Youth Week

BC Youth Week is a provincial celebration of youth held annually during the first week of May. It is a week of fun and interactive celebration intended to build a strong connection between young people and their communities and to profile the issues, accomplishments, and diversity of youth across the province.

Of course this is a big week for us at the Abbotsford Youth Commission! We look forward to #BCYW! All our plans are below... all the events this year are FREE!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to ALL our amazing AYC Youth Week sponsors! Your contributions have made a huge difference; we couldn't have done it without you. We're grateful for your commitment to empowering and uplifting youth in our community!

Our amazing sponsors:

bcyw logos 2025 draft.png

Youth Week Events May 1 – 7, 2025

Thurs. May 1, 2025

Cost: Free Admission

Time: Thursday, May 1st, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Where: ARC & MRC Youth Centre
Who: Youth ages 12-18

Kickstarting B.C. Youth Week with fun festivities and tasty treats at both youth centers!

Let’s get this PARTY started!!!

Cost: Free Admission

Time: Thursday, May 1st, 4:00pm-6:00pm

Where: ARC Arena (dry floor)

Who: Youth ages 12-18

Gear up for an adrenaline-packed adventure at ARC Arena during BC Youth Week! With glowing lights, lasers, and epic barriers to dodge, it's your chance to outplay your friends in this ultimate laser tag showdown.

No Registration Required, but check out our website www.abbyyouth.com or Instagram link @abbyyouth to complete the form and save your spot!

Fri. May 2, 2025

Cost: Free Admission and Free Rentals

Time: Friday, May 2nd, 6:45pm-8pm

Where: MRC Ice Arena

Who: Youth ages 12-18

Lace up your skates and vibe with the beats for a shot at snagging some free BC Youth Week swag!

No Registration Required. Check out our website www.abbyyouth.com or Instagram link @abbyyouth to complete the form and save your spot!

Cost: Free Admission

Time: Friday, May 2nd, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Where: ARC Youth Centre
Who: Youth ages 12-18

You’re invited to sing your heart out at AYC Karaoke!

Sat. May 3, 2025

Cost: Free Admission

Time: Saturday, May 3rd, 1:30pm-4:00pm

1:30pm - 2:00pm – Beginner Skateboard Lesson (Equipment provided for lessons)

2:00pm - 4:00pm – Main Event/Competition/Prizes/Star Wars Craft/Free Drinks

Where: ARC Skate Park

Grab your skateboards/scooters and head over to the ARC Skate Park to join Replay, the City of Abbotsford, Go Play Outside and AYC Staff. We will be kicking off the event with beginners’ lessons, followed by our main event: featuring a skateboard competition, prizes, crafts and free drinks!

Partnering with: The City of Abbotsford, Go Play Outside, and Replay Board Shop

Sun. May 4, 2025

Cost: $2 for Youth Ages 12-18

Time: Sunday, May the 4th be with YOUTH 6:00pm-8:00pm

Where: MRC Pool

Who: Youth ages 12-18

Don't miss out on the Youth Inflatable Pool Party featuring an epic DJ set! Dive into the fun, make waves, and chill with your friends.

Partnering with: the City of Abbotsford

Mon. May 5, 2025

Time: Monday, May 5th, 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Location: ARC and MRC Youth Centers

Who: Youth ages 12-18

Join us at both youth centers to create meaningful artwork and raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People.

Time: Monday, May 5th, 11:45am - 12:20pm

Location: Colleen and Gordie Howe Gym

Who: This Event is for Howe Students only.

All Howe Students welcome to join members of the Abbotsford Police Department and the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service in this ultimate Dodgeball showdown!

Partnering with: Abbotsford Police Department and Abbotsford Fire Rescue Services

Tues. May 6, 2025

Who: City Council/Youth Council

Our City Council and Youth Council will come together to volunteer for meaningful collaboration in partnership with Gleaners, a local not-for profit organization.

Cost: Free Admission

Time: Tuesday, May 6th 3:15pm-4:30pm

Where: ARC Youth Centre
Who: Youth ages 12-18

Do you have what it takes to defend your square and be crowned royalty? We’ve got prizes and bragging rights to give away at this event.

Cost: Free Admission

Time: Tuesday, May 6th, 2:30pm-4:30pm

Where: MRC Youth Centre
Who: Youth ages 12-18

Join us for an afternoon of fun, music, and unforgettable performances at AYC Karaoke!

Wed. May 7, 2025

Cost: Free Admission

Time: Wednesday, May 7th 12:00pm-2:00pm

Where: Boardwalk Café and Games

Who: Local Youth Workers

We want to thank Abbotsford’s amazing Youth Workers by hosting a social at Boardwalk Café and Games (free admittance for all Abbotsford youth workers).

* Boardwalk Café and Games offering special Rates for Teens (Ages 12-18) from May 1-7 – $4 Admittance!!!

(50%OFF the regular admittance of $8).

Cost: Free Admission

Time: Thursday, May 1st, 2:30pm-4:30pm
Where: ARC & MRC Youth Centre
Who: Youth ages 12-18

Join us as we celebrate the outstanding Youth Center Leadership team! We will be wrapping up the week with an inspiring awards ceremony honouring their hard work and dedication this year. Don’t miss this chance to show your support and end an epic B.C. Youth Week on a memorable note!

2024 Youth Week Poster

For more information, click here to go to our calendar.

youth-week.jpg

History of BC Youth Week: In 1995, a small group of local municipal planners and youth recreation leaders in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia stumbled across an idea they thought might be an interesting little project. At first, discussions revolved around the idea of organizing a Youth Day. However, this was not big enough for the ambitious group, so they decided to make it an entire week. Thus Youth Week was born. It began with a small handful of municipalities launching a new and exciting initiative to promote partnerships with youth, adults, businesses, government, schools and the media – A Celebration of Youth.

Mission Statement: The BC Youth Week Committee engages individuals throughout BC to collaborate and support each other. We create opportunities that empower youth to be heard, recognized, and celebrated.

Check out the BC Youth Week website to see what is happening all over BC this year!

Youth Week has become an international celebration to promote awareness of youth. It is an opportunity for people around the world to learn about, and from, the youth of their community. During May 1st to 7th, youth in BC will embrace the spirit of Youth Week by participating in activities and events organized by youth for youth, while honoring and celebrating their diversity and their many contributions in their communities.

Youth Week events have included youth award ceremonies, advocacy campaigns, service projects, entertainment events, sporting competitions, educational forums, and other events to showcase, educate and empower youth in our communities. More information, including a sample of the activities that take place during BC Youth Week, can be found on the events listing page.

Wherever Youth Week is celebrated, the idea behind it is the same: Young people are important and need to be recognized in a constructive and positive manner. Their contributions need to be acknowledged and celebrated. Mark your calendar and support youth in your community