Turn after-school free time into fun, constructive time

It’s easier than ever for parents to find fun, safe and free after school activities for their kids to participate in through The City of Calgary’s AfterSchool program. Since its launch in 2009, Calgary AfterSchool programs for six to 16 year-olds have increased to more than 200 offerings in locations throughout the city.

“Research shows that children and youth need safe and structured activities for positive development between the time school ends and working parents get home,” says Zorian Klymochko, a City of Calgary coordinator for the Calgary AfterSchool initiative.

“Last year we had more than 7,200 students participate in different AfterSchool programs and we are hoping to get just as many, if not more, participating this year.”

The benefits to children and youth are positive development in their social, physical, leadership and creative skills. It also helps youth avoid such negatives as teen pregnancy, gang involvement and criminal activity. For parents it helps reduce their stress levels knowing where their children are and what they’re doing.

Most programs will start the week of September 30 and run during that critical time between school ending and when parents are getting home from work – 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Along with a social component, many programs offer active and sport components such as biking, swimming, badminton, soccer and other non-competitive games to help children meet Canadian Physical Activity guidelines. Programs also focus on a range of artistic, cultural, study and leadership development opportunities.

Calgary AfterSchool is led by The City’s Community & Neighbourhood Services. It brings together dozens of community partners, not-for-profit agencies and other program providers to coordinate and improve the availability, quality and funding of after school program options.

For more information about Calgary AfterSchool, visit calgary.ca/afterschool or call 3-1-1.

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