The Summer ROCKS program was a dynamic and transformative experience for the children and youth of the Riverbend community. Over the course of July and August, our program provided a diverse range of activities aimed at fostering personal growth, building life skills, and creating lasting connections. Thanks to the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, volunteers, and the unwavering support from our community and partners, we were able to serve over 50 participants, offering them opportunities to explore new interests, develop critical skills, and engage meaningfully with their peers.
Since 2015, we have been grateful to receive funding through the Canada Summer Jobs program. Regrettably, this year our application was not approved, necessitating a significant restructuring of our program. We had to reduce our staffing from 10 (7 summer staff, 1 full-time and 2 part-time) to just 3 full-time. This reduction required us to shift from our usual full-day, five-days-a-week schedule to a half-day program, except for Fridays when we held field trips. The reduction in staff significantly impacted our program’s capacity, limiting the diversity and range of activities we could offer. We had to carefully manage the adult-to-child ratio and adjust by separating the children and youth to maintain a balanced and safe environment.
The Summer ROCKS program offers a unique blend of intercultural, recreational, and educational programming that enriched the lives of our participants. From hands-on STEM activities and career planning sessions to creative arts and outdoor adventures, the program was designed to be inclusive and diverse, ensuring that every participant felt valued, supported, and empowered.
“It’s great to be part of the community. It helps me feel welcome.”
“I feel like it gets you to bond with people and gives you a lot of social experience. I love the program!”
“It’s fun and inclusive for everyone.”
VIEW THE SUMMER ROCKS PROGRAM REPORTSummer ROCKS 2024 Highlights
Riverbend ROCKS Got Talent
for Children and Youth
A vibrant, community-focused talent showcase designed to give children and youth a platform to express their creativity, build confidence, and connect with their peers. Participants had the opportunity to perform a wide range of talents, including singing, dancing, acting, painting, and more, in a supportive and encouraging environment. The activity not only allowed them to showcase their unique skills but also promoted teamwork and collaboration as they cheered each other on.
To ensure tailored experiences, the program is divided by age groups. Children, ages 5 to 12, have their sessions on Mondays whereas youth, ages 13 and up, have their dedicated session on Tuesdays. By separating the sessions, we create an inclusive and age-appropriate platform for all participants, fostering confidence and self-expression in a way that resonates with their developmental stages.
Whether it was acting out scenes in improv games, singing their favorite songs, practicing public speaking, painting or dancing to the latest hits, Riverbend ROCKS Got Talent helped nurture 3 self-expression, fostered a sense of belonging, and built invaluable communication and performance skills that participants can carry with them into the future.
Green Shack
for Children
A dynamic blend of outdoor fun and creative activities, designed to engage children in physical exercise and imaginative play. Held at local parks, this program provides participants with a range of exciting activities such as soccer, basketball, and various group games, encouraging teamwork and physical fitness in a natural setting.
In addition to sports and games, children have the opportunity to explore their artistic side through creative projects like sidewalk chalk art. This component of the program promotes artistic expression and cognitive development, allowing kids to use their imagination while developing fine motor skills.
The Green Shack Program is not only a chance for children to stay active and creative, but also a way to foster a strong sense of community and connection with their peers. Through a mix of structured activities and free play, the program supports overall well-being and helps children build lasting friendships.
Chai & Games
for Youth
A cozy and inviting space for youth to relax and connect before the EPL ROCKS program each Thursday. Participants can enjoy a cup of tea, engage in lively conversations, or dive into video games on our Xbox or Nintendo Switch consoles. In addition to video games, we also offer a variety of board games, allowing for both competitive and collaborative play. This program is designed to create a supportive and enjoyable environment where youth can socialize, strengthen friendships, and engage in fun activities. By offering this space, we aim to foster a sense of community and connection, ensuring that every participant feels valued and engaged as they transition into the EPL ROCKS program.
EPL ROCKS
for Youth
An exciting blend of literacy, technology, and hands-on creativity. Through our collaboration with the Edmonton Public Library, participants were exposed to a variety of interactive and educational activities aimed at fostering digital literacy, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Some of the standout activities included coding with Sphero robots, where youth learned the basics of programming through fun challenges and races. We also explored creative design by making custom buttons, constructing circuits with LittleBits, and designing personalized bracelets. The iRobot Root and Ozobots introduced participants to more advanced coding and robotics, allowing them to interact with technology in a playful and engaging way.
