Youth

The Town of Whitby is committed to providing a community for youth to thrive and be successful for the future. We are a Platinum Level Youth Friendly Community that strives to integrate local youth into our activities and decision-making.

Youth Health Membership

Sign up for a discounted Youth Health Club Membership at the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex if you are between the ages 14 to 17. Enjoy full access to the health club, pool, locker rooms and sauna. Contact us for a copy of the Youth Health Club Membership form.

Youth Rooms

If you are 12 to 18 years of age and live in Whitby, come check out our free Youth Rooms!

How to attend

If you're interested in a free Youth Room membership your parent/guardian must register for a free youth room membership online or in person at McKinney Sports Centre or Brooklin Community Centre and Library. A Youth Membership is required to attend and participate in Youth Room activities.

Youth Room locations

We offer three Youth Rooms. The Brooklin Community Centre and Library Youth Room is located at 8 Vipond Rd. in Brooklin. The McKinney Centre Youth Room(fueled by Booster Juice) is located at 222 McKinney Drive. The Henry Street High School Youth Hub is located at 600 Henry Street.

Youth Room hours

Brooklin Community Centre and Library Youth Room hours:

Monday to Friday from 1:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. (July and August)
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

McKinney Youth Room fuelled by Booster Juice hours:

Monday to Friday from 1:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. (July and August)
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Henry Street High School Youth Hub

Closed for July and August.

Youth Council

Are you a youth in our community? You can become a part of the Whitby Youth Council to work together and address the needs of youth in the community. You gain valuable experience and opportunities in the community to use for future endeavours, while obtaining your Community Services Volunteer hours.

How to get involved

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025/2026 school year. If you are interested in joining the Whitby Youth Council submit an online application. Applicants will be contacted in August for an interview prior to the September start.

Applications are accepted and reviewed in the summer months with new members added to the Youth Council in September.

Our priorities

The Whitby Youth Council focuses on these four priorities for youth in our community:

Youth events
Promotion of Youth Council and events
Outreach programming for youth
Recruitment of new volunteers for the Youth Council

Youth Events

Stay connected with the latest youth events and Youth Rooms in your area. These events are designed to spark your interests and provide interactive fun if you are between the ages 12 to 18. Stay up to date with the latest facility closures and program notices by subscribing to our news feed. Stay tuned for any advance notices for cancellations.

Youth Week 2025

Youth Week Activities

Celebrate National Youth Week from May 1-7, 2025.

National Youth Week is an annual, week-long series of events and activities dedicated to youth.

A week of fun, FREE activities and to celebrate local youth and their active participation in our community.

Thursday, May 1

Drop-In Basketball – 3:30 to 4:55 p.m. – Brooklin Community Centre and Library, 8 Vipond Road: This free program is for youth looking to improve their basketball skills in a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere. First come, first served. (12 - 18yrs) – 3:30 to 4:55 p.m. – Brooklin Community Centre and Library,
8 Vipond Road

Youth Room Pancake Bar – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Brooklin Community Centre and Library (8 Vipond Road), and McKinney Centre (222 McKinney Drive): A deliciously fun time! We’re flipping fluffy pancakes and youth get to build their own masterpiece! Stack ‘em high and top ‘em with toppings. Must be a registered youth room member to participate.

Art Attack Opening Reception – 7 to 9 p.m. – Station Gallery, 1450 Henry St.: Help us celebrate and showcase the creativity of local youth ages 12 to 18! An annual event, Art Attack offers youth the opportunity to showcase their artwork alongside their peers in a professional exhibition setting. In addition to exhibiting in a professional space, Art Attack gives youth the opportunity to meet their peers, and network in the arts community.

Friday, May 2

Drop-in Pickleball- 4:30-6:00 p.m.- McKinney Centre- 222 McKinney Drive: This free program is for youth looking to improve their pickleball skills in a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere. First come, first served. (12-18yrs)- 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.- McKinney Centre, 222 McKinney Drive.

