Children & Youth Programs
Registration Now Open: Kuumba Summer Camp 2025!
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) is excited to announce that registration is now open for our Kuumba Summer Camp! This camp is designed for youth aged 8–13 who identify as Black and of African heritage.
Camp Dates: Monday, July 7 – Friday, August 15, 2025 Time: Weekdays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location: Terry Fox Public School (new location for 2025!) Kuumba Summer Camp offers meaningful, joyful experiences rooted in Black culture, featuring:
Campers will strengthen their self-awareness, build confidence and deepen their connection to their heritage — all while having fun and making new friends. Space is limited and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait! Affordable full program and weekly rates available. Discounts for NACCA members. Flexible payment plans offered. Ready to Register? Click here |
Calling Black Youth 14-19
Black Rivers Alliance is back!
Calling all Black youth ages 14–19! Join us twice a month for youth leadership, community connection, interactive workshops and lots of fun. Come build, lead and grow with your peers at NACCA! For more information: 905-781-6222 [email protected] naccacommunity.ca |
Where Black Children are Affirmed and Nurtured to Thrive
Image: NACCA Youth Leadership Committee's Summer 2024 Block Party
T.E.A.C.H Mental Health Workshop Series
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Join us for a transformative opportunity aimed at supporting Black youth in York Region. This 8-week workshop series, T.E.A.C.H Mental Health, is designed to empower Black youth by providing essential mental health education and support. Running virtually from October 7, 2024, to June 17, 2025, the program offers four different cohorts to choose from, ensuring flexibility and accessibility.
This Youth School Success initiative (YSSI) is part of a broader collaboration of seven agencies committed to the educational and holistic success of Black youth in York and Toronto. By participating, youth will gain valuable skills, knowledge, and resources to navigate the challenges of mental health, all within a supportive community. Funded by United Way Greater Toronto, this workshop series is an excellent opportunity for personal growth and community connection.
Workshop Dates:
Cohort 1: Oct 7, 2024 – Nov 25, 2024
Cohort 2: Dec 2, 2024 – Feb 17, 2025
Cohort 3: Feb 25, 2025 – Apr 22, 2025
Cohort 4: Apr 29, 2025 – Jun 17, 2025
Registration is now open!
For more information, contact Josie Rose at [email protected] or 289-763-3663
This Youth School Success initiative (YSSI) is part of a broader collaboration of seven agencies committed to the educational and holistic success of Black youth in York and Toronto. By participating, youth will gain valuable skills, knowledge, and resources to navigate the challenges of mental health, all within a supportive community. Funded by United Way Greater Toronto, this workshop series is an excellent opportunity for personal growth and community connection.
Workshop Dates:
Cohort 1: Oct 7, 2024 – Nov 25, 2024
Cohort 2: Dec 2, 2024 – Feb 17, 2025
Cohort 3: Feb 25, 2025 – Apr 22, 2025
Cohort 4: Apr 29, 2025 – Jun 17, 2025
Registration is now open!
For more information, contact Josie Rose at [email protected] or 289-763-3663
The Iris Malcolm Library Presents: Reading Buddies Program
The Iris Malcolm Library is putting together it's first reading buddy program!
The reading buddy program will pair children with trained teen volunteers from the community to help encourage reading literacy as well as encourage children to enjoy reading!
Sessions will be held at The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association's (NACCA) community center at 449 Eagle Street, Newmarket. More information regarding the Reading Buddies program will be sent once you have signed up.
Completion of the registration form provides NACCA with the information needed to connect you to services that will best support your needs.
Program Details
When: Saturdays between 11:00 am -3:00 pm (starting May 25, 2024)
Where: In-person at 449 Eagle Street, Newmarket L3Y 1K7
The reading buddy program will pair children with trained teen volunteers from the community to help encourage reading literacy as well as encourage children to enjoy reading!
Sessions will be held at The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association's (NACCA) community center at 449 Eagle Street, Newmarket. More information regarding the Reading Buddies program will be sent once you have signed up.
