Home Awards & Scholarships ARPA Awards Excellence in Youth Development Award
The Excellence in Youth Development Award was established to recognize outstanding projects and initiatives utilizing a children and youth development model that empower and support youth ages 12 to 18 in Alberta. Created during the 2003 National Youth Development through Recreation Services Symposium held in Calgary, this award honors projects and initiatives that focus on youth development and recreation, fostering positive outcomes for young people.
Alberta Recreation & Parks Association membership is encouraged and may be prioritized in the selection process.
Communities or Organizations include:
The project or initiative must:
Nominations are now closed.
The ARPA Awards and Scholarships Committee with representation from all aspects of the recreation and parks sector and across the province will select the award recipient. The committee will evaluate the nominations by rating:
The nominated project must have a primary focus on providing recreational opportunities and experiences specifically designed for youth ages 12 to 18. These initiatives should prioritize the engagement, well-being, and development of young participants.
Successful nominees will demonstrate collaboration and partnership among multiple organizations and agencies involved in youth development and recreation. The project should involve a collaborative effort between at least two organizations.
The nominated project must actively involve youth themselves in the planning, design, implementation, and decision-making processes. Youth participants should have meaningful opportunities to contribute their ideas, perspectives, and feedback throughout the project lifecycle.
The project should align with recognized principles of youth development, including fostering positive relationships, providing opportunities for skill-building and personal growth, promoting autonomy and decision-making, and supporting youth in reaching their full potential.
The Alberta Recreation & Parks Association presents the award during the ARPA Conference & Energize Workshop.
Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm (open Monday-Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-415-1745
Email: awards@arpaonline.ca
The Alberta Recreation & Parks Association would like to acknowledge the First Nations, the Métis, the Inuit and all of the people across Alberta who share a history and a deep connection with this land. We dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.