FOCUS ON YOUTH SNAPSHOT

Learn, Lead, Succeed

AUGUST 14TH

, 2013

TCDSB

2

Focus on Youth Snapshot

Prepared for

FOY Celebration of Success

Wednesday, August 14th, 2013

© Copyright by Kateleen Reyes, Student 2013

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M E S S A G E F R O M T H E C O O R D I N A T O R S

The Focus on Youth Program 2013 has now come to an end after completing yet another

successful year. This success would not have happened without the hard work, dedication and

combined efforts of student employees, community organizations, the TCDSB and Ontario’s

Ministry of Education. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this remarkable program

happen! The FOY program experienced tremendous growth this year after having improved the

quality of the program, increasing the number of students hired and the number of organizations

participating in the program.

Over the past 7 years the program has been in existence, it has grown and become better each

year. In 2007, when the program started, we hired 96 student employees and approximately 40

not-for-profit organizations were involved; these numbers have grown steadily each year. Today

we’ve increased the number of students hired by 63%, taking the number of student hires to 261.

This was a 20% jump from last year and was made possible due to the extra funding received

from the Ministry this year. There was growth in student numbers, and also growth in the

number of organizations involved in Focus on Youth. This year there were 87 organizations in

58 schools, which was a 10% increase from last year and more than double the number FOY

started with in 2007. Growth in participants at the camps has tripled what it once was; many

more kids are benefitting from the camp experience!

The success of a program like FOY can be measured by numbers - but a huge part of that success

is measured by the experience. FOY’s participants have received mentorship, guidance,

development of their interpersonal skills and God-given talents while positively impacting the

communities in which they live. Not only are the FOY participants improving themselves but

their experiences gives back to their communities now and in the years to come; being involved,

means being part of the Focus on Youth legacy. Thanks again to everyone making this initiative

a success!

Best Regards,

Focus on Youth Coordinating Team

Andre Fullerton

Ashisha Persaud

Janelle Curtis

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C O N T E N T S

Background .................................................................................................................................................... Page 5

About FOY 2013

The Statistics ................................................................................................................................................. Page 6

The Community Organizations ................................................................................................................. Page 7-8

The Employees ............................................................................................................................................... Page 9

The Teachers ................................................................................................................................................ Page 10

Footsteps to Success

Program Overview ...................................................................................................................................... Page 12

Leadership .................................................................................................................................................... Page 13

Arts ................................................................................................................................................................. Page 14

Sports ............................................................................................................................................................. Page 15

FOY BLOGS: the complete story

Media Team Members ............................................................................................................................... Page 17

The Blogs .................................................................................................................................................. Page 18-22

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B A C K G R O U N D

On May 30, 2007, the Ministry of Education considered a joint proposal submitted

by the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) and the Toronto District School

Board (TDSB) to support recreational and learning opportunities for children and youth in

several of the urban inner city neighbourhoods of Toronto, during July and August 2007.

The program was titled the Focus on Youth (FOY) Program.

The overall objective of the FOY

2013 program is for the TCDSB to be the

enhancement of high quality summer

program opportunities for children and

youth in Toronto’s urban inner city areas

by offering free use of school space for

organized community based programs, and

by providing employment opportunities

and leadership activities for the youth of

these communities.

After seven summers of the

program, we have determined that this

program has continued to promote

learning through play, healthy lifestyle

and positive self images for children and

youth of these communities, and we

believe that it will have a positive impact

on student achievement and well-being

during the school year.

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S T A T I S T I C S

863 students applied to be a part of

the program this year. 261 high

school students were hired to

participate in the Focus on Youth

Program

218 students worked as camp

counsellors with various

organizations for six weeks

33 students were hired to perform

custodial work in schools during

the summer program for a period of

seven weeks

10 students were hired to be a part

of a media team in charge of

documenting the work being done

in the community groups

Students received a leadership and

co-op credit while completing their

job placements

Training of FOY employees

included: a leadership training

weekend at camp Olympia through

various workshops, First Aid, CPR,

Health and Safety/WHMIS and

Financial Literacy 17 teachers were hired to

administer credits to student employees. Three additional

teachers were then hired after to

monitor newly hired students

School space was offered to 87

community groups in 58 Schools

Not-for-profit organizations

delivered summer activities to

youth all ages

The Focus On Youth program helps

to develop students’ skills and keeps

them safe during the summer

months

Morning Exercises at Footsteps to Success

Summer Camp

Focus on Youth weekend leadership

training at Camp Olympia

Campers and their counsellors at the

Boys and Girls Club at Mary Ward

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THE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

The number of high school students hired by the TCDSB was a little higher than last year. 87

organizations in 58 schools participated this year. This number grew from being 77 last year in 58

schools, which is a 13% increase. In 2007, when it first started, there were 40 organizations in the

program which is more than 50% increase. These Community organizations host different types of

programs for youth including: mentorship, sports, arts, academic, drama, music, dance, etc.

