youth
lounge
Welcome to the Youth Lounge
A free, safe, and fun drop-in program for Nanaimo youth ages 11-18.
The Youth Lounge, a partnership between BGCCVI and the City of Nanaimo, is the ultimate hangout spot for youth ages 11-18. Open every Thursday and Friday at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, this free program provides a welcoming and supervised environment where teens can connect, have fun, and just be themselves. With flexible drop-in hours, youth can stop by whenever it works for them and stay as long as they like.
a space for fun, friendship,
and flexibility
At the Youth Lounge, we offer an exciting mix of free activities that keep things fresh, fun, and engaging. From chill hangouts to energetic outings, there’s something for everyone!
- Swimming and Skating: Dive into fun or hit the ice during our activity nights.
- Gaming: Challenge friends on video games or board games.
- Creative Nights: Express yourself with art, music, and more.
- Homework Help: Get the support you need in a relaxed environment.
- Special Events: Enjoy pizza nights, movie marathons, and community outings.
No matter your interests, the Youth Lounge is your space to relax, connect, and thrive.
building strong foundations
Our youth programs are more than just activities—they’re opportunities for personal growth, resilience, and lifelong learning. We incorporate specialized curriculums that address mental health, substance awareness, and relationship skills as foundational building blocks in our programs. These curriculums help youth navigate life’s challenges with knowledge, confidence, and support.
creating connections
Designed for teens ages 13–18, Creating Connections empowers youth with the knowledge and tools to understand substance use, prevent associated harms, and build healthy coping mechanisms. In a safe, open space, teens explore mental health, addiction, and substance-use stigmas with supportive club staff, fostering balanced, informed decision-making.
respect2connect
For ages 12–14, Respect2Connect takes a positive, strengths-based approach to healthy relationship building. Through a trauma-informed lens, youth learn the techniques needed to navigate relationships of all kinds with respect and empathy, while recognizing the diversity of perspectives in today’s world.
flex your head
Flex Your Head equips youth ages 13+ with the strategies and support to promote positive mental health and wellness. In a peer-focused environment, teens learn to manage stress, build resilience, and openly discuss mental health topics, empowering them to prioritize wellness in a welcoming, inclusive setting.
12 - 18 years
3:00 – 7:00pm
Fridays
2:00 – 9:00pm
Need more info? Contact youth@bgccvi.com.