During 1994-95 a national study entitled "Impact and Benefits of Physical Activity and Recreation on Canadian Youth" examined the role that physical activity, recreation plays in the development of youth, and youth-related risk factors. Youth was defined as 15 to 19 years of age in this particular study.

The study was the product of a partnership comprised of the Inter-provincial Sport and Recreation Council, Health Canada and the Canadian Parks / Recreation Association. A research team from the University of New Brunswick carried out the study.

In February 1995, the conference of federal-provincial / territorial Ministers responsible for sport, fitness and recreation reviewed the report and approved joint action using the study as a basis for community solutions to you at risk.

An orientation manual to encourage community-based action for youth was produced as a Ministry staff resource. The manual is comprised of two distinct workshop formats. The first is to raise awareness of the youth at risk issue at the community level through community development sessions carried out by ministry consultants. The second format is an extension of the first and is comprised of an action-planning component, which addresses the specific needs of a community around youth at risk issues. More than 60 workshops have been held to date.

Ontario's Role and Current Status

In the Fall of 1999, Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) in partnership with the Sport and Recreation Branch of the Ministry , and the National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention produced two new resources to be used by groups wishing to plan effective recreation services with youth at the community level:

Together with Youth

A practical action oriented resource for:

• Volunteers at youth drop in centres
• Municipal Council Members
• Recreation Supervisors
• Parents

"Together with Youth" is a user-friendly guide which compiles the most current information to help service providers plan successful programs and services for and with youth. It answers many of the questions groups and individuals at the community level want answers for, including:

• What trends are shaping the lives of youth?
• How can we take a positive approach to service delivery?
• Are we recruiting the right leaders?
• How can our community work together?
• Do our programs/services meet the success check list?

Together with Youth: Be a Champion!

A Champion is a dedicated individual who believes in an idea, advocates it to others and sees it through to great success. Sometimes a champion naturally comes forward. But often times, a champion must be recruited. Take a look at your community. There may be someone just waiting for a challenge - a parent, young adult, business person, or recreation staff member.

The ideal youth champion:

• Is prepared to make a commitment to youth and invest time
• Is patient and forward thinking
• Has empathy and enthusiasm for youth
• Has natural leadership qualities

Together with Youth and Together with Youth: Be a Champion! are available free of charge from Parks and Recreation Ontario in both electronic and hard copy versions. Shipping and handing charges apply to hard copy versions. Please contact PRO for details.

Parks and Recreation Ontario
1185 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 406
Toronto, Ontario   M3C 3C6
Telephone: (416) 426-7142
Fax: (416) 426-7371

Contact:
Your local Regional Services Office