call ahead as soon as possible so we can notify our programming staff of the late pick up. Please note that incidents of late pick up may result in additional charges as per the discretion of the Senior Program Lead’s decision given the frequency of late pick ups.
What can I expect from Summer Registration?
BGC Leduc Summer Registration has 8 weeks of summer camp programming listed. Caregivers can pick and choose what weeks they require. Many families select all, others only send their children for one week depending on their summer plans and circumstances.
6 of the weeks are Monday to Friday from 8am-5pm
2 of the weeks are Tuesday to Friday from 8am to 5pm as we are closed on the STATs
What should my child bring with them to camp each day?
Every child is to have the following items in their back packs each day.
The staff will be asking all parents each morning that all the following items are in their backpacks. If they aren’t, we do ask that you bring them as soon as possible.
- A backpack (no other bags please as they are hard for the kids to carry, and they will be expected to carry them to the park and on fieldtrip days)
- Hat.
- SPRAY Sunscreen. The staff will not be permitted to help apply any type of rub on sunscreen. They will however assist the kids in spray sunscreen if needed. If a child comes with rub on sunscreen, they will need to apply it themselves or if they can not then they will be given a spray sunscreen option from our BGC stash. If your child has allergies or can not tolerate specific sunscreens, please add this to your registration file or let the coordinator know via email so that we can keep a note on the file to be sure they will not be exposed to that specific kind. If your file does not say anything or you have not specified, we will assume that your child can borrow from our sunscreen stash on a day that it is needed. ALL kids are expected to bring their own sunscreen each day.
- Bug spray. Same rules as above apply to bug spray as well.
- Water bottle. Children will be expected to have a water bottle on them each day and carry it around with them wherever we go. It is important for them to stay hydrated but also so much more important in the summer on the hot days that we have. We do NOT have extra water bottles to share or give out, so this one is a big one to remember. If it is forgotten, we will call and ask if one can be brought, or we will offer them a drink from the fountain or give them a cup of water to refill for the remainder of the day. A reminder will be sent home for the following day.
- Swim suit and towel. Although we only swim twice a week in the summer this does not mean that we won’t be participating in water-based activities. We have a slip and slide, water guns, water balloons and sprinklers for our summer programming that we like to set up randomly in the week if we get some nice weather. It is important to always have a swimsuit and towel in your child’s bag so they can participate in water-based activities at any given time. If they do not have one, they may have to sit out or they will participate if they have extra clothing to change into afterwards.
- Lunch. We provide two snacks a day (Morning and afternoon) so the only thing your child will need is a lunch for our lunch break. If your child needs extra snacks, then what we provide please be sure to add them into their lunch bag as we only offer one snack option at snack time.
- Extra clothes. Things happen during a full day of programming. Paint splatters, accidents, falling in the mud puddle. Whatever it may be all children do need a change of clothes in case of an emergency. If there are no extras in your child’s backpack, we will be calling home to have some dropped off as soon as possible.
- Proper shoes for walking and physical activities. We do high volumes of walking and running in the summertime. We walk to the park just behind the LRC in Lede Park quite often during the summer so good quality walking shoes are a must at summer camp.
Is your camp sensory friendly for my child who struggles with large group sizes, noise, and high impact programing?
Although we offer opportunities for a child to engage in a “chill zone”, even this space often supports 50 children at a time. If your child is sensitive to a louder environment and gets overwhelmed quickly, our camps may not meet your needs. You are more than welcome to send your child to camp with a 1:1 Supportive Aid to help support them further. If your child is highly sensitive to noise, fast paced activities, and unpredictable group dynamics, we may not be the camp experience your child needs for the summer.
Can my child get sent home due to behavioural setbacks such as verbal or physical altercations with other campers, or summer staff?
Yes. We will work through conflicts and any minor behavioural issues but if it becomes a repetitive problem or is escalating to be more of a major setback/conflict you will be involved and informed of any concerns we may have. If there is a serious incident regarding or involving your child, you will be called immediately and expected to pick them up at any time and place that we are. This includes fieldtrip days.
If I have questions regarding registration, payments, invoices, payment plans etc. who I speak to.
Our Administrative assistant is your go to for any payment and registration needs.
How do you support severe food allergies for my child?
We operate camps much like how the schools handle food allergies. If you have any special requests and needs for your child prior to camp, again, please contact the appropriate coordinators to ensure that your child’s needs can be accommodated best we can. We are a nut free facility but beyond that we need knowledge of what other allergies may be present in order to work around those specific needs. We are happy to accommodate as much as we are able to!
Do you separate the kids in different age groups?
Yes, but not all the time. We will separate the youngers and older for some specific activities but there will also be lots of time spent together.
Can my child bring electronics or personal items to camp?
BGC Leduc is not liable for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal items that come to camp. It is strongly suggested that personal valuables be left at home. Use of electronics is not allowed during camp time, so they will have to stay in backpacks during the day. If a child has a phone to contact their parents, they will only be permitted to use them in the coordinator’s offices for parent contact use only. We also have club phones available for all children to use for parent contact purposes as well.