Baseball provides participants with the opportunity to learn the basic skills of baseball including catching, throwing, batting, running. and team play. Throughout the program we define these skills through various baseball drills and games.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club, Gym

Basketball will provide participants with the opportunity to learn the basics of basketball using developmentally appropriate teaching and equipment. Participants will be able to develop life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Ellis Club

Our Ball Hockey program introduces members to the fast-paced sport of Ball hockey, a fun and accessible variation of Ice hockey played on foot with a ball instead of a puck. The program focuses on developing fundamental hockey skills while encouraging teamwork, physical activity and the love for sport.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Pat Quinn Parkdale Arena

The perfect place for young voices to shine! Our choir offers a welcoming and supportive environment where kids learn vocal techniques, rhythm, theory, and performance skills—all while having a blast! Participants will work on learning 5 different songs to be able to perform them at the end of the session. Please note that this is an introduction course, and no previous experience with singing or performing is required.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Ellis Club

This is designed to help participants develop the important skills to use technology safely, responsibly, and effectively. Through these interactive sessions, the kids will learn how to properly use computers, explore the internet, play and learn safety online, and understand the importance of making informed digital choices.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Ellis Club

Discovery Lab engages kids in science concepts through an interactive 8-week curriculum that connects science to real world contexts. The program focuses on hands-on experiments, increases understanding of scientific approaches, and creates opportunities for problem solving, idea refinement, and iterative learning.

Age Groups: 6-8 and 9-12
Location: Ellis Club

Mini:

Ages 3-5
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club, Gym/Games Room

Movement
Dancers will experience a general introduction to dance which will focus on their balance and musicality. They will get the chance to try multiple dance styles. Over the session they will learn how to count music and remember choreography in order to perform a dance at the end of the session.

Ballet
Dancers will experience an introduction to ballet and lyrical which will focus on their technique, balance, and acting. Over the session they will learn how to count music and remember choreography in order to perform a dance at the end of the session.

Jazz
Dancers will experience an introduction to jazz which will focus on their technique, balance, and musicality. Over the session they will learn how to count music and remember choreography in order to perform a dance at the end of the session.

Hip-Hop
Dancers will experience an introduction to hip hop which will focus on their balance, style and musicality. Over the session they will learn how to count music and remember choreography in order to perform a dance at the end of the session.

Junior:

Ages 6-8
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club, Gym/Games Room

Ballet/Lyrical
Dancers will experience an introduction to ballet and lyrical which will focus on their technique, balance, and acting. Over the session they will learn how to count music and remember choreography in order to perform a dance at the end of the session.

Jazz
Dancers will experience an introduction to jazz which will focus on their technique, balance, and musicality. Over the session they will learn how to count music and remember choreography in order to perform a dance at the end of the session.

Hip-Hop
Dancers will experience an introduction to hip hop which will focus on their balance, style and musicality. Over the session they will learn how to count music and remember choreography in order to perform a dance at the end of the session.

Senior:

Ages 9-12
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club, Gym/Games Room

Ballet/Lyrical
Dancers will experience an introduction to ballet and lyrical which will focus on their technique, balance, and acting. Over the session they will learn how to count music and remember choreography in order to perform a dance at the end of the session.

Jazz
Dancers will experience an introduction to jazz which will focus on their technique, balance, and musicality. Over the session they will learn how to count music and remember choreography in order to perform a dance at the end of the session.

Hip-Hop
Dancers will experience an introduction to hip hop which will focus on their balance, style and musicality. Over the session they will learn how to count music and remember choreography in order to perform a dance at the end of the session.

This program provides a space for participants to come and learn the basics of acting and theatre. Members will have a chance to learn improv strategies, stage directions, drama games, and they will work together to put on a play at the end of session, where everyone will have a chance to act and participate in the production.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Ellis Club

Fiber Arts program introduces participants to a variety of fiber arts techniques, including crochet, sewing, knitting, and additional textile-based crafts. Through guided instruction and hands-on practice, participants develop practical crafting skills while completing creative projects such as miniature clothing, crocheted figurines, and functional handmade items. The program fosters creativity, patience, fine motor skills, and confidence in learning traditional and modern fiber arts.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Ellis Club

First Tee Community Program utilizes a “game approach” to develop golf and life skills in participants. The program will introduce golf using games that are flexible to the ages and abilities of the participants involved. 

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club, Gym

Proudly partnered with:

Please visit FAB’s website (here) for more information or to register.