Completion of the registration form provides NACCA with the information needed to connect you to services that will best support your needs.
Program Details
When: Saturdays between 11:00 am -3:00 pm (starting May 25, 2024)
Where: In-person at 449 Eagle Street, Newmarket L3Y 1K7
Past Programs
Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah)
Creativity – using creativity and imagination to make our community better, and more beautiful and beneficial than we found it.
Kuumba Summer Camp will operate from Monday, July 8 – Friday, August 16, 2024, weekdays, from 9 AM to 3PM at 449 Eagle Street in Newmarket.
Welcome to Kuumba Summer Camp, where creativity and cultural enrichment unite! Our camp is rooted in Africentric themes and learning outcomes, providing a unique and immersive experience for campers ages 6-13 years old. At Kuumba, participants can expect a blend of activities that celebrate African, African-Canadian and Caribbean culture, fostering a sense of pride, identity, and community.
Throughout the camp, we offer a wide range of engaging and educational experiences, including arts and crafts, storytelling, music and dance workshops, swimming, culinary adventures exploring traditional cuisine, field trips and interactive history lessons highlighting the rich heritage of Africa and its diaspora.
Our camp is not only about learning, but also about empowerment. Through various activities and discussions, campers are encouraged to embrace their individuality, express themselves creatively, and develop leadership skills that will serve them well beyond the summer.
Whether your child is discovering their heritage for the first time or deepening their connection to their roots, Kuumba Summer Camp provides a supportive and nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. It will be a journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration.
Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Cost: Choose from two convenient payment options:
. Register here today!
Creativity – using creativity and imagination to make our community better, and more beautiful and beneficial than we found it.
Kuumba Summer Camp will operate from Monday, July 8 – Friday, August 16, 2024, weekdays, from 9 AM to 3PM at 449 Eagle Street in Newmarket.
Welcome to Kuumba Summer Camp, where creativity and cultural enrichment unite! Our camp is rooted in Africentric themes and learning outcomes, providing a unique and immersive experience for campers ages 6-13 years old. At Kuumba, participants can expect a blend of activities that celebrate African, African-Canadian and Caribbean culture, fostering a sense of pride, identity, and community.
Throughout the camp, we offer a wide range of engaging and educational experiences, including arts and crafts, storytelling, music and dance workshops, swimming, culinary adventures exploring traditional cuisine, field trips and interactive history lessons highlighting the rich heritage of Africa and its diaspora.
Our camp is not only about learning, but also about empowerment. Through various activities and discussions, campers are encouraged to embrace their individuality, express themselves creatively, and develop leadership skills that will serve them well beyond the summer.
Whether your child is discovering their heritage for the first time or deepening their connection to their roots, Kuumba Summer Camp provides a supportive and nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. It will be a journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration.
Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Cost: Choose from two convenient payment options:
- A one-time $300 registration fee covers the entire 6 weeks program. For families on a budget, we offer a payment arrangement of $50 per week.
- Opt for flexible weekly rates: $100 for 1 week, $150 for 2 weeks, $200 for 3 weeks, $250 for 4 weeks, or $300 for 5 weeks.
. Register here today!
Kuumba Summer Camp is Back July 4 - August 18, 2023
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) is pleased to offer Kuumba Summer Camp for youth, 6 – 13 years of age, who identify as Black and of African heritage.
Kuumba Summer Camp will operate from Tuesday, July 4 – Friday, August 18, 2023, weekdays, from 9 AM to 3:30 PM at 449 Eagle Street in Newmarket.
Camp will feature Black-centered and fun-filled experiences from our Summer Reading and Art Starts Here Programs to Outdoor Adventures, Field Trips, Swimming, Culinary and Gardening Workshops to Skin and Hair Care and more!
Your child will experience a boost to their positive self-awareness, self-confidence and grow in the love and knowledge of their culture. Inspired by Black youth for Black youth!
Kuumba Summer Camp will operate from Tuesday, July 4 – Friday, August 18, 2023, weekdays, from 9 AM to 3:30 PM at 449 Eagle Street in Newmarket.