Youth Room Emoji Movie Guessing Game- 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Brooklin Community Centre and Library (8 Vipond Road), and McKinney Centre (222 McKinney Drive): Put your Emoji Movie skills to the test in the youth room. Must be a registered youth room member to participate.

Free Movie Night Hunger Games- 7:00 p.m.- Brooklin Community Centre and Library (8 Vipond Road): Come and watch the Hunger Games in the gymnasium on a large 12 foot movie screen. Free movie snacks for all that attend. Registration required. For youth ages 12-18 only. Register here to attend.

Saturday, May 3

Free Youth Shinny- 12:30-2:00 p.m.- Iroquois Park Sports Centre- 500 Victoria Street: Participate for free in a supervised game of pick-up hockey in a fun, recreational environment with other youth members. Full protective equipment is required. First come, first served. (12-14yrs)- 12:30-2:00 p.m.- Iroquois Park Sports Centre- 500 Victoria Street.

Public Skate Free for Youth- 2:00-3:45 p.m.- Iroquois Park Sports Centre- 500 Victoria Street: Take a leisure spin around the ice with your friends and family. Free for youth ages 12-18 yrs. First come, first served. 2:00-3:45 p.m.- Iroquois Park Sports Centre- 500 Victoria Street.

Youth Room Sundae Bar- 2:00-3:30 p.m.- Brooklin Community Centre and Library (8 Vipond Road), and McKinney Centre (222 McKinney Drive): Come and enjoy some delicious ice cream treats in the youth room. Must be a registered youth room member to participate.

Sunday, May 4

Public Skate Free for Youth- 11:15-1:00 p.m.- McKinney Centre- 222 McKinney Drive: Take a leisure spin around the ice with your friends and family. Free for youth ages 12-18 yrs. First come, first served. - McKinney Centre- 222 McKinney Drive.

Public Swim Free for Youth- 3:30-5:00 p.m.- Iroquois Park Sports Centre-500 Victoria Street: Come and enjoy some time in our pool. Free for youth ages 12-18 yrs. First come, first served. Iroquois Park Sports Centre- 500 Victoria Street.

Monday, May 5

Latin Dance Class- 4:00-4:55 p.m.- Whitby Civic Recreation Complex- 555 Rossland Road: Come and try Latin Dance. Sweat and groove to the flavourful Latin rhythms of Salsa, Reggaeton, Samba and more! This is a fun and exciting high energy workout that will strengthen and energize your body and mind. Free for youth ages 12-18 yrs. First come first served. Must register via ACTIVENet to attend. Whitby Civic Recreation Complex- 555 Rossland Road.

Youth Room Pool Tournament & Flower Planters- 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Brooklin Community Centre and Library (8 Vipond Road), and McKinney Centre (222 McKinney Drive): Come and participate in a pool tournament or create your very own flower planters. Must be a registered youth member to participate.

Tuesday, May 6

Youth Room Open House- 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.- Brooklin Community Centre and Library (8 Vipond Road), McKinney Centre (222 McKinney Drive) and Henry Street High Youth Hub (600 Henry Street): Join us for free pizza, games, tournaments and prizes. (Henry Street High Youth Hub starts at 3:30 p.m.)

Free for Youth Girls Shinny- 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.-Iroquois Park Sports Centre- 500 Victoria Street: Participate for free in a supervised game of pick-up hockey in a fun, recreational environment with other youth members. Full protective equipment is required. First come, first served. (11-14yrs)- Iroquois Park Sports Centre- 500 Victoria Street.

Wednesday, May 7

Zumba Class- 6:00-6:55 p.m.- Whitby Civic Recreation Complex- 555 Rossland Road: Come and try Zumba. This is a dynamic and exciting high energy workout set to a musical fusion of Latin and International rhythms. One of the most popular group exercise classes in the world. Easy to learn choreographed dance routines will elevate your heart rate and boost your cardiovascular endurance. You are invited to “Join the Party”! No rhythm required, just enjoy the music, move and have fun. Free for youth ages 12-18 yrs. First come first served. Must register via ACTIVENet to attend. Whitby Civic Recreation Complex- 555 Rossland Road.

