OUR MISSION

ABOUT OUR CHARITY

Kids On Track started in September 1992 as a grassroots community outreach, focused on supporting children facing socioeconomic challenges in West Edmonton.

Kids On Track serves the community at large, with a focus on at risk children and youth, low income families, new Canadians and homes that are experiencing divorce, separation or bereavement.  As a Christian organization, our programs provide support for families of all faiths cultures and circumstances.  We create community, provide mentorship and vital supports and opportunities that help to build the lives of at-risk children, youth and their families.

We are a registered charity and have grown into a recognized community building organization that currently connects with more than 1,000 participants.

A volunteer driven organization, Kids On Track’s volunteer base has grown to more than 300 who contribute almost 10,000 service hours each year!

PROGRAMS/SERVICES

Character Clubs – Our staff and volunteers currently lead weekly clubs in several high-needs communities in West Edmonton.  Clubs include nutritious snacks, active games, stories and learning activities with a Christian growth emphasis.  Children have the opportunity to make friends, develop supportive relationships with caring adult mentors and experience a sense of belonging.

Active Families – These are significant monthly gathering occasions for families from the high-needs communities that we serve. Families spend time together watching the amazing presentation by our Leaders and LITE team including: puppets, dramas, stories, and more! Each night has a Christian character theme like kindness, perseverance, or worries and fears. Families learn practical ways to incorporate these characteristics at home.

HomeBuilders – When children and parents are trying to make sense of what has happened in their home as a result of divorce, separation or bereavement, HomeBuilders can help.  This 10 week class helps kids work through anger and emotional pain and provides strategies to help them cope with their new family situation. Parents learn how to respond supportively towards their children in this period of adjustment.

Family Celebrations – Kids On Track provides free opportunities for families to celebrate at significant times of the year including a Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas Party with a glow in the dark puppet musical, a Family Winter Carnival, a Mom’s Celebration and a Family Picnic.

Kids Summer Day Programs and Camp – When school is out and kids are bored, our summer programs offer affordable, fun and safe activities at 12 day camp sites. Our day camps enable children in need to get out of their neighbourhoods and to experience all the wonderful places and activities that Edmonton has to offer.

Shift Youth – Shift Youth is held every Friday night. Community youth have a place to meet new friends, to go to recreational venues in the community and to get active. Recreational activities are structured to help youth develop positive peer relations and mentoring relationships with adult role models, all while having a whole lot of fun together.

Shift Youth Summer Program Day Events – These are youth days that are offered in summer and include recreational pursuits to get youth active and to try new recreational things in a safe and inclusive place.  During these activities youth have the opportunity to get out of their neighbourhood and to discover the opportunities Edmonton has to offer.  Youth develop positive connections with mentors and each other and have a safe and fun place to spend their summer.

Shift Youth Summer Program Overnight Camps – Our Jasper Youth Camping trip in summer provides an amazing camp experience for the 30 attending youth.  They learn all the skills required to camp in a wilderness setting in the spectacular Rocky Mountains.  For many youth, this will be their first camping experience and the first time that they will experience the mountains.  This week offers the opportunity for youth to develop team building and cooperative skills as they work together to accomplish camp set up, cooking and recreational challenges.

Leaders In Training Experience (LITE) – When youth are looking for a challenging, engaging opportunity to become involved in their community, the LITE program is there for them.  We work on their leadership skills and character development with them to enhance their self-esteem and future career prospects. Training workshops, work experience and team building activities are all a part of the LITE program. Many graduates of our LITE program go on to become KOT adult volunteers and summer staff.  Summer sizzles with camp outs, recreational activities, community service projects, fund raising activities, extended leadership training and work experience at KOT's Summer Day Camps and Adventure Camp.

 “We are building lives, one child at a time,”

 Linda Roussel, Executive Director