Camp will feature Black-centered and fun-filled experiences from our Summer Reading and Art Starts Here Programs to Outdoor Adventures, Field Trips, Swimming, Culinary and Gardening Workshops to Skin and Hair Care and more!
Your child will experience a boost to their positive self-awareness, self-confidence and grow in the love and knowledge of their culture. Inspired by Black youth for Black youth!
NACCA Presents T.E.A.C.H.
A six week program beginning Nov. 9, 2022
T.E.A.C.H (Training, Empowerment, Advocacy, Counselling, Help) is a program that seeks to offer education and community connections as it pertains to Black youth mental health and well-being practices. We are holding a six-week workshop series on mental health for Black youth between the ages of 12 and 25. Topics will centre Black youth, their experiences, identity, mental health and so much more!
When: Every Wednesday from November 9, 2022 – December 14, 2022
Where: In-person at 449 Eagle Street and virtual via zoom
Take the youth survey HERE
Register for the program HERE
T.E.A.C.H. is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to help build resiliency in the community as a result of covid-19.
T.E.A.C.H Week # 1
The Context of Blackness.
I'm Dripping Melanin and Honey: Understanding my Identity
The Impact & Pervasiveness of Anti-Black Racism on Black youth
Understanding the "ABC's" of Mental Health
Everyone is talking about mental health these days. What does " mental health" even mean? This workshop will have discussions and activities that will explain what mental health is, what are some common mental health challenges, how to regulate and understand your emotions and finally some coping strategies that can be helpful for a lifetime!
T.E.A.C.H Week # 4
Covid-19 & Youth Mental Health
Covid- 19 took the world, spun her on her axis and made many of us sick. Most of the world lived in Isolation, fear and loss. As people of Black, African, Caribbean or indigenous cultures, our collective and individual experiences of Covid-19 added unhealthy layers. Today, Covid- 19 is still here; have we learned how to manage our lives differently? What are the effects of experiences with Covid-19? This workshop seeks to have open dialogue and engaging activities around how Covid-19 affected youth mental health and how to support themselves moving forward.
T.E.A.C.H Week # 5
Decolonizing the mind: Advocacy and Strategies for Supporting Black Youth Mental Health
Ever wonder why people talk about " light skin vs dark skin" or constantly try to ask " where are you from?" Even though you are born Canadian with Caribbean, African or even American roots? This workshop is for you!
In this workshop we will discuss and have fun interactions to understand how colonialism shows up in our everyday individual and societal behaviours and thoughts. We will look at how you, as a young person, can start the process of decolonizing your mind and develop positive practices and ways of thinking that will make you live a more fulfilling life!
T.E.A.C.H Week # 6
My Responsibilities to my Mental Health
After learning about mental health earlier in this workshop series, we aim to take it a step further with our youth and get hands on skills with taking care of ourselves.
This workshop will have discussion on mental health stigma, how to take responsibility for our mental health, the benefits of maintaining our mental health and the Who, What and where of mental health support. This workshop will be interactive as young folks will get the opportunity to set the stage on how to start a healthy mental health journey based on their needs!
When: Every Wednesday from November 9, 2022 – December 14, 2022
Where: In-person at 449 Eagle Street and virtual via zoom
Take the youth survey HERE
Register for the program HERE
T.E.A.C.H. is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to help build resiliency in the community as a result of covid-19.
T.E.A.C.H Week # 1
The Context of Blackness.
I'm Dripping Melanin and Honey: Understanding my Identity
- What is identity?
- How does it affect your mental health?
- Self acceptance: what does it mean to be Black & proud?
The Impact & Pervasiveness of Anti-Black Racism on Black youth
- What is racism?
- What is anti-Black racism and anti-oppression?
- How does racism intersect with youth culture?
- Building self-esteem and setting boundaries for mental health
Understanding the "ABC's" of Mental Health
Everyone is talking about mental health these days. What does " mental health" even mean? This workshop will have discussions and activities that will explain what mental health is, what are some common mental health challenges, how to regulate and understand your emotions and finally some coping strategies that can be helpful for a lifetime!
