Welcome and Discovery Zone

The Welcome and Discovery Zone aims to provide a positive, stimulating, and enriching experience to newcomers to Montréal aged 12 to 17.

The Welcome and Discovery Zone:

Helps participants get to know their new neighbourhood and Montréal better
Helps them develop their French language skills
Helps them be more independent and builds confidence through participation in pedagogical, sports, and edutainment activities.

How Does the Zone Work?

The program is entirely free and can welcome 25 participants per day per site
Participation is voluntary for the day
The Zone program runs for 8 weeks, from Monday to Thursday from June 30 to August 22 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Lunch is provided daily for participants
Trained youth workers work in teams of 2

Programming Focused on the Needs of Young Newcomers

2 hours of French classes per week with the YMCA International Language School
One cooking activity per week
A minimum of 1 discovery activity per week: organizations, institutions, pools, libraries, etc.
Many fun socialization activities: board games, foosball,video games, arts and crafts, sports, etc.
Tons of outings into Montréal's various neighbourhoods and outside of the city

The Zone’s Main Goals

Some of the goals of the program include:

Supporting language socialization and the learning of French in a fun ambiance
Perfecting participants' knowledge of Québec culture
Encouraging the discovery of other youth programs by sharing information on other resources in the neighbourhood
Strengthening the intercultural and inclusive skills of the Zone's staff
Focusing on a successful integration for the start of school

Who Can Participate in Welcome and Discovery Zone Activities?

Any newcomer to Canada aged 12 to 17 who arrived in the country in the last school year
Teens who are in welcoming classes
Siblings are eligible under certain circumstances, including if they are at least 10 years of age and able to participate in activities independently

An Edutainment Approach with a Laid-Back Vibe

The program's activities are aimed at language learning, immersion, and discovery. Outings are encouraged and focus on learning French by taking part in an escape game or visiting the library for example.

French is the main language of communication as partner schools are all French. We also collaborate with other YMCA programs to strategically monitor participants' needs.

In addition, the inclusive interventions foster intercultural understanding. We also let youth have their say in the choice of activities.

The 6 Welcome and Discovery Zones this year

Central

Saint-Léonard
(TBC – school in the borough)

Downtown YMCA
1435 Drummond, Montréal, QC H3G 1W4

East

Du Parc YMCA
5550 du Parc Ave., Montréal, QC H2V 4H1

North

LaSalle
(TBC – school in the borough)

Saint-Laurent YMCA
1745 Décarie Blvd., Saint-Laurent, QC H4L 3N5

South

Pointe-Saint-Charles YMCA
255 Ash Ave., Montréal, QC H3K 2R1

How Do I Register My Child for the Program?

Only children who attend participating schools can register. For more information, please contact customer service.

Fill in the contact form or call us at 1-833-505-9622.

Contact form