Amani Well - Being Summer Program

Proudly supporting children and youth [4-12] in a supportive, enriching, and therapeutic wellbeing program.

🌿 Amani Summer Program (4 Weeks)

The Armani [Peace] Well-Being Summer Program is a four-week interactive summer experience designed for children ages 4 to 12 years old. Families may choose to register for one, two, or all weeks of programming. The program operates Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, offering a safe, enriching, and culturally affirming space for children to thrive. The Program is designed to support youth in building confidence, meaningful friendships, and a deeper connection to themselves and their community.

Rooted in Africentric and holistic wellness principles, Amani creates a space where youth can explore joy, creativity, and rest—while developing essential life skills through play, reflection, and shared experiences.

Participants will engage in a dynamic mix of activities including community outings, creative expression, group games, and guided discussions. Through these experiences, youth will strengthen their sense of identity, learn to navigate conflict in healthy ways, and discover the importance of rest as a form of self-care and resistance.

This is more than a camp—it is a space to be, to grow, and to belong.

Rest. Play. Connect.

Program Themes:

Daily Themes: Focused on “Exploring Diversity through Africentricity” with engaging discussions, art, music, dance, and mindfulness practices.

Experiential Fridays: Weekly experiential learning trips aligned with the weekly themes. Past trips have included visits to cultural museums, outdoor adventures, and local farms.

Guest Speakers & Facilitators: Community leaders and cultural educators sharing music, drumming, dance, storytelling, and art rooted in African, Caribbean, and Indigenous traditions.

Youth Mentorship: Older youth mentors (ages 14–17) will have the opportunity to support younger participants, fostering leadership and confidence-building. Send us an email for further information.

Location: Ifarada Centre for Excellence (Address to be provided upon registration) in Pickering, ON.

Parent Responsibility: Drop-off and pick-up required at the designated location and times.

Meals and Drinks

Ifarada will provide breakfast snacks, snacks, and lunch throughout the week. However, parents may wish for their children to have alternate options.

Parents/Guardians may provide: Nut-free lunch and two snacks daily (if there child prefers).

A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout activities.

Ifarada will provide occasional special treats on theme days or experiential Fridays (e.g., fruit smoothies, popsicles, or cultural food tastings).

Cohort One: July 13-17, 2026

Cohort Two: July 20- 24, 2026

Cohort Three: August 4-7, 2026

Cohort Four: August 10-14, 2026

Safe and Supportive Environment

Staff and Volunteers:

We have a host of child and youth counsellors (CYC students and graduates), and University-trained social service workers and volunteers who play an integral part in the day. Many staff and volunteers are certified in CPR and First Aid.

Child-to-Staff Ratio: 5:1 to ensure personalized care and supervision.

Programming rooted in trauma-informed care, emotional regulation strategies, and positive behavior guidance.

Commitment to the promotion of respect, inclusion, and kindness.

Minimal Cost, Maximum Impact

Thanks to the generosity of funders, partners, and community donors, the Amani Well-Being Summer Program continues to offer affordable access to high-quality programming.

Minimal registration fee to cover incidentials for activities and outings (details provided upon registration).

No cost for children and youth to attend camp.

Join Us This Summer!

Together, let’s support our children in growing, learning, and shining through wellness, mentorship, and cultural pride.

For registration or more information, please contact: info@ifaradainstitute.org.

🌞 Program Highlights

• Weekly community outings (parks, cultural spaces, local gems)
• Creative arts, storytelling, and expression
• Movement-based play (games, dance, team activities)
• Rest and wellness circles (mindfulness, journaling, reflection)
• Conflict resolution through play and group engagement
• Safe, affirming, youth-centered environment

🌱 Weekly Themes

Week 1: Know Yourself (Rest)

• Identity, emotions, self-awareness
• Slowing down, mindfulness, journaling
• What does rest look like for me?

Week 2: Joy & Play (Play)

• Games, movement, creativity
• Reclaiming joy and laughter
• Learning through play

Week 3: Community & Connection (Connect)

• Building friendships
• Trust, communication, teamwork
• Exploring our city and community spaces

Week 4: Growth & Expression (Integrate)

• Conflict resolution
• Confidence building
• Celebrating who I am and what I’ve learned

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

Self & Emotional Awareness

• Identify and express their emotions in healthy ways
• Develop strategies for rest, self-care, and emotional regulation
• Build a stronger sense of identity and self-confidence

Social & Communication Skills

• Form and maintain positive peer relationships
• Demonstrate effective communication and active listening
• Navigate conflict using respectful and collaborative approaches

Community Engagement

• Explore and engage with local community spaces and resources
• Develop a sense of belonging and connection within their community

Creative & Physical Expression

• Participate in creative and movement-based activities to express themselves
• Use play as a tool for learning, connection, and problem-solving

Come join us this summer as we rest deeply, play freely, and connect meaningfully. Amani is a space where youth are seen, heard, and celebrated.The camp occurs on three cohorts, and parents can register for one or more of the cohorts:

Additional Services through Ifarada Centre for Excellence

Free Summer Tutoring: Available for children and youth seeking academic support in math, literacy, and other subjects.

Free Youth Counselling: Access to professional child and youth counselling sessions throughout the summer for those who may benefit from additional emotional support.

Parent Workshops: Optional parent learning sessions on topics such as positive parenting, emotional wellness, and understanding cultural identity.