T.E.A.C.H Week # 4
Covid-19 & Youth Mental Health
Covid- 19 took the world, spun her on her axis and made many of us sick. Most of the world lived in Isolation, fear and loss. As people of Black, African, Caribbean or indigenous cultures, our collective and individual experiences of Covid-19 added unhealthy layers. Today, Covid- 19 is still here; have we learned how to manage our lives differently? What are the effects of experiences with Covid-19? This workshop seeks to have open dialogue and engaging activities around how Covid-19 affected youth mental health and how to support themselves moving forward.
T.E.A.C.H Week # 5
Decolonizing the mind: Advocacy and Strategies for Supporting Black Youth Mental Health
Ever wonder why people talk about " light skin vs dark skin" or constantly try to ask " where are you from?" Even though you are born Canadian with Caribbean, African or even American roots? This workshop is for you!
In this workshop we will discuss and have fun interactions to understand how colonialism shows up in our everyday individual and societal behaviours and thoughts. We will look at how you, as a young person, can start the process of decolonizing your mind and develop positive practices and ways of thinking that will make you live a more fulfilling life!
T.E.A.C.H Week # 6
My Responsibilities to my Mental Health
After learning about mental health earlier in this workshop series, we aim to take it a step further with our youth and get hands on skills with taking care of ourselves.
This workshop will have discussion on mental health stigma, how to take responsibility for our mental health, the benefits of maintaining our mental health and the Who, What and where of mental health support. This workshop will be interactive as young folks will get the opportunity to set the stage on how to start a healthy mental health journey based on their needs!
Youth School Success Initiative (YSSI)
Weekly Programming- Ongoing Counseling Services Available
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Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) is a proud partner of the Youth School Success Initiative (YSSI) which is an ethno-specific collaborative made up of 7 York and Toronto-based agencies working together to empower the educational and holistic success of Black youth in York and Toronto regions. YSSI will deliver a wrap-around program that best meets the needs of identified Black youth in the York Region and Toronto District School Boards.
Mental Health Education and Support
NACCAs vision is to focus on African positive identity formation/ Rites of passage as a foundation for mental wellness, and supporting children in developing a positive sense of self.
Childhood and adolescence are critical stages of life for mental health. This is a time when rapid growth and development take place in the brain.
The quality of the environment where children and adolescents grow up shapes their well-being and development. Early negative experiences in homes, schools, or digital spaces, such as exposure to violence, the mental illness of a parent or other caregiver, bullying and poverty, increase the risk of mental illness.
The consequences of not addressing mental health and psychosocial development for children and adolescents extend to adulthood and limit opportunities for leading fulfilling lives.
Program starts September 20, 2022. Click the link below to register! Visit the program page here
Mental Health Education and Support
NACCAs vision is to focus on African positive identity formation/ Rites of passage as a foundation for mental wellness, and supporting children in developing a positive sense of self.
Childhood and adolescence are critical stages of life for mental health. This is a time when rapid growth and development take place in the brain.
The quality of the environment where children and adolescents grow up shapes their well-being and development. Early negative experiences in homes, schools, or digital spaces, such as exposure to violence, the mental illness of a parent or other caregiver, bullying and poverty, increase the risk of mental illness.
The consequences of not addressing mental health and psychosocial development for children and adolescents extend to adulthood and limit opportunities for leading fulfilling lives.
Program starts September 20, 2022. Click the link below to register! Visit the program page here
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Summer Basketball Clinic - Youth 14-18 years old
WE ARE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE REGISTRATION FOR THE SUMMER BASKETBALL CLINIC HAS REOPENED AND WE ARE ACCEPTING 10 NEW REGISTRANTS. LINK TO REGISTER BELOW.
