Calgary, AB,
22
September
2014
|
08:04
America/Denver

Calgary AfterSchool program back in action for fall 2014

Parents looking for after school activities for their children will be excited to hear Calgary AfterSchool returns to schools, recreation facilities, and Calgary communities for fall 2014.

This nationally recognized program means Calgary’s kids are spending less time at home alone and more time in activities that help them develop social skills and be more physically active.

“We’re very excited about the programs being offered this fall,” says Sue Lodge, community development worker at The City of Calgary. “One of the great things about the Calgary AfterSchool model is that it links organizations and agencies across the city to provide a broad network of support for Calgary kids.”

Calgary AfterSchool is a joint initiative between The City of Calgary (Community & Neighbourhood Services and Recreation) and United Way Calgary and Area’s UpStart. A network of 17 not-for-profit agencies, work in conjunction with City programs to provide an array of activities for Calgary children.

The activities offered are free and for children aged six to 16 between the critical hours of 3 and 6 p.m., when children and youth are out of school, but many parents aren’t home from work yet.

Additional benefits of participation in after-school programming can include positive child and youth development in one or more of four developmental domains: physical health and development, social development, emotional development, and intellectual development. Research shows the achievement of particular developmental outcomes in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood serve as the building blocks for ongoing healthy development and subsequent success and happiness in adulthood.

Calgary AfterSchool, which was started in 2009, has many types of programs including visual and performing arts, educational and skill based programs, health and wellness programs, inter-generational programs, leadership and volunteer programs, and recreation and sport programs.

For more information on Calgary AfterSchool and a complete list of fall programs visit calgary.ca/afterschool.