Synergy’s programs are highly inclusive and follow a ‘relationships first’ philosophy. This highlights positive peer connections, support from adult mentors, and helps provide a safe space for youth to express themselves.
Synergy’s core programs consist of SHOUT Girls and Boys, for youth between the ages of 10 and 12, as well as YELL (Youth Encouraging Lasting Leadership) for youth between the ages of 13 and 17+. These programs are held weekly throughout the school year, with less formal drop-ins being held throughout the summer for youth over the age of 10 in Chestermere, Langdon and SE Rocky View. Synergy hosts monthly Homework Helper sessions for free tutoring during the school year.
We provide a Youth Internship Program during the summer for youth to gain valuable work experience while helping their community. Throughout the year, leadership and wellness retreats are offered to provide youth with opportunities for leadership development, training, and peer connection.
We also aim to provide one to one wellness support for youth going through difficult times in any area of their lives.SHOUT Boys and Girls is based off the One Circle Foundation’s Boys Council and Girls Circle curriculum. Separate programs for boys and girls allow for thorough and comfortable discussion of specific gender-based issues. Each week, the Girls Circle and Boys Council will get together to talk about relevant issues such as self-esteem, healthy relationships, and bullying. The programs are facilitated by a trained staff member, and supported by volunteer teen/adult mentors. SHOUT Girls is offered in Chestermere and Langdon, SHOUT Boys is offered in Chestermere.

YELL Youth Council is a formal leadership program for youth 13-17+ that incorporates the City of Calgary LEAD curriculum. The council uses their time to organize volunteer events and opportunities.

Friday Fam is offered in Langdon for youth 13+. Participants come to reconnect with their peers, and discuss social issues happening in their lives and the world. The weekly meetups are facilitated by staff and a volunteer mentor, but are less formal to support open discussion.

The Youth Internship Program is provided throughout the summer, which allows youth between the ages of 15 and 21 to gain hands-on work experience, and make a difference in the community. Participants volunteer their time to assist with summer programs, mentor younger youth, and coordinate events, among other duties. Participants also have the opportunity to attend workshops and training over the summer (e.g. first aid, High Five, mental health workshops, etc). If funding is available, successful graduates of the program will receive a bursary for educational purposes.We would not be able to do the work we do without the generous support from our volunteers. Synergy is always open to new volunteers, and are conscious of placing them in opportunities that match their interests and skills. Interested volunteers can visit our website to apply.

Synergy’s primary fundraising focus is to maximize sustainability of our programs. Currently, some of our programs are only partially funded, while others are not funded at all. In this regard, we welcome donations of any amount, towards any of our programs. Each of our programs are equally important, and we have broken down costs:

Homework Helpers costs approximately $200 per session. With increasing demand, we are looking to increase the number of sessions offered, which would cost $2,000 for the upcoming school year.

SHOUT Boys and Girls are at capacity, and we intend to offer the program more than once a week to expand our reach. One 8-week session costs approximately $600 to run.

We provide our youth interns with a bursary at the end of the summer to reward them for their efforts. Each bursary is $500, which is intended for educational purposes.

We offer leadership retreats throughout the year, which cost around $2500 total.

We welcome and appreciate donations and sponsorships of any amount towards any of our youth programming, wellness support, and staff training. We are able to offer charitable donation receipts for donations of $20 or more. Larger donations will be recognized on our donor wall.