Programs
The Centre - Youth Recreation
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For more information email
[email protected]
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Hamilton Youth Strategy and HamOntYouth
Learn more about priorities for youth in Hamilton:
Welcome to the The Centre! Our recreation page for all things youth!
The City of Hamilton received a Platinum designation as a Youth Friendly Community through Playworks. This designation, supported by Parks and Recreation Ontario, verifies that the City of Hamilton has appropriate youth recreation assets in our community.
We provide these opportunities to youth in our city. Check them out!
Youth Rec Week July 17 to 23, 2023
Join us for a week of exciting events for young people in Hamilton and learn more about recreation employment and training opportunities.
Check out an Employment Opportunities Fair, Resume Building workshops, Paint Nights, Basketball Tournaments, Video Game Tournaments and more.
For programs requiring registration, please email [email protected] to reserve your spot
Questions? [email protected]
| Date | Event Name | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday July 17, 2023 | Employment 411 (Day 1) | 10am - 3pm | Central Memorial Recreation Centre | Registration Required |
| Monday July 17, 2023 | Lawn Games | 12 - 2pm | Huntington Park Recreation Centre | Drop-In Program |
| Monday July 17, 2023 | Kick Ball | 2:30 - 4:30pm | Huntington Park Recreation Centre | Drop-In Program |
| Monday July 17, 2023 | Outdoor Yoga | 5 - 6pm | HAAA Park | Drop-In Program |
| Monday July 17, 2023 | Virtual Escape Room | 6:15 - 7:15pm | Ryerson Recreation Centre | Registration Required |
| Monday July 17, 2023 | Outdoor Cardio Dance | 7:30 - 8:30pm | HAAA Park | Drop-In Program |
| Monday July 17, 2023 | Supie Van | 10:30am - 12pm | Riverdale East & Roxborough Parks | Drop-In Program |
| Monday July 17, 2023 | Supie Van | 1:30 - 3pm | Sam Manson & Lucy Day Parks | Drop-In Program |
| Tuesday July 18, 2023 | Employment 411 (Day 2) | 10am - 3pm | Central Memorial Recreation Centre | Registration Required |
| Tuesday July 18, 2023 | Resume Building Workshop - in partnership with Girls E Mentorship | 11:30am - 1:30pm | Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre | Registration Required |
| Tuesday July 18, 2023 | Opportunities Fair | 2:30 - 5:30pm | Central Memorial Recreation Centre | Drop-In Program |
| Tuesday July 18, 2023 | Basketball Tournament | 6 - 9pm | Central Memorial Recreation Centre | Registration Required |
| Tuesday July 18, 2023 | Basketball Tournament | 6 - 9pm | Valley Park Community Centre | Registration Required |
| Tuesday July 18, 2023 | Supie Van | 10:30am - 12pm | Glanbrook Hills & SouthHampton Estates Parks | Drop-In Program |
| Tuesday July 18, 2023 | Supie Van | 1:30 - 3pm | Mount Hope & Kennedy East Parks | Drop-In Program |
| Wednesday July 19, 2023 | HIGH FIVE - Principles of Healthy Childhood Development | 1 - 5pm | Virtual (must have webcam and microphone access) | Registration Required |
| Wednesday July 19, 2023 | Dodgeball | 2:30 - 4:30pm | Bennetto Community Centre | Drop-In Program |
| Wednesday July 19, 2023 | Paint Night by Paint it Priti | 6 - 8pm | Westmount Recreation Centre | Registration Required |
| Wednesday July 19, 2023 | Virtual Escape Room | 8:30 - 9:30pm | Westmount Recreation Centre | Registration Required |
| Wednesday July 19, 2023 | Supie Van | 10:30am - 12pm | Dundas Driving & Gatesbury Parks | Drop-In Program |
| Wednesday July 19, 2023 | Supie Van | 1:30 - 3pm | Churchill & McLaren Parks | Drop-In Program |
| Thursday July 20, 2023 | Super Smash Bros Tournament | 2 - 4pm | Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre | Registration Required |
| Thursday July 20, 2023 | Recreation Job Application Help | 4:30 - 7:30pm | Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre | Drop-In Program |
| Thursday July 20, 2023 | Card Making Workshop | 5:30 - 7:30pm | Valley Park Community Centre | Registration Required |
| Thursday July 20, 2023 | Outdoor Cardio Dance | 8 - 9pm | Valley Park Community Centre | Drop-In Program |
| Thursday July 20, 2023 | Learn to Skateboard | 8 - 9pm | Valley Park Community Centre | Registration Required |
| Thursday July 20, 2023 | Supie Van | 10:30am - 12pm | Beemer & Eastwood Parks | Drop-In Program |
| Thursday July 20, 2023 | Supie Van | 1:30 - 3pm | AM Cunningham & HAAA Parks | Drop-In Program |
| Friday July 21, 2023 | Resume Review | 3 - 5pm | Ancaster Rotary Centre | Drop-In Program |
| Friday July 21, 2023 | Volleyball Tournament | 6 - 9pm | Ancaster Rotary Centre | Registration Required |