Organizations

School/ Area

Advantage St. Dominic Savio

Artstats D’Arcy McGee

Basketball World Toronto

St. Anthony

Bayans Francis Libermann

Boys & Girls Dante Alighieri SS Fleming

Boys & Girls of East Scarborough

St. Brendan

Break the Press Youth Group

Our Lady of Fatima

Bujak Badminton Club

Francis Libermann

CanTyd Jean Vanier/ BMT

Central Neighbourhood House

Our Lady of Lourdes

Centre Educative Canada

St. Philip Neri

Centre for Spanish Speaking People

St. Simon

Champs Mentoring Champs

St. Gabriel Lalement

Child Development Institute

St. Clare

Chinese Sport & Rec.

Francis Libermann

City of Toronto St. Agustine

Community Living St. Victor

Community MicroSkills Develop

Father Henry Carr

Organizations

School/ Area

Davenport/ Perth Neigh. Comm. Health

Pope Paul VI

Dmitrik Sports Madonna

Dovercourt Boys & Girls St. Anthony/St. Luigi

Durham City Basketball St. Dominic Savio

East Boys & Girls Club St. Thomas Moore

East Toronto Basketball Blessed Pope John Paul II

East Toronto Basketball Assoc.

St. Wilfred

Eastview Neighbourhood Centre

Holy Cross

Father’s Making a Difference

St. Rose of Lima

Fire Basketball Senator O’Connor

Firm Faith Ministries St. Martin de Porres

Frontlines

Galaxy Training for Athletics

St. Bede

Gary Durrant Basketball Brebeuf

Gladiator’s Basketball Blessed Mother Teresa

Grade 8 Transition Program

Blessed Mother Teresa

Grassroots Chaminade

HAS Basketball Madonna

Heart Beatz St. Maria Goretti

Jane & Finch Boys & Girls Club

St. Charles Garnier

Kingsview Free Methodist Church

St. Maurice

Ladies First Basketball St. Boniface

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Organizations

School/ Area

LAMP Comm. Health Centre

St. Teresa

Malvern Family Resource

St. Bede

Meta Centre James Cardinal McGuigan

Mid-Scarborough Hub ANC

St. Albert

Minghui School St. Gerald

Motion Basketball Father Henry Carr

Mount Dennis Boys & Girls Club

Archbishop Romero

North Region Basketball

Chaminade/ St. Conrad

Northern Kings Dante Alighieri (Playfair Campus)

PUSH Community St. Maria Goretti

Recognize for Real Msgr. Fraser

Recruit Access Youth Sports

St. Martha

SBA Jean Vanier

Scarborugh Centre for Healthy

St. Maria Goretti

SERVE Canada St. Gabriel Lalement

St. Andrew’s Church

St. Andrew

St. Bernadette’s Family Resource

D’Arcy McGee

St. Christopher’s House

Senhor Santo Cristo

TAP Angels St. John’s

TCDSB CEC PERMITS

TCDSB- Summer Camp

Blessed Mother Teresa

TCDSB- Summer School

Father Henry Carr

The Child Experience Community Group

Our Lady of Fatima

The Education Academy

St. Aidan

Organizations

School/ Area

The Hincks- Dellcrest Centre

Blessed John XXIII

Toronto Community House

St. Marting de Porres

Toronto Kiwanis St. Mary

Triple Balance St. Basil’s the Great

Triple Balance Comm. Serv.

Blessed Mother Teresa

Tropicana Community Services

St. Barnabas

Under the Rainbow Our Lady of Victory

United Youth Against Drugs

St. Ignatius of Loyola

Urban Arts Chaminade

West Scarborough Boys & Girls

Mary Ward

West Scarborough Boys & Girls

Immaculate Heart of Mary

Westmount Park Church

St. Teresa

Woodgreen Comm. Services

St. Patrick

Yonge Street Mission St. Patrick

Young Diplomats St. Patrick

Youth Unlimited St. Jane Frances

ROM ROM

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THE EMPLOYEES

The Focus on Youth workers had to go through various stages to get the job. After submitting their

applications to their designated teacher, the FOY leaders had to go through a new hiring process that

the TCDSB’s FOY program implemented this year called the “Carousel”. This new idea is a more

interactive approach to hiring students. It is a modern and interactive interview process, designed to

help teachers and staff to select suitable leaders to be the camp counselors for the summer. The process

involved a variety of tasks and activities given to the students to demonstrate their leadership skills

while being on the job. It was a good way to test potential leaders, and allowed teachers to see the

students in action before hiring them.

