Activities aplenty planned for National Youth Week in Oakville

National Youth Week is just around the corner and Oakville is ready to celebrate.

The Town is offering seven days (May 1 to 7) of free, fun, interactive and educational activities for young people in the community ages 13 to 17 and headlining this year’s celebration is the first ever Oakville Youth Awards.

The inaugural awards, which honour the “vibrant spirit and invaluable contributions of Oakville’s Youth,” will be held Saturday, May 4 at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre.

Launched in participation with the Oakville Youth Action Committee (OYAC), the awards recognize young individuals who are actively shaping a brighter future for Oakville.

The Town has received over 186 nominations for the awards. Two nominees will be awarded in each category, one for ages 11 to 14 and another for those between 15 and 19.

This year’s award categories include:

Youth Artist Award

Recognizes youth who demonstrate a passion for the arts, whether through music, theatre, or other cultural talents, and who positively represent and dedicate their talents to raising awareness of arts and culture among the youth community.

Youth Sports Award

Recognizes youth who demonstrate a passion for sports and portray a positive image through their participation, volunteerism, or coaching within their chosen sport.

Youth Involvement Award

Recognizes youth who dedicate their time and efforts to local organizations or events, actively engaging in their community through volunteerism, employment, participation, and demonstrating a passion for helping others.

Emerging Youth Leader Award

Recognizes youth who positively influence their peers, demonstrate leadership qualities, and make a positive impact as role models through motivation and mentoring, while showing a true passion for helping others.

In addition to all the planned National Youth Week activities, all regularly scheduled drop-in programs for youth aged 13 to 17 from May 1 to 7 are free. Kids must be above 14 to enter fitness centres.

This year’s planned free youth activities are done in partnership with Oakville Galleries and the Oakville Public Library (OPL). The schedule for events is as follows:

Wednesday, May 1

Teen takeover at OPL White Oaks Branch, 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Participate in activities and connect with other youth. Learn about 3D printing and green screen technology. Compete against others in a video or board game challenge. Ages 13 to 17.

Thursday, May 2

Youth Drop-ins at River Oaks Community Centre, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Youth ages 11 to 17 can take part in recreational skating, table tennis or a craft.

Friday, May 3

Youth Drop-ins at Trafalgar Park Community Centre, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Meet new friends and take part in activities such as youth inline/roller skating (bring your own skates), youth basketball (3:30 to 5 p.m.), Chess (4 to 5:30 p.m.), and crafts with older Trafalgar Park adults (4 to 5:30 p.m.). For ages 11 to 17.

The drop (with extras brought to you by OYAC) at Glen Abbey Community Centre, from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Join the regularly scheduled free youth drop-in for ages 11 to 18. Activities include karaoke, recreational swimming, laser tag (7 to 8:30 p.m.), and pizza and other treats will be available.

Teen After-Hours Party at OPL Iroquois Ridge Branch, from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m.

There will be an Out of this World: Star Wars, Star Trek, Space and Beyond after-hours party with space-themed activities and a costume contest. Even is open to ages 13 to 17. Pre-registration for the program is encouraged.

Saturday, May 4

Drop-ins at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

From noon to 4 p.m. at the youth centre, cupcake decorating, candle planting, a scavenger hunt, Mario Kart tournament and table tennis tournament are being offered.

Other scheduled events include youth swim (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), rock climbing (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), first combat challenge obstacle course (12 to 4 p.m.), silk screen tote bags (1 to 3 p.m.) and basketball (3 to 4 p.m.).

Sunday, May 5

Youth Skate with DJ Ghost at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Tunes and turns free youth skate is open to ages 14 to 17.

Monday, May 6

Drop-ins at Iroquois Ridge Community Centre, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Open to ages 11 to 17, youth can participate in sports, a swim, and a craft with older adults at the Iroquois Centre.

Tuesday, May 7

Free Drop-ins at Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Youth ages 11 to 17 can join in some volleyball (3 to 5 p.m.), make friendship bracelets (5:30 to 7 p.m.) or try a fitness class (4 to 5 p.m.).

Free Drop-in at Oakville Galleries, 4 to 7 p.m.

Take part in free art activities from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Gairloch Gallery. You can also take in the current exhibition and breathtaking views, all while participating in a hands-on art activity.