| Friday July 21, 2023 | Lawn Games | 6:30 - 8:30pm | Riverdale Community Centre | Drop-In Program |
| Friday July 21, 2023 | Outdoor Cardio Dance | 7:30 - 8:30pm | Riverdale Community Centre | Drop-In Program |
| Friday July 21, 2023 | Outdoor Movie Night by PGG Media Group | 8:30 - 10:30pm | Riverdale Community Centre | Drop-In Program |
| Friday July 21, 2023 | Supie Van | 10:30am - 12pm | Andy Warburton & Gourley Parks | Drop-In Program |
| Friday July 21, 2023 | Supie Van | 1:30 - 3pm | North Central Community & Burkholder Parks | Drop-In Program |
| Saturday July 22, 2023 | Standard First Aid with CPR-C (Day 1) | 9am - 5pm | Bennetto Community Centre | Registration Required |
| Saturday July 22, 2023 | Badminton Tournament | 12 - 3pm | Westmount Recreation Centre | Registration Required |
| Saturday July 22, 2023 | Super Smash Bros Tournament | 12:30 - 2:30pm | Westmount Recreation Centre | Registration Required |
| Saturday July 22, 2023 | Board Games presented by Mancala Monk Board Game Café | 5 - 7pm | Bennetto Community Centre | Drop-In Program |
| Saturday July 22, 2023 | Coffee House | 7 - 10pm | Bennetto Community Centre | Registration Required |
| Sunday July 23, 2023 | Standard First Aid with CPR-C (Day 2) | 9am - 5pm | Bennetto Community Centre | Registration Required |
The Centre - IRL
Dedicated youth space locations
Ancaster Rotary Centre
385 Jerseyville Rd West, Ancaster
Phone: 905-546-2424 ext. 1698
Accessibility: Medium (limited to no barriers)
Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre
876 Cannon St. East, Hamilton
Phone: 905-546-2424 ext. 4150
Accessibility: High (limited to no barriers and adapted equipment)
Huntington Park Recreation Centre
87 Brentwood Dr, Hamilton
Phone: 905-546-4880
Accessibility: High (limited to no barrier and adapted equipment)
Winona Community Centre
255 Winona Rd, Hamilton
Phone: 905-546-2424 ext. 4935
Accessibility: Medium (limited to no barriers)
Leadership & Training Opportunities - Training, certifications and volunteer opportunities are critical in the development of young people. Enhance your skills to feel confident & be employment ready!
Employment 411
FREE job readiness program for 14 – 21 year olds.
Please visit your local recreation centre for details.
Recreation Leader in Training
Start your journey to become a successful camp or recreation leader.
Leadership Skills Program
Programs to build confidence and independence to become a future recreation leader or lifeguard.
- Home Alone Certification
- Babysitting Certification
- Leader in Training
- Principles of Healthy Child Development
- Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross courses
- National Lifeguard certification
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering allows young people to gain hands-on experience in a recreation centre, learn more about programs and accomplish their required volunteer hours. Attend a free Volunteer Information Session to participate.
Standard First Aid & CPR C
Standard First Aid and CPR C is a prerequisite for all positions in the recreation division. This certification prepares you to respond to emergency situations, activate help, and provide first aid to patrons.
City of Hamilton residents 17 & under are eligible for a discount on Standard First Aid courses (automatically applied at checkout).
Employment Opportunities (for ages 14+)
Recreation centres and arenas hire hundreds of young people every year to support program supervision and delivery. Positions are part time (up to 24 hours a week and full time in summer) with competitive wages. Employees often hold more than one position and are eligible to work at multiple recreation facilities.
Workshops & Events
Learn more about recreation employment opportunities, how to apply and gain interview and employment skills.
- Employment Information Sessions
- Employment 411
Featured Recreation Positions
Applications are accepted throughout the year for various positions with the City’s Recreation Division. Positions we look to fill throughout the year include:
- Summer Opportunities - recruitment for positions starts in November/December
- Skilled and Advanced Skilled Instructor - plan and deliver programs for children and adults utilizing your unique talents and passions for music, art, sports, dance/gymnastics, and cooking.
- Program and Facility Monitor - assist with the operation of recreation centres, setting up program spaces, or providing additional supervision for programs.
- Instructor Guards - supervise pool environment and provide swim lesson instruction (additional qualifications required).
Date modified
June 02, 2023