Two hundred and sixty-one students were hired by the TCDSB to work for the program. This was a

much higher number than last year which was 206, more than 20% increase and 63% increase from

2007 when it initially started. The huge 20% increase this year was due to additional funding granted

by the ministry, who has been the biggest supporter of the program. Two hundred eighteen students

were hired as camp counselors with different community agencies in leadership positions, thirty-three

students were hired to perform maintenance functions in schools, and ten students were hired to be

part of a media team for the program to document the work being done in the community groups.

The students who got hired had to go through different types of pre-employment training. The

main one was the Focus on Youth weekend leadership training at Camp Olympia. During the weekend,

the students participated in a rotation of four different workshops and Large Group Games. This

included the Coaching workshop, where the goal of this activity was to educate Focus on Youth

students on effectively leading games, giving clear instructions, and catching the camper’s attention.

There was an Arts and Crafts workshop, to give employees ideas of different activities they can offer to

campers; Low-organized games, which aim to provide Focus on Youth students with activities to use

during down time with the campers; and the Positive Discipline workshop, which helped the

employees learn how to solve situations and misbehavior in a positive manner. The FOY employees

also got to listen to a motivational talk by Mike Consul, and there was also the 7 Habits Workshop done

by Mike Consul and Greg Rogers. The students then ended their weekend with a FOY Talent Show.

For all students, the FOY program training also involved topics such as workplace health and safety,

healthy child development and customer service. They received WHMIS training from the TCDSB

Health and Safety staff. They also received certificates for successfully passing the First Aid and CPR

courses, which will be valid for the next year. However, this year, a Financial Literacy session was held

as part of the pre-employment training, which aimed to provide tips for the employees to learn how to

save money.

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THE TEACHERS

FOCUS ON YOUTH

The Focus on Youth teachers are the

support staff hired to work with the

students from the beginning to the end of

the program. They hired each individual

through the application process set out by

the coordinators at the TCDSB. The

teachers responsibilities include:

monitoring the students and administering

the two credits they earn throughout the

program. During the duration of the six

weeks of the program, the teachers visit

each student to evaluate them as well as

make sure that they are comfortable,

getting their assignments done and that

they are treated fairly and getting what

they need to be productive.

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FOOTSTEPS TO SUCCESS

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Footsteps to Success is one of two camps founded by Andre Fullerton and community partners,

created to become involved with youth, and to help urban communities to move forward. The goal is to

build up the community by investing in youth, to give them a different outlook, stronger self-

identification, and expose them to different opportunities. Footsteps Camp is for youth ages 10-15, and

runs from July 2nd – August 9th, offering free admission. The Focus on Youth students bring youthful

perspective, positive energy, enthusiasm, and serve as great role models. The weekly agenda of this

camp includes serving breakfast along with a morning introduction done by the Focus on Youth camp

counsellors every morning to get the campers energized and ready for their day, then the campers then

go on with their daily routine whether they are in Arts and Crafts, Leadership, or Sports camp. Once a

week they go on a field trip to exciting places like the Ontario Science Centre, Canada’s Wonderland,

Royal Ontario Museum, Centre Island, Wild Water Kingdom, University of Toronto Varsity Sports

Centre, and other weekly trips to local parks and libraries. Footsteps is affiliated with the Toronto

Catholic District School Board, and the Malvern Family/Community Resource Centre. It is also

sponsored by supporting partners like Urban Arts, Toronto Community Housing, Jays Care,

Kaleidoscope (Scarborough Arts), and Focus on Youth, among others.

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FOOTSTEPS ARTS CAMP

Being part of Focus on Youth has truly been a rewarding experience. This program is a

great opportunity for both the campers and staff, for it gives us the time to work together. Footsteps to

Success creates an environment where the children can build relationships with staff and always have

someone they can talk to. Coming to work on the first day, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. As the

day progressed I was able to recognize old faces as well as new. Believe it or not I was actually terrified

and if it weren’t for my vibrant purple t-shirt many would have mistaken me for a camper. The truth is

that this camp would not be a successful without the campers or the staff, it is simply collaboration.

Both parties have to cooperate with one another and be open to trying new things. With each passing

day I became more comfortable around my peers and was able to see the warm personalities and

attributes of each camper. Friendships were built amongst both the staff and campers in the various

sections of the camp.

I am a proud member of the art camp. I consider myself an aspiring artist and I wanted to guide

budding artists in the right direction. The art camp revolves around several activities that bring out

artistic abilities in the campers and the staff. I thought the art camp would represent basic art skills like

drawing and coloring but in reality it has so much more to offer. Campers and staff would create things

from authentic teddy bears to Masquerade masks. I was surprised to learn alongside the campers about

countless art skills that I wasn’t aware of prior to this camp. Throughout the summer, in the art camp

we have had many workshops. Through this camp, campers as well as the staff were introduced and

exposed to established artists in the society such as drummers, dancers and spoken word artists. These

workshops gave both the children and the staff an opportunity to learn and try something new.

