Programs

Youth Volunteer Program

The Youth Volunteer Program engages youth between the ages of 11-18 to donate volunteer hours to serve for not-for-profit organizations in many practical and useful ways. This program builds active and responsible citizenship and many of the young people contribute hundreds of hours in a year to assist these not-for-profit groups around the city. Youth work for minimum of 10 hours over the course of the summer under the supervision of team leaders.

Volunteering is a geat way for youth to get involved in their community, meet new people and make a difference in the lives of others. Youth get a chance to:

  • do volunteer service around Saskatoon that is challenging, rewarding and educational
  • develop important job-related skills
  • develop leadership potential
  • meet other kids and have fun

Declaration Program

Child & Youth Friendly Saskatoon Declarations are signed by government agencies, businesses and community organizations. The declarations are displayed publicly to express each group's intentions to promote the well being of children and youth within their sphere of care. Organizations are encouraged to evaluate themselves for child and youth friendliness, and to commit to a new child and youth friendly initiative.

Recognizing the equal and inalienable right of all people to the fundamental rights of freedom, justice and peace, and that:

  • everyone is entitled to these rights, regardless of age, race, colour, creed or other status
  • young people are entitled to special care and assistance in assuming their rightful place in society
  • all people should be responsible owners of their community, and share responsibility for the well-being of children and youth in their community

and, recognizing that;

  • a child and youth friendly community is one in which all young people are safe, secure, nurtured, honoured and valued
  • all young people can contribute and the significance of their contribution will be recognized
  • all young people need opportunities to develop a sense of responsibility and ownership over their actions

Children's Champion Award

The recipient of the annual Children's Champion Award exemplifies the hope of Child & Youth Friendly Saskatoon that all citizens take an interest in the children and youth of our community, helping them to make the right decisions in life and supporting C&YFS Saskatoon in promoting healthy lifestyles for all of its citizens. Child & Youth Friendly Saskatoon is pleased to announce that Phoebe Voigts, Artistic Director of the Saskatoon Children's Choir, will be the 2011 recipient of the Children's Champion Award.

Ms. Voigts received her initial training at the University of Regina Luther College and the University of Saskatchewan and further training at the University of Alberta, the University of Manitoba and the Royal College of Church Music in Croydon, England. Her focus has been on children's choirs. Ms. Voigts founded the Saskatoon Children's choir in 1996. Under her artistic leadership, the choir has grown into a formidable and inspired choir that has toured the world and earned international recognition. With an emphasis on high artistic standards, coupled with a focus on humanitarian causes, the choir has performed on choral stages across Canada, as well as in Europe, Asia and the United States. Currently, the choir is preparing a performance tour of South Africa.

Former recipients of the Children's Champion Award include:

  • Deborah Parker-Loewen
  • Sue Delanoy
  • Lynda McLean-Woodward
  • Brenda Baker
  • Diane Selby