2026 Winter Youth Program

 Community Application

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APPLY NOW

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The Recreation & Parks Association of Nunavut (RPAN) is pleased to once again be hosting the Winter Youth Program staff training program in 2026.  The Winter Youth Program includes: NU Moves After School Program and the Winter Camp Week. The program, we have grown from five communities in our pilot year, and in 2025, we anticipate up to 16 communities participating.

 

At this time, we are planning for in person staff training. Training will be in Winnipeg, Jan 8 – 11, 2026 including travel days.

 

NU MOVES is a Nunavut wide initiative that works with participating communities to provide after-school recreational programming for children 5 – 12 years, four-days a week (Monday-Thursday) from January to March.

 

Led by Youth Leaders with the support of the Community's Recreation department, the NU MOVES program provides training and employment opportunities for youth 15-25 years of age. Youth leaders in turn run an 8 – 10 week after school program and a finale celebration event at the end of March.

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NU NOVES also provides resources, equipment, craft supplies and toques for the participating communities and their participants to enhance the experience and FUN!

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The Winter Camp Week takes place during Professional Development week Feb 16-20, 2026, and the Youth Leaders will host full days of camp from 9:00AM-4:00PM for the children.

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Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this project is to provide support and training to communities in the Nunavut for the successful implementation of a after school program for children ages 5-12 years.  This includes providing training and resources to winter youth staff, as well as equipment and craft supplies and resource materials.

 

The project objectives include:​

• Provide training to support communities hosting quality winter programs;

• Provide casual winter employment (including training week);

• Provide quality winter programs for children and youth;

• Develop effective partnerships with those currently providing services in the community related to youth;

• Provide resources necessary for the implementation of winter programs;

• Provide equipment and supplies needed to deliver successful programs. 

 

WINTER YOUTH PROGRAM OVERVIEW

 

WHAT IS WINTER YOUTH PROGRAM (WYP)?

RPANs Winter Youth Program is comprised of the following:

• NU Moves After School Program will provide training and resources for youth 15-22 years of age.

• Winter Camp Week which is full camp during Education's PD week.

• RPAN will provide all equipment, craft supplies, resources and training needed to deliver successful programs.

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HOW DO COMMUNITIES BECOME INVOLVED IN WINTER YOUTH PROGRAM?​

• Application and support letter for the Winter Youth Program must be received by Nov 3, 2025.

• Confirmation space for day camp use for a period of 8-10 weeks must be included in the letter

• Supervisors must dedicate time for monthly conference calls.

• All winter youth program staff will need to have a CRC/VSC by prior to training

• All youth leaders and the recreation coordinator will be required to attend the Jan training session.

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WHAT RESOURCES WILL BE SUPPLIED WITH WINTER YOUTH PROGRAM?

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RPAN WILL:

• Cover 100% of all training costs including: travel, accommodations, food, certification (for up to 3 youth leaders and the recreation coordinator) 

• Coordinate all flights and accommodations for the training.

• Provide youth leader staffing funds 

• Purchase art and craft supplies for each community

• Provide support to each community for snacks and drinks

• Provide participant t-shirts for each community

• Provide staff clothing 

• Provide all resources to participating communities

• Purchase WYP equipment

 

HAMLETS WILL:​

• Recruit and hire winter youth leaders, including one “leader/supervisor”

• Allocate a suitable space to host the winter youth program (community hall, arena, etc)

• Host a minimum 8-10 week camp program

• Participate in evaluation at end of winter programming

• Budget for any additional “hosting” costs 

• Apply on grants for additional funding to support the program in your community

 

It is important to note, communities participating in the Winter Youth Program are required to complete training evaluations and end of season program evaluations.  Supervisors are also required to participate in all conference call meetings.

 

100% participation in training is required!

 

Hamlet MUST be in good standing with RPAN. Any Hamlets owing money or reports will not be considered for participation until paid in full.  Hamlets MUST be RPAN members for the April 2025 – March 2026 year.

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HOW CAN COMMUNITIES PARTICIPATE IN THE WINTER YOUTH PROGRAM?

1. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION BELOW.

2. HAVE ALL LETTERS OF SUPPORT AND DOCUMENTS ATTACHED WITH THE APPLICATION.

3. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS: Nov 3, 2025.