Our Mission

 "To provide programs for children ages 6-12 that encourage the development of effective living skills, the pursuit of healthy lifestyle choices, and the connection of families to the community." 

About Abbottsfield Youth Project (AYP) Society

Since 1986, AYP has been providing free life-skills programs for children ages 6-12 who live in high-risk Northeast Edmonton communities. Whether it be our flagship Community Outreach & Living Skills In-school program, our Community Explorers program, or our ART with AYP program, our wide variety of after-school and evening programs foster the healthy development of each participant's sense of self-esteem and self-worth. Each program provides at-risk children with preventative life skills and leadership programming before they reach an age where social pressures may lead them to make unhealthy life choices. AYP encourages children using a “learn through play” philosophy to support them to recognize their strengths and abilities and further develop the confidence in themselves to make healthy life choices. AYP offers 13 different programs in North East Edmonton. These programs include: 

Community Outreach and Living Skills (COLS) (offered in partnerships with 13 community schools) uses a learn-through-play  philosophy to guide participants on how to make positive life choices, develop healthy self-esteems and learn effective communication strategies. Some curriculum topics include: the importance of life balance, positive coping strategies, problem solving, teamwork, self-esteem, communication, responsibility and feelings. 

Community Explorers is a program for children in grades four, five and six that have spent at least one year in our Community Outreach and Living Skills program (COLS).   The goal of this activity is to build on the social and emotional skills highlighted in our regular COLS as well as give the children opportunity to explore a variety of new interests, discover their hidden talents and spark their imagination.  The hope for this program is that children will feel inspired to find their passion and see the possibilities for their future. 

Junior Leaders is geared to children in grades five and six and further supports the development of their leadership, teamwork and public speaking skills.  Children selected for this activity have demonstrated consistent leadership skills during their involvement in the COLS program.  Participants in this program are encouraged to further develop their leadership skills,  recognize the qualities of a good leader in others and within themselves. Topics also include; communication, public speaking, problem solving and teamwork.

Grade 7 Prep runs for six weeks and is intended to support children with the often difficult transition from grade six to grade seven.  Children will discuss bullying, peer relations and internet safety.  

Homework Help Club provides a safe and supportive environment for children to complete school assignments and access one-on-one tutoring.  Children are matched with volunteer tutors that work with them throughout the year.

Spring & Summer Break is a series of week-long day camps that run throughout the entire spring break and summer holidays.  Children are offered a number of recreational and creative learning opportunities, they explore Edmonton, meet new friends and try new things. 

One-on-One Mentoring provides an opportunity for selected children to spend a minimum of one half hour a week with one of their Child Development Coordinators outside of the regular group setting. They play games, do arts and crafts, read, color, bake, etc.  During the activities, the children are encouraged to further talk about topics discussed in the COLS  program such as: feelings/anger management, effective communication, problem-solving skills, and positive coping strategies.

ART with AYP (Session 1 & 2) promotes strategies for children to increase their creativity and self-esteem through a variety of art based activities such as drama, dance, sculpting, creative writing, drawing and painting.

Junior High Program supports youth in junior high to build relationships with peers and staff through a variety of recreational and art based activities in a safe and secure environment where they are encouraged to make healthy lifestyle choices, and maintain relationships with peers and Child Development Coordinators.

Growing Leaders is opportunity for teens to hone their leaderships skills and gain volunteer experience by becoming  mentors to the children in our Summer Break Program.  For two weeks they accompany our team and our children.  They help with preparing and giving out snack, lead games, act as mentors, and give support when needed with the children.  They are awarded volunteer hours and given a reference letter at the end of the summer.

Thrive (Session 1 & 2) is a holistic wellness program  The program focuses on developing a healthy heart, body, and mind.  The program implements engaging activities to promote positive self-esteem, coping strategies, and mood regulation. Through Thrive, children learn exciting ways to become active, try healthy recipes, and develop relaxation techniques. 

 Make Way for Play is a camp that focuses on unstructured play opportunities. 

Healthy Snack Program allows us to model healthy food choices ongoing throughout the year by offering a nutritional snack to every child each time they attend an AYP program.  It also supports the Cooking and Kitchen Skills topic of our curriculum by affording our children the opportunity to learn how to prepare a healthy meal.