On September 28, grade 6 students in Calgary gathered together at Camp Riveredge for the 2024 Calgary Flames Grade 6 YMCA Membership kickoff – a day filled with adventure, connection, and lots of laughter. The event was a great chance for sixth graders to start the year with new friends and exciting experiences, and for many, it was their first big event as part of the Grade 6 program. Being at Riveredge meant everyone could come together on neutral ground, building connections naturally while participating in a ton of fun activities.
Throughout this fun-filled day, students rotated through seven different stations that included Indigenous games, low ropes, archery, fire-making, obstacle courses, and gaga ball. Between challenges, they shared lunch at the amphitheater, giving them time to chat and relax together. The variety of stations allowed kids to try new things and work together, with some of the most memorable moments for leaders coming from watching teams problem-solve on the obstacle course, supporting each other as they maneuvered through swinging tires and other obstacles.
Grade 6 students were able to take the day at their own pace, giving students the opportunity to feel comfortable jumping in without needing prior experience or feeling outmatched by older kids. It was wonderful to see students bonding not only with those from their home YMCA branches but also with new friends from across the city.
With more events and programs lined up throughout the year, this kickoff set an exciting tone. Students have left with a taste of what’s to come: monthly events, activities, and friendships that could last well beyond Grade 6. It was an amazing start, and everyone, from students to leaders, is looking forward to what’s next.
Thank you to the Calgary Flames Foundation for generously supporting the Calgary Flames Grade 6 YMCA Membership since 2013. Together, we help grade 6 youth find confidence, develop independence, establish a sense of belonging, and build a love for active living and healthy habits. We are grateful for our continued partnership for this program.