Aside from learning more about art I also learned quite a lot about myself. Before this

opportunity came my way I’d explain myself as somewhat shy. I mean don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t

hide in the corner but I just didn’t attain those leadership skills that was necessary for increased

success. But through this camp I was given a platform to grow and mold into my whole self and become

a leader. When I think back about this experience have nothing but great friendships and memories to

talk about. Something I really looked forward to everyday was helping out with the breakfast program

and serving the kids breakfast. Their happy excited faces practically lit up the room. Every morning the

children would come to the table and tell new stories. The conversation at the table was a time to bond

and at that moment I felt more connected with the children. I am thankful for having this

opportunity; it really is a lot fun. It helped me better understand myself. If given the opportunity to do

this again, I would definitely accept it in a heartbeat.

Reema Xavier

Footsteps to Success

Arts Camp, Blessed Mother Teresa

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FOOTSTEPS LEADERSHIP CAMP

It is my first year being a Focus on Youth staff and it has been a phenomenal experience. This

program is a great experience for both campers and staff. As a staff, you learn a lot about yourself, your

strengths and weaknesses, a lot about people and their personalities and how to handle various types of

situations. As a camper, you get the chance to expand your area of interest whether it is arts, leadership

or sports. You also get the opportunity to go on many trips such as wild water kingdom, swimming

once a week and many more. Throughout the six weeks, you start to develop friendships with the kids

and you will notice that they start to look at you as their older sister or brother, or as a mentor. I

worked with the leadership kids and had them play many games and activities that helped them to get

to know one another and develop their leadership skills. They got to step out of their comfort zone, and

solved situations that came their way and continuously challenged them with games that motivate,

inspire and create them into leaders that they will be. I am truly grateful for this opportunity because it

truly is a life changing experience. Watching the kids that you supervise and teach, watching them

grow and learn has got to be the most rewarding feeling anyone could ask for.

Princess Javier

Footsteps to Success

Leadership Camp, Blessed Mother Teresa

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FOOTSTEPS SPORTS CAMP

Working as a Focus on Youth sports counselor has been a wonderful experience. I have learned a lot

not only from being in the sports field but by working with the kids. In the sports field we have a

variety of activities. We play basketball, volleyball, soccer, badminton, ping pong, football, rugby,

rookie ball and tennis. Rookie ball was a new addition to our camp. It is a lot like baseball but with a

twist.

Working with the kids and teaching them how to play different sports has been such an amazing

experience. You don't only teach them but you get to learn from them as well. I remember one day we

all had a intense but extremely fun game of basketball, the kids helped me to shoot better and I taught

them different ways on being a defensive player, it goes with the quote "Each one, Teach

one." Everyday has been a day that the kids grow, I grow as a counselor and ultimately the camp grows

from within. I feel fortunate that by being a leader and a role model I have the opportunity to change

the lives of the campers. I have noticed a tremendous change in the kids from day one until now as we

approach the end.

The trips that we go on with the kids have been very successful. Every Friday we go swimming,

every Thursday is rookie ball, and Wednesdays are barbeque days that we have at camp as well as trips

all over Toronto including the Science Centre, ROM, Wild Water Kingdom and a picnic at Sunnybrook

Park. We have guest speakers come out to talk to the kids, giving them life changing advice, stories and

powerful motivational speeches to help the kids with their future and being better individuals.

Overall my experience at this camp is hard to sum up in just a few words. It has been a journey, a wild

ride, a once in a life time opportunity and a stepping stone allowing me to get closer to my future

goals. This experience has helped me in many different ways as an individual and I thank

everyone who has been involved. If it wasn't for the kids I don't think I would have been able to find

myself and be the person I am today. They have changed my life for the better and it is a privilege

to help them change theirs. I would not change this summer for anything for the world. If I am able to

come back to be a Focus on Youth camp counselor I will take that opportunity in a heartbeat. To

conclude, I leave this camp feeling good about our future.

Kaliyah Malcolm

Footsteps to Success

Sports Camp, Blessed Mother Teresa

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FOY BLOGS: THE

COMPLETE STORY

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MEDIA TEAM MEMBERS

This year, ten students were hired to be part of a Media Team for the Focus on Youth Program.

Throughout the six weeks, the Media team was in charge of documenting the work being done at the

different camp sites. Below are some of the blogs created by the students. The complete blogs and the

rest of the blogs can be found on this site: http://focusonyouthtcdsb.com/.

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Keenon Peterson Katrina Llanes Stefan Brum Mercy Cacdac

John Paul Polvorosa Christina Martin Khris Persaud Adrian Camara

Zoe Melo Jaeson Villanueva

Mike Consul

(Team Supervisor)

Anthony Geremia

(Team Leader)

Michael Consul

Team Supervisor

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Anthony Geremia

Team Leader

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