Career planning sessions were also incorporated, helping youth explore potential future paths and build confidence in their decision-making. Additionally, participants engaged in collaborative building projects with Legos, fostering creativity and teamwork. EPL ROCKS provided a comprehensive environment where technology and creativity merged, offering youth the opportunity to grow academically and personally while sparking their interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Field Trips
for All
The Summer ROCKS program was filled with diverse and enriching field trips that offered participants the chance to explore art, culture, nature, and fun through a wide variety of experiences. Each Friday, except for one week when we had two field trips, participants embarked on these adventures, which were designed to promote engagement, learning, and teamwork in a dynamic setting. These excursions provided opportunities for hands-on exploration and fostered a sense of curiosity and camaraderie among the participants.
Our visit to the Whyte Avenue Art Walk (July 12) allowed participants to immerse themselves in Edmonton’s vibrant art scene. They had the chance to interact with local artists, learn about different art techniques, and experience creative expression up close. The ASSIST Mini Heritage Festival (July 26) introduced participants to the rich cultural diversity of over 20 countries, where they explored cultural performances, tasted global cuisine, and enjoyed activities like face painting, henna, and Chinese calligraphy.
For recreation and adventure, we made a splash at the Swimming (July 19) trips to the local recreation center, which was a favorite among many participants, fostering physical fitness. The Valley Zoo (August 2) trip was a fun and educational experience, where children and youth learned about animals, conservation, and the environment.
Our University Tours & Games/Movie Day (August 9) gave older youth a glimpse into post-secondary life, offering them inspiration for their future educational paths, while also incorporating fun with karaoke, games and movie time. Laser Tag (Aug 14) was a thrilling and energetic experience, where participants had to work as a team and think strategically, while Activate (Aug 16) provided a dynamic physical and mental challenge through adventure-based games that tested agility, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Lastly, our serene trip to the Aga Khan Garden (Aug 23) gave participants a moment to connect with nature, explore beautiful landscapes, and enjoy a guided tour of the gardens where they learned about the garden’s history and community. These field trips provided memorable moments of discovery, fun, and learning, broadening the horizons of all who participated.
Supplementary Programs & Events
Group Tutoring (Math & English)
for Children
At Riverbend ROCKS, we believe that every child in our community deserves the opportunity to succeed academically and feel confident heading into the new school year. That’s why we offer free group tutoring sessions twice a week to provide extra support in Math on Mondays and English on Wednesdays. These sessions are designed to give children who need additional help a chance to strengthen their understanding and skills in core subjects, so they can approach the upcoming school year equipped with the skills needed to succeed.
Water Warriors
for All
Community members of all ages come together to learn about gardening, actively participate in planting and watering our community garden, and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
The program serves as a platform for community members to learn about gardening while fostering a sense of connection and cooperation. Children and youth who participate receive a popsicle at the end of the session as a small reward for their involvement. The program underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement, providing a meaningful and interactive experience for all involved.
Community Market Warriors
for All
Operates biweekly, and occasionally weekly depending on availability, every Wednesday evening following the Water Warriors program. This initiative is designed to enhance food security within our community by providing access to fresh, organic fruits and vegetables sourced from local farmers. The market plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity by offering nutritious food options at no cost to residents, thereby supporting their health and well-being. By distributing these fresh produce items, the Community Market not only contributes to healthier eating habits but also strengthens the connection between community members and local agriculture. This effort underscores our commitment to fostering a resilient and supportive community environment.
Community Events
Three Community Dinners were a highlight of the summer, with a special Afro-Caribbean meal on June 22 at the church, a BBQ night on July 18, and a delightful spread of Indian cuisine and party on August 22. These events were wonderful opportunities for neighbors to come together, share meals, and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our community.
The Back to School Bazaar on August 26 was a significant event where we distributed school supplies to over 50 children and youth. Items included backpacks, utensils, binders, and pencil cases, helping prepare the students for a successful school year.
The summer officially kicked off with the Summer ROCKS Kick-Off & Picnic on July 5th. Families gathered to enjoy snacks, learn about the summer programming, and end the day with a movie.
The Summer ROCKS program concluded on September 6th with a vibrant and inspiring Talent Show. This event was the grand finale of the summer sessions, reflecting the growth and creativity nurtured throughout the program. Over 30 participants, both individuals and groups, showcased their talents in various forms, including dance, art, song, and more. The Talent Show was a celebration of the diverse skills and passions of our participants, marking a joyful end to a season of engaging and transformative experiences.