The Summer Basketball Clinic is a pilot program designed for boys, 14 - 18 years old. The clinic will engage in athletic training as a response to the two year restriction where programs were cancelled. Cancellations have left youth with a tremendous vacuum and damage to their self- worth, confidence, and belief in themselves. Therefore, the program is structured to address both mental health and athleticism. Through the game of basketball, the clinic seeks to help develop relationship skills, coping mechanisms and overall character. Spaces are limited to 20 participants and registration is open to youth on a first come first serve basis.
Program Date: July 02 - August 30
Registration deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2022
Training days: Saturdays, 1PM-3PM
Location: Magna Centre, 800 Mulock Drive
Admission: FREE
Program Date: July 02 - August 30
Registration deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2022
Training days: Saturdays, 1PM-3PM
Location: Magna Centre, 800 Mulock Drive
Admission: FREE
NACCA & First Canada Virtual Summer Camp!
With FTC SIM, students will navigate a virtual classroom with a virtual robot using block code. This exciting tool allows students to visually see what their robot is doing and make corrections in real-time.
This 3D virtual space is incredibly exciting and gets students pumped about robotics and coding. Space is limited, register now!
This 3D virtual space is incredibly exciting and gets students pumped about robotics and coding. Space is limited, register now!
This camp is geared towards students ages 12-16 who may be interested in future STEM endeavors!
During the FREE week long session, students will be provided with a robot kit that they will transform into their own fully operational robot by the end of the session that performs some basic tasks. Students will be able to drive and code these robots.
Session Date and Time:
August 9th to 13th
9 a.m. (ET) to 3:15 p.m. (ET)
What you will receive:
FREE robot ($1500 value)*
FREE live instruction for 5 full days
Access to free coding software
Where:
Camps will be held online and participants will need access to a computer with internet connection with the ability to run zoom. A zoom link will be provided via email as we get closer to camp start date. Space is limited, register now!
*Robots on loan and will be returned to FIRST Canada at the close of the Robotics program.
During the FREE week long session, students will be provided with a robot kit that they will transform into their own fully operational robot by the end of the session that performs some basic tasks. Students will be able to drive and code these robots.
Session Date and Time:
August 9th to 13th
9 a.m. (ET) to 3:15 p.m. (ET)
What you will receive:
FREE robot ($1500 value)*
FREE live instruction for 5 full days
Access to free coding software
Where:
Camps will be held online and participants will need access to a computer with internet connection with the ability to run zoom. A zoom link will be provided via email as we get closer to camp start date. Space is limited, register now!
*Robots on loan and will be returned to FIRST Canada at the close of the Robotics program.
Djembe Drumming
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What is a Djembe Drum?
The djembe drum is a rope-tuned, skin-covered, and goblet-shaped drum played with your bare hands. The head of the drum is traditionally made from goatskin, which provides the drum with a piercing high-pitched tone and slap sounds. Three main sounds that can be played on a djembe are bass, tone, and slap. The bass sound (low-pitched) is achieved by striking the drum in the middle of the skin with a heavy hand. The tone (medium-pitched) is played with the hand on the edge of the skin, using the wrist as well as the arm to propel the hand towards the drum. The slap (high-pitched) is technically the hardest stroke to achieve. There are many types of slap, all of which are played near the edge.
he djembe is West Africa’s best known instrument. The countries where it gets played the most are Guinea, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. The name of the djembe came from the Bamana in Mali, who said “Anke dje, anke be” to call their people together. People play the djembe on different occasions; such as weddings, celebrations, dancing, or even just coming together. It’s different tribes and people who play the djembe. The drum belongs to the membranophone class of instruments in the percussion family. The djembe drum is about 400-800 years old and was created during the Malian Empire by the Mandé people.
Today, it is played throughout the world. It has traveled across the ocean to Europe, South and North America. The Djembe is truly a global instrument. The Djembe has been a fundamental part of spiritual and ritualistic life in West Africa for many generations. (Source: https://blackmusicscholar.com/djembe-drum/) -
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Change to Event: NACCA - Youth Volunteer Cleanup Day Contest
Youth Volunteer Cleanup Day Contest!