Participants will learn the basics of the sport, including throwing, catching, kicking, and running. Participants can look forward to developing their movement skills through various football activities and games.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club, Field

Welcome to Gardening Club, a program where curiosity grows right alongside plants! This engaging club invites participants to dig into the wonders of nature while learning how to plant, nurture, and harvest their own garden creations. Members will explore topics such as seed starting, soil health, composting, watering techniques, seasonal planting, and garden design. From growing colorful flowers and fresh vegetables to learning about pollinators and ecosystems, members gain practical skills and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Ellis Club

Girl Zone programs provide fun, inclusive, safe space for girls in the community. This program offers a wide variety of activities that facilitate conversations around gender centered issues and provide opportunities to build confidence, self-esteem, and self-advocacy within the participants. Programming includes creative, physical, and wellness based activities. ​

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Ellis Club

This program is offered to self-identified girls. It provides a safe and inclusive environment for girls to learn about fitness, personal wellness, nutritional education, goal-setting, and to engage in physical activity.

Age 9-Grade 8
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club, Gym

This program is offered to self-identified girls. It provides a safe and inclusive environment for girls to experience a variety of sports throughout the program, with the goals of improving their physical literacy and finding new interests.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club, Gym

Gymnastics 1:
Gymnastics 1 is a beginner level program. Participants will learn the basics of gymnastics, focusing on balance and coordination. No experience required.

Gymnastics 2:
Gymnastics 2 is a beginner gymnastics program, with some experience required. Participants will build on established gymnastics skills. Ideally the gymnast can complete the following on their own: front roll, back roll, handstand, cartwheel, and bridge. Participants should also have some experience on the balance beam.

Gymnastics 3
Gymnastics 3 is a beginner level gymnastics program, with some experience required. Participants will build on established gymnastics skills. Ideally the gymnast can complete the following on their own: front roll, back roll, handstand, cartwheel, bridge, front walkover (with assistance), back walkover (with assistance). Participants should have some experience on the balance beam and the vault.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club, Gym

The Jiu-Jitsu program is a grappling-based martial art program that focuses on efficiency and technique to overcome strength and size disadvantages. Instead of using punches or kicks, participants will learn how to control opponents through positioning, grips, escapes, and submission holds-all taught in a safe and age-appropriate environment.

Jiu Jitsu Junior: Ages 7- Grade 8
Jiu Jitsu Senior: Grade 9 to Age 16
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club

Proudly partnered with:

Kid Food Nation is a national initiative that helps kids and families develop food skills through hands-on experiences related to planning, preparing, and cooking. The program also features an online hub with resources for healthy eating and meal preparation, and a national recipe competition that encourages kids to put their food literacy skills into practice and submit original, healthy, and nutritious recipes.

Age Groups: 6-8 and 9-12
Location: Virtual

In Kids Tech Nation, members learn about digital coding and computational thinking through various games and activities. Over 10 weeks, individuals will use micro:bit technology to learn basic coding concepts, internet safety, and build several micro:bit projects.

Ages 7-12
Location: Ellis Club

Through this program, members will learn the basic skills, drills, and rules of lacrosse. Members will also learn Indigenous cultural teachings from qualified facilitators.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club, Gym

The Newsletter Club is an opportunity for members to learn how to create their own BGC newspaper. Participants in the group will work together throughout the session to create a newspaper on Canva that includes different articles, pictures, and activities that are all centered around what the members are up to here at the Club. Members in the newspaper club will learn the basics of photography, interviewing, creative writing, digital design, and teamwork.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Ellis Club

This is a hands-on, nature-based program that gets children outside and engaged with the world around them. Through guided activities, exploration, and creative play, kids build confidence, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Ellis Club

Roblox Gamers offers a fun, safe learning environment where participants will be able to play their favorite Roblox games while building new relationships. 

Participants must have a personal device that has the Roblox app downloaded and an account created.

Age Groups: 6-8 and 9-12
Location: Virtual

Co-Ed Beginner (Ages 5-6):
A ten-week learn-to-skate program for individuals who are new to skating. All equipment necessary will be provided. This is targeted at members who have never skated before or have some skating experience but struggle with skills such as getting up after a fall, pushing with both feet, constant falling, or nervous skaters.

Co-Ed Beginner/Intermediate (Age 7-Grade 8):
A ten-week learn-to-skate program for individuals who are new to skating. All equipment necessary will be provided. This is targeted at members who have never skated before or have some skating experience but struggle with skills such as getting up after a fall, pushing with both feet, constant falling, or nervous skaters. Intermediate: A ten-week learn-to-skate program for individuals who are wanting to improve their skating skills. All equipment necessary will be provided. This is targeted at kids who have skating experience enough to avoid falling (to a degree) and can skate at moderate speeds.

Girls Beginner/Intermediate (Age 7-Grade 8):
A ten-week learn-to-skate program for individuals who are new to skating. All equipment necessary will be provided. This is targeted at members who have never skated before or have some skating experience but struggle with skills such as getting up after a fall, pushing with both feet, constant falling, or nervous skaters. Intermediate: A ten-week learn-to-skate program for individuals who are wanting to improve their skating skills. All equipment necessary will be provided. This is targeted at kids who have skating experience enough to avoid falling (to a degree) and can skate at moderate speeds.

