Overview
The Youth Development Through Recreation Services (YDRS) Symposium is a bi-annual form for advancing the knowledge about the contributions of recreation programs and services. It aims to provide information about children and youth development by promoting the delivery and expansion of positive development through sport, recreation, physical activity, education and general health promotion.
The YDRS Symposium attracts delegates from municipal recreation, community service departments, not for profit groups, community sports groups, public health, educational institutions and social service organizations. Presenters range from front line staff to youth policy makers.
This three-day educational opportunity is designed to provide delegates with the opportunity to:
- Learn first hand about child and youth development and its application in recreation
- Hear from colleagues and peers through focused and themed presentations
- Enjoy networking opportunities and return home with practical and applicable resources
Mandate
"Providing an educational forum to advance knowledge of youth development through recreation."
History
The Symposium is based on the National Youth Development Symposium that was launched in Calgary in the spring of 2003.
2012 YDRS Symposium
The 2012 Youth Development Through Recreation Services (YDRS) Symposium took place from March 11 to 13, at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton, Alberta.
Presentations highlighted:
- Child or youth development in recreation;
- Best practices surrounding health, education, physical activity, and recreation during out-of-school time;
- Sectoral leadership and collaborations.
ARPA would like to thank all of the presenters and delegates and acknowledge the 2012 YDRS Steering Committee:
Shelley Kwong (Chair)
Heather Wicksted
Kevin Paes
Jennier Gristwood
Jessica Grey
Jodi Smith
Pearl Kapitzke
Augusto Romero
"It was my first time attending and I can't say enough good, positive things about YDRS. I was very impressed and enjoyed the fun atmosphere. Good job to everyone who put things together and made this event possible."
"I participated in the Youth Stream and found it beneficial to my position as an elected official who sits on two different community services committees."
"I would like to say that I thought the conference was very well organized and flowed very well. The two different streams allowed individuals to make choices that were relevant to their background and interests."