Bentway After School: for curious and creative city explorers ages 9-14

Bentway After School is a new youth program for participants, ages 9-14 (between grades 4–8).

The program will go beyond being “hands-on” — it will also be “minds-on.” During each session, young urbanists will ask questions, gather information, compare and collaborate, draw conclusions, and develop a point of view on city building and placemaking.

Interactive experiences including site tours, outdoor recreation, and hands-on arts and design challenges shaped in collaboration with youth education leaders Maximum City, will encourage participants to not only explore The Bentway, but critically examine the Gardiner Expressway’s history, current state, and potential future through skill building in multidisciplinary fields.

Guided by principles of Indigenous place keeping, ecology, storytelling, adaptation, and youth agency, the program empowers youth to ask critical questions and imagine what cities can become when everyone gets a say in how they’re built.

Working independently and collaboratively, participants will earn badges in a custom “City Passport,” build foundational skills across a variety of disciplines, and ultimately co-create a public experience that captures and communicates their vision for the future city.

What you need to know:

• This program is for youth ages 9-14 (grades 4-8).
• All materials will be provided.
• They have two 5-week session options, January 6 to February 3 and February 10 to March 10. Join them for either, or both sessions!
• Program pick-up from Jean Lumb Public School and Bishop Macdonell Catholic School is available upon request.
• The first week of the program sessions (January 6, February 10) feature ice skating at The Bentway’s iconic, figure-8 skate trail! Skate rentals and equipment are included.
• The Programming is held across The Bentway sites, including indoor and outdoor activities and walking tours. Please ensure your student is dressed for the elements and is wearing appropriate footwear.
• Accessible and all-gender washrooms are available on-site.
• The Bentway Studio is a peanut/nut-sensitive facility. For the safety of all our participants and staff, please do not send any snack items which may contain peanuts, nuts and all other nut products.
• A Participant Intake Packet will be sent following online registration.