Youth Room Pop Culture Trivia Night- 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Brooklin Community Centre and Library (8 Vipond Road), and McKinney Centre (222 McKinney Drive): Come and participate in pop culture trivia for a chance to win a prize. Must be a registered youth member to participate.

Youth Week Local Business Promotions for Youth Ages 12-18

To recognize Youth Week, several of our local businesses will be offering exclusive promotions for youth from May 1 to 7. No purchase necessary for free items. Offers are run directly by participating businesses. While supplies last.

Crave Doughnuts - Friday, May 2

One free doughnut for youth with ID. Available at both Whitby and Oshawa locations.

Aspire Climbing- May 2 to May 4

One Free Climb from 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m.
Student Rate Day Pass $20 + tax all week.

Butchie's- May 1 to May 7

Youth Meal Deal $10 Any Sandwich + fries + Pop
Instagram Contest: Post a photo of your visit, use #whitbyyouthweek and tag @butchies restaurant for a chance to win Free Ice Cream for a Year (1 double scoop per month).

Sam's Grill- May 1 to 7

Additional 15% discount to all youth in person and online with code: CVGMK

10% of sales from the promo will be donated to local youth initiatives.

Chica's Chicken- May 1 to May 7

Sandwiches and Bites combo at a special promotional price of $15.

Boardwalk Burgers- May 1 to May 7

Free cheeseburger for youth. Limit one per person per day.

Whitby School of Music- May 1 to May 7

Introductory package of 4 lessons and 2 books for piano, guitar or violin at $135 plus tax.
Lesson package at $165 plus tax in any instrument (subject to availability).

iFly Indoor Skydiving

20% off Kickstart Package.

Book online and use code YOUTH20 to get 20% off the Kickstart experience, a popular introductory package for first-time flyers.

Celebrating Youth Awards

Youth Room programs

Join us for a variety of Youth Room programs that give you hands on experience in everything from cooking and afterschool sports to earning your babysitting certifications. Complete the online program registration to find a program that suits you. Be sure to check out a full list of our activities in the Town of Whitby Activity Guide.

Helpful youth resources

Are you looking for information about education, job skills, family services, or counselling? These resources provide helpful direction for youth, youth workers, parents and others working with young people.

211 Ontario

Find programs and services within your community by contacting 211 Ontario. Topics range from community programs and employment support to topics for newcomers, Indigenous Peoples and family services so you can find the help you need.

Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is a service that you can call anytime (24/7) if you want to talk to. The services provides a safe, confidential space to have a conversation with a real person who listens to your needs.

LGBTQ

Pflag Canada is a Canadian organization that offers peer-to-peer support striving to help all Canadians with issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Education institution listings

The Ministry of Education is a great resource to find all Ontario education institutes that provides information about high schools in the province, graduation requirements, curriculum and Student Success programs. It also provides information about post-secondary education, where you can go to college and university, student financial assistance (OSAP), apprentice and skill trades available and how to transfer credits.

Transportation

View the Durham Region Transit to easily map your trips, look up the next bus times and find your destinations with an intuitive trip planner.

Volunteering opportunities

You can volunteer for our youth events by becoming part of the Whitby Youth Council.

Youth Health Membership

Sign up for a discounted Youth Health Club Membership at the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex if you are between the ages 14 to 17. Enjoy full access to the health club, pool, locker rooms and sauna.

Whitby Public Library programs

The Whitby Public Library offers programs that you can get involved in, as well as a Teen Advisory Group.

Youth strategy

If you are a youth living in the Town, the Youth Strategy helps to ensure your future is supported. The strategy sets out to ensure municipal-run youth programs and services remain accessible to you. By considering your needs, the strategy helps to model what a community looks like for you and your family to live, work and play.

Strategy development

The Town approved the Youth Strategy that will guide the Recreation and Leisure Services for the Town from 2019 to 2023. It was developed through extensive engagement with local youth, the Whitby Youth Council and other community stakeholders.