Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation funding announced for boys group

Cambridge – The Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation announced it would fund the second year of the Wise Guys program—a small youth group for “boys only” at the Z beside the Y youth centre operated by the YMCA of Cambridge. This group consists of approximately 5 – 8 male youth ages 13 -15 years. The program was designed, carried out and evaluated by Z staff and volunteers in response to a need for a closed group for boys.

The purpose of the group is to create a small, trusting atmosphere where boys can share their concerns with positive adult role models in order to help them make informed healthy choices about drugs, and relationships. The program provided boys with information, guidance and an opportunity to practice various skills including communication, problem solving and cooperation increasing their ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships with adults, peers, and romantic partners.

The program focuses on the importance of being self confident enough to make healthy lifestyle choices thereby decreasing the likelihood that they will participate in risky behaviours such as the usage of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and participation in sexual and criminal activity. Resources were gathered from Planned Parenthood and Waterloo Regional Public Health in order to create a meaningful curriculum.

Like other Z programs, the YMCA seeks to evaluate what kind of a difference we are making in the lives of young people. Therefore, a survey was created to measure the impact of this program on these boys. With a focus on health and healthy relationships, last year’s survey said 100% of boys reported the program helped them to: be more physically active, eat healthier, and stay away from drugs, alcohol, and smoking. Another purpose of the program is to help boys mature, as they become more aware of adult issues and decisions and develop tools to make healthy decisions. Three-quarters of the boys said the program helped them to learn how to budget money, make better decisions, learn new skills and become a better leader. “We have seen some real maturity in these boys” said Jennifer Colwell, Youth Centre Supervisor.

The $1,000 grant is from the After Four Programs Initiative through the General Youth Endowment Fund of the Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation. The foundation connects donors who care with causes that matter and serves as a trusted resource for addressing issues and leveraging opportunities in the community. For more information about the Foundation, go to www.cambridgefoundation.org.