This program provides a fun, inclusive, safe space for girls in the community.

Hockey (Age 7-Grade 8):
A ten-week intro to hockey program for individuals who know how to skate and are interested in learning hockey. This is targeted at children who are moderate or good skaters and are ready to take their skating skills to the game of hockey. The first few sessions will consist of skating drills to help perfect those skills before beginning hockey. Skate the Dream Hockey is designed for children with no prior experience in organized hockey.

*Please note the coaches will do observations during the first few weeks and have the right to switch participants’ levels, should they believe another level would be more appropriate for your child.

Location: Pat Quinn Parkdale Arena

Our Skateboarding program introduces members to the exciting sport of Skateboarding in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. The program focuses on building fundamental skateboarding skills while promoting confidence, balance, and physical activity.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club

Soccer 1, 2, and 3 provides participants with the opportunity to learn the basics of soccer including dribbling, passing, and shooting. Using developmentally appropriate teaching and equipment, participants can gain confidence and learn new skills.

Age Groups: Soccer 1 (ages 7-9), Soccer 2 (age 10-grade 8), and Soccer 3 (grade 9-age 16)
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club, Gym/Outside

Kids Typing Club: provides a 10-session learning experience that focuses on developing proper keyboard skills, accuracy, and typing speed through engaging lessons, hands-on practice, and interactive games.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Ellis Club

Volleyball 1, 2, and 3 focus on teamwork and developing basic volleyball skills such as serving, passing, setting, and hitting. Members will practice proper techniques and practices through drills, games, and other activities. This program also emphasizes communication and teamwork, helping members build both athletic skills and confidence. 

Age Groups: Volleyball 1 (ages 7-9), Volleyball 2 (age 10-grade 8), and Volleyball 3 (grade 9-age 16)
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club, Gym

Welcome to Website Development Club, where creativity meets technology! This hands-on club introduces students to the exciting world of building and designing websites from the ground up. Members will learn the fundamentals of web development, including structure, design, and interactivity. Through guided lessons and collaborative projects, students will explore tools and technologies such as HTML and CSS to create their own functional, visually engaging websites.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Ellis Club

We’ve partnered with Hamilton’s Public Health to bring food literacy resources to our existing cooking programs.

You’re the Chef is an engaging after-school program that aims to develop food skills and strengthen food literacy in a fun, hands-on environment. Each week introduces a new theme that builds on prior learning, covering topics such as meal planning, food preparation, kitchen safety, nutrition, and basic cooking techniques. The program encourages participants to gain confidence, creativity, and independence in preparing healthy meals and snacks on their own.

Age 7-Grade 8
Location: Ellis Club

Our Girls Gym Program for Female Youth aims to help fem-aligned youth build confidence, develop fundamental physical literacy skills, and improve overall fitness in a supportive and positive environment. Participants will take part in strength, agility, and endurance activities designed to boost athletic performance and overall physical well-being .

Age Groups: Grade 9-Grade 12
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club

Adult Pickleball is designed to help adults 18+ from all skill levels learn, practice, and enjoy the fast-growing sport of Pickleball in a fun and social environment. This program will be a free flow, self-instructed time for members to utilize the gym for 2 games of pickleball during this time frame.

Age: 18+
Location: Kiwanis (Ellis) Club

JUMP Math is a charity dedicated to improving math outcomes for students from underserved communities by providing free, evidence-based math resources for students in Grades 1-8. BGC Hamilton-Halton has collaborated with JUMP Math to provide math programming to our ABACUS members with the goal of building confidence in their math skills.

Centre for Diverse Learner (CDL)’s mission is to support and empower neurodiverse learners through advocacy, education, and services. BGC Hamilton-Halton partners with CDL to deliver their Mastering Mathematics and Leaps in Literacy programs at our main Club site.

BGC Hamilton-Halton’s partnership with Hamilton Music Collective offers wonderful music-focused programs:

1. An Instrument for Every Child (music classes)
2. Beats Junior: A special tech class for younger students to explore different styles of music including DJ culture, remixing, and programming music. Students get to experiment with iPads, microphones, and keyboard controllers in a playful environment.
3. Beats by U: Students learn to combine loops and samples to create original music and beats in our music production lab and recording studio. Our instructors teach Ableton Live and use a variety of gear including keyboard controllers, Launchpads, and groove boxes. Explore electronic music, pop, hiphop, dance music, and more.
4. Intro to DJing: Get your hands on the decks and let the party begin! Explore the art of scratching, beat matching, mixing, and building a record collection. Students use a combination of hardware and software to begin their DJ journey.