Recreational Programs

At The Door we are always striving for balance: between planned activities and spontaneous engagement; structure and free-time; learning and just plain 'chilling!' To this end, a third component of our programming is centered on recreation: on games, entertainment, discovery and fun! As well, these recreation programs are often an important draw to The Door for the youth members and serve as a critical pathway to our more defined learning and development programs.

Activities

Some of the most consistently popular activities are ping pong, pool and foozball, which are offered nightly. These activities encourage healthy competition furthered by weekly tournaments complete with prizes. A recent addition of a freestanding arcade and new board games provide nightly entertainment, while weekly movie nights and our movie library present a quieter alternative. Some of our newest and most popular resources are the Wii, Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution video games. Both of these video games bring together youth who might not otherwise socialize, while Dance Dance Revolution provides a popular and competitive physical activity. Through weekly rental donation from Microplay a variety of video games are also available.

In 2009 The Door opened its first Music Room. Thanks to the assistance of volunteers and the generosity of private donor, which included a beautiful piano, with the help of talented volunteers we began to offering weekly music lessons that encourage a wide variety of amazing creative talents.

Computers and High Speed Internet

The computers and high-speed internet access are one of our most popular used resources. Through donations and grants from organizations including Telus, The Door has acquired eight computers for the use of youth and staff. Youth are able to use the computers to access their email, do research for homework and employment purposes, download music and chat with their friends on high speed Internet. Further, as all of the computers are networked, the members are able to play games against each other and share other files. The computers and internet access also allow an important point of contact between new Canadians and their families and friends elsewhere. All the computers are spread over two sections of the Centre to encourage integration.

Girls' Night at The Door

Once every two months The Door also hosts a Girls' Night only- usually one evening where all the male youth and staff are "kicked out" and the female youth members, volunteers and staff get a chance to interact and get to know one another. Girls' Night includes various activities from jewellery and lip-gloss making to movies and snacks. We also provide girls related workshops of those some of those nights which encourage healthy self-image and self-esteem. We believe that nights like Girls' Night encourage female membership while providing the opportunity for all women associated with The Door to strengthen their community, and learn from one another.

Arts Program

The concept and design of our Arts Program is structured so that the youth can receive a well-rounded artistic education while passing their time constructively after school. The curriculum is divided into diverse units that aim to touch upon every stylistic aspect and artistic medium within the arts field. This Program provides the youth with a chance to sit together and get to know people they might not otherwise take the time to socialize with. It gives the youth something in common to break the ice and has been the initiator of some very interesting discussions.