The program brought together 20 university students for an enjoyable afternoon of friendship, conversation, and community connection. In the welcoming outdoor atmosphere of the GRFS garden, participants had the opportunity to spend quality time together, strengthen friendships, and build a stronger sense of belonging.

This gathering was more than a social activity. It created a supportive space where students could connect, relax, share meaningful conversations, and enjoy being part of a caring community.

GRFS sincerely thanks the Mentorship Team, volunteers, and all participants who contributed to making this program a warm, joyful, and memorable experience.

At GRFS, we are proud to support university students through mentorship, friendship, guidance, and community-building opportunities that help young people feel connected, supported, and valued.

The post Mentorship Team Hosts Barbecue Gathering for University Students appeared first on GRFS.

These special gatherings gave students the opportunity to explore new places, express their creativity, build friendships, spend quality time with mentors, and create lasting memories together.

Grade 9 students enjoyed a fun pottery painting experience, where they explored their creativity, designed unique pieces, and shared meaningful time with friends and mentors.

Grade 10 students visited the beautiful village of Elora, exploring local boutiques, cafés, bookstores, artisan shops, scenic attractions, and the charming surroundings of Elora Mill and Victoria Park. The day was filled with discovery, laughter, friendship, and memorable moments.

Grade 11 students spent the day in Toronto, where they explored the city and enjoyed a bike ride around Toronto Islands. With beautiful waterfront views, great food, and plenty of fun, it was a wonderful opportunity to connect, strengthen friendships, and enjoy the city together.

These monthly outings are an important part of our mentorship program. They provide students with opportunities for personal growth, meaningful conversations, community building, leadership development, and unforgettable shared experiences.

We sincerely thank all of our mentors, students, and families for making these moments so special.

At GRFS, we are proud to support youth through mentorship, friendship, guidance, and opportunities that help them grow with confidence, connection, and a strong sense of belonging.

The post May Outings with GRFS High School Girls Mentorship Program appeared first on GRFS.

The camp provided a valuable opportunity for young mentors to renew their motivation, strengthen friendships, build team spirit, and enjoy a supportive learning environment away from their regular routines.

Throughout the camp, participants took part in both reflective and recreational activities, including swimming, barbecue, games, group conversations, and shared community time. The program created a warm atmosphere where youth could connect with one another, recharge, and grow together.

As part of the camp, four seminar sessions were delivered on important mentorship and personal development topics:

• Mentorship Follow-Up and Its Importance
• Time Management
• Character Education
• The Importance of Consultation and Shared Decision-Making

These sessions helped student mentors reflect on their responsibilities, develop stronger leadership habits, and better understand the role of mentorship in supporting younger students and building a positive community culture.

GRFS thanks all mentors, volunteers, and team members who contributed to making this camp a meaningful, enjoyable, and inspiring experience.

At GRFS, we are proud to support youth mentorship, leadership development, character education, and meaningful friendships that help young people grow with confidence, responsibility, and purpose.

The post GRFS Student Mentors Cottage Camp appeared first on GRFS.

This Saturday, Grand River Friendship Society and the Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region (CYPT) came together to host a special community event as part of the upcoming Child Voice Project 2026  (CVP 2026) .

Children ages 6–10 gathered at the GRFS building and participated in 9 different activity stations, each inspired by one of UNICEF Canada’s 9 Areas of Child Well-Being. Through hands-on activities, teamwork, creativity, and learning, participants explored important themes that contribute to healthy, happy, and thriving childhoods.

It was a joyful day filled with learning, laughter, friendship, and community spirit. The program created a meaningful space for children to engage, express themselves, build connections, and learn through play.

We sincerely thank all the volunteers, families, and children who helped make this event such a success.

We look forward to continuing this journey together as we prepare for CVP 2026.

The post Child Well-Being Community Event in Collabaration with CYPT appeared first on GRFS.

This support will help create accessible and enriching summer opportunities for children and youth across Waterloo Region by reducing financial barriers to participation and ensuring that more young people can benefit from a positive summer experience.

Through learning-based activities, recreation, creativity, leadership development, and social connection, participants will build confidence, develop new skills, form meaningful friendships, and strengthen their sense of belonging within the community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to @wrcommfdn for investing in the wellbeing and success of local children and youth. Their support helps create opportunities for young people to learn, grow, connect, and thrive.

Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected Waterloo Region.

The post GRFS Thanks Waterloo Region Community Foundation for Supporting Summer Opportunities for Children and Youth appeared first on GRFS.

Join Us as We Celebrate a Global Milestone!

Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS) is proud to have been selected as one of only 27 organizations worldwide, representing 10 countries, to receive funding through the inaugural FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

Chosen from more than 3,500 applications submitted from around the world, this achievement is a proud moment for @grfsociety, the Waterloo Region, and Canada.