When
Sep 19, 2020, 12:00 AM - Sep 19, 2020, 11:59 PM EDT
Join us on September 19 to support the efforts of #WorldCleanupDay. You are welcome to volunteer at any time during the day!
Where
Feel free to select your own clean up location. Whether it is a park, local trail, or your own neighbourhood.
Contact
If you would like to obtain cleanup kits, contact Matthew at [email protected] and we will deliver them to you!
Eligibility Requirements:
1) Must be a resident of Newmarket, Aurora or East Gwillimbury
2) Must be between 5-25 years old
3) Must actually cleanup!
4) Must submit 2 photos of your cleanup story with a description and the locations of where you cleaned up
5) Must give NACCA permission to share your photos
6) Must pass a skill testing question (math or vocabulary).
About this Volunteer Opportunity
Whether you head out solo, as a family, or a small physically-distanced team, this is a safe and simple opportunity to make a difference. Tackle trash on your local trails, sweep up your street or pick-up in the neighbourhood park.
Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
· Follow instructions from Government and Health Organizations
· If you see sharp or large items, please contact your municipality to collect them
· Be sure to know how and where to dispose the collected waste once cleanup is done
· You can volunteer at anytime in any area, even in your own neighborhood
· Bring family & friends. The more, the better!
· Don’t forget to track your hours! Every hour counts towards your high school volunteer hours
· We encourage you to wear your NACCA T shirt or NACCA hoodie, or wear yellow or black if you don’t have one.
· Take photos! We are awarding 3 prizes: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes of $150, $100 and $50 respectively to see who can clean up the largest areas in their local neighbourhoods.
· Bring your supplies: mask, gloves, garbage/recycling bags, hand sanitizer, water bottle
If you are in Newmarket, drop off your garbage bags at the Ray Twinney Recreational Complex (signage will note exact location).
Submission:
Please submit your entry (one entry per family) to
[email protected] by Sunday September 20th at 12 noon. Winners will be announced on Wednesday September 23rd!
When
Sep 19, 2020, 12:00 AM - Sep 19, 2020, 11:59 PM EDT
Join us on September 19 to support the efforts of #WorldCleanupDay. You are welcome to volunteer at any time during the day!
Where
Feel free to select your own clean up location. Whether it is a park, local trail, or your own neighbourhood.
Contact
If you would like to obtain cleanup kits, contact Matthew at [email protected] and we will deliver them to you!
Eligibility Requirements:
1) Must be a resident of Newmarket, Aurora or East Gwillimbury
2) Must be between 5-25 years old
3) Must actually cleanup!
4) Must submit 2 photos of your cleanup story with a description and the locations of where you cleaned up
5) Must give NACCA permission to share your photos
6) Must pass a skill testing question (math or vocabulary).
About this Volunteer Opportunity
Whether you head out solo, as a family, or a small physically-distanced team, this is a safe and simple opportunity to make a difference. Tackle trash on your local trails, sweep up your street or pick-up in the neighbourhood park.
Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
· Follow instructions from Government and Health Organizations
· If you see sharp or large items, please contact your municipality to collect them
· Be sure to know how and where to dispose the collected waste once cleanup is done
· You can volunteer at anytime in any area, even in your own neighborhood
· Bring family & friends. The more, the better!
· Don’t forget to track your hours! Every hour counts towards your high school volunteer hours
· We encourage you to wear your NACCA T shirt or NACCA hoodie, or wear yellow or black if you don’t have one.
· Take photos! We are awarding 3 prizes: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes of $150, $100 and $50 respectively to see who can clean up the largest areas in their local neighbourhoods.
· Bring your supplies: mask, gloves, garbage/recycling bags, hand sanitizer, water bottle
If you are in Newmarket, drop off your garbage bags at the Ray Twinney Recreational Complex (signage will note exact location).
Submission:
Please submit your entry (one entry per family) to
[email protected] by Sunday September 20th at 12 noon. Winners will be announced on Wednesday September 23rd!
And the winner is Team Christie!
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