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

View the 2012 YDRS Brochure

The 2012 YDRS Symposium will be held March 11-13 in Edmonton, Alberta. Presentations will address:

• Child or youth development;
• Best practices surrounding health, education, physical activity, and recreation during out-of-school time;
• Sectoral leadership and collaborations.

A cross-section of presentations will be accepted and presentations will be either child focused (aged 6-12 years) or youth focused (aged 13-19 years).

Submit a presentation for the 2012 YDRS Symposium        The deadline for Submissions is Friday December 2, 2011.

Register for the 2012 YDRS Symposium below.