We invite our community, partners, supporters, and local leaders to join us as we celebrate this exciting milestone together.

Date: June 19, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: Grand River Friendship Society

1117 Snyder’s Rd E, Baden, ON

Event Highlights:

• FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Journey
• Global Impact & Local Success Story
• Special Guest Remarks
• Group Photo
• Refreshments
• Friendly Soccer Activities with Children

Friendly Reminder: Don’t forget your running shoes. You may be invited to join the children for some friendly soccer activities!

Thank you to FIFA, Global Citizen, and everyone who believes in expanding educational opportunities for children and youth around the world.

The post FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Grant Recipient Milestone appeared first on GRFS.

This initiative will provide free artificial intelligence and data science learning opportunities to more than 1,200 youth across the Region of Waterloo, helping young people develop digital skills, critical thinking abilities, and confidence to explore future STEM pathways.

Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, AI demonstrations, and career exploration activities, we will work to make emerging technologies more accessible and inclusive for youth from all backgrounds.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Scale AI for investing in the next generation of innovators and helping create greater access to STEM education for young people in our communities.

Together, we are building a future where every young person has the opportunity to explore, learn, and thrive in the digital age.

www.scaleai.ca 

The post Scale AI Support for AI Explorers+ Youth Data Science Project appeared first on GRFS.

With this vision, we are excited to offer a vibrant and enriching 6-week Summer School Program for children from Preschool to Grade 7.

Our program will run Monday to Thursday, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Each day, students will participate in dynamic classes designed to educate, inspire, and support their overall development. Every Thursday, students will enjoy special activities that add extra excitement and help them celebrate the week together.

The program includes a rich variety of learning and recreational opportunities, including:

• Soccer
• Basketball
• Coding, Technology & AI
• Values Education
• Language Development
• Art Activities
• Mind Games
• Weekly special activities

Each component is thoughtfully designed to support children’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth in a safe and welcoming environment.

We will conclude this wonderful summer journey with a joyful Children’s Festival, creating lasting memories for students and families.

Let’s come together to make this summer meaningful, productive, and full of happiness for our children ????

Dates: June 29 – August 6
Location: Hillside Public School
Registration: Through the GRFS website
Fee: $450 CAD

Families are encouraged to register early from the form below.

The post GRFS Summer School 2026 appeared first on GRFS.

We are deeply grateful to Gloria Baylis Foundation for supporting our Youth Community Health Leadership Program.

This initiative will empower newcomer and racialized youth ages 14 to 25 through culturally responsive workshops, mentorship, and leadership activities focused on:

• Mental health literacy and wellbeing
• Nutrition and healthy lifestyles
• Physical wellbeing
• Healthcare and nursing career pathways
• Youth leadership development

Through this program, young people in the Waterloo Region will gain practical health knowledge, strengthen their confidence, and explore future careers in healthcare while becoming leaders and advocates in their communities.

Thank you to the Gloria Baylis Foundation for believing in our youth and investing in healthier, stronger, and more inclusive communities.

Learn more about Gloria Baylis Foundation: www.gloriabaylisfoundation.ca

Together, we are building brighter futures.

#GrandRiverFriendshipSociety #GloriaBaylisFoundation #YouthLeadership #MentalHealth #HealthEquity #HealthcareCareers #CommunityHealth #NewcomerYouth #RacializedYouth #WaterlooRegion #Mentorship #HealthyCommunities

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The program brought together 70 youth participants with 27 professionals from a wide range of sectors. Organized around 16 networking tables, the event created a meaningful space for mentorship, dialogue, career exploration, and community connection.

Throughout the event, participants had the opportunity to meet professionals, ask questions, hear real career stories, and gain practical insights into different education and career pathways. The program helped youth better understand university and program choices, career opportunities in Canada, and the importance of building strong professional networks.

The event featured professionals from several fields, including employment and career development, non-profit and community services, IT and computer science, engineering, legal and compliance, policing, government and public administration, education, healthcare, business and finance, research and academia, journalism, project management, and community leadership.

NextGen Connect: Learn & Lead reflected GRFS’s commitment to supporting youth through holistic development. At GRFS, we believe young people need access not only to academic and social support, but also to mentorship, leadership opportunities, career guidance, and meaningful community connections.

The event also demonstrated the strength of collaboration between professionals, volunteers, and community leaders who are committed to investing in the next generation. By sharing their experiences and guidance, guest professionals helped participants imagine new possibilities for their future and take practical steps toward their goals.

GRFS sincerely thanks all guest speakers, professionals, community representatives, volunteers, and participants who contributed to the success of the program.

A special thank you goes to the Young Professionals Waterloo Region Team for their leadership, vision, and dedication in organizing this impactful event.

Programs like NextGen Connect: Learn & Lead help build confidence, expand opportunities, and empower youth to connect, learn, and lead.

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