The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA and the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board are proud to announce a new partnership that will bring YMCA Youth Development programs to students in Grades 5-8 beginning in April.

Through this collaboration, the YMCA will deliver age-appropriate life skills, safety, and leadership training to 327 students, helping young people build confidence, responsibility, and practical skills they can carry into everyday life.

Each grade level will participate in programming designed specifically for their stage of development:

• Grade 5 – Home Alone Course: Students will learn how to stay home safely and make responsible decisions in everyday situations.
• Grade 6 – Babysitting Course: Youth will gain hands-on skills in caring for younger children, planning activities, and responding to emergencies.
• Grade 7 – Emergency Awareness Program: Students will participate in the YMCA’s new program focused on safety awareness, preparedness, and responding calmly in unexpected situations.
• Grade 8 – Leadership Program (Compressed Version): Students will explore leadership skills, teamwork, and confidence-building as they prepare for greater responsibility in school and the community.

Together, these programs equip youth with essential skills such as decision-making, safety awareness, problem-solving, and leadership development.

“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping young people grow into confident, capable leaders,” said Julie Hrycyk, Child, Youth, and Family Supervisor at the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA. “Through this collaboration with the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board, we are able to bring YMCA Youth Development programming directly to students in Grades 5 through 8, helping them build confidence, learn practical life skills, and develop leadership abilities that support them at home, at school, and in their communities. We are excited to reach more than 300 students through this initiative.”

“We’re grateful for the partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA and the opportunity it provides for our students to learn important life skills,” said Hannah Lettieri, Vice-Principal of St. Basil. “Experiences such as this help students grow in confidence, leadership, and responsibility—skills that will benefit them in school and throughout their lives.”

Programs such as the YMCA’s Home Alone, Babysitting, and Leadership initiatives help youth learn to care for themselves and others responsibly, respond effectively in emergencies, and develop the confidence to contribute positively in their communities.

Both organizations see this collaboration as an exciting opportunity to strengthen community connections while providing meaningful learning experiences for local youth.

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For Media Inquiries: 

Sault Ste. Marie YMCA
Dr. James Chan
Chief Executive Officer
james.chan@ssmymca.ca | 705 949-3133 Ext: 239 

Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board
Kenzie Vandenberg
Communications Officer
kenzie.vandenberg@hscdsb.on.ca

About SSM YMCA

The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA is a charitable organization that has been a cornerstone of community well-being in Sault Ste. Marie for more than 125 years. Dedicated to supporting the growth and wellness of people of all ages, the YMCA delivers programs in health and fitness, aquatics, licensed childcare, after-school programs, and summer day camps. To learn more, visit www.ssmymca.ca.

About Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board

The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) serves the communities of Blind River, Chapleau, Elliot Lake, Espanola, Hornepayne, Massey, Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa and White River. HSCDSB has 18 schools combined and covers a distance of over 800 kilometres and an area of approximately 48,000 square kilometres. Rooted in Jesus Christ, HSCDSB is a Catholic learning community called and committed to develop the full potential of each child and to nurture a personal relationship with Jesus that will inspire Catholic leadership.