March Break & Summer Camp registration – online!

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March Break online registration begins: December 10 2018 9:00am 
(Program information is posted now.)

Summer Camp online registration begins: February 1 2019 9:00am
(Program information will be posted January 15 2019)

Starting this year, registration for March Break and Summer Camps will be online using the Amilia system.  We have been using Amilia for our aquatic programs since the Summer 2018 session and have been quite happy with it. Our members have mentioned that they like the ease of use of the platform. In order to get set for registration, you will need to set up an account on the Amilia system and add your child(ren) as participants in your account. (Note: If you have already set up your Amilia account for aquatic registration, you do not need to set up an additional account!  It is the same system!) Setting up the account before registration day will allow you to become familiar with the system, give you time to contact us with questions, and register for programs quickly on registration day.  

Need help? 

You may also come into the Club (arrange a time with us) to use our computer lab to set up your account if you would like in-person assistance.  If you would like to use our computer lab on the first day of registration, please let us know so that we can arrange to have a staff available to help you.

Complete instructions for setting up a new account in the Amilia system.

I am having trouble setting up my account.

Please call the Club for assistance with setting up your account.   We are happy to help – although will likely be unable to do so on the first day of  registration as our phone lines are typically quite busy on that day.   

Can I register by phone, email or in person?

Not at first. In order to fill programs in the order that we receive registrations, we need all participants to register using the online system.

For summer camp programs: We will begin accepting in-person registrations two weeks after registration opens.  However, keep in mind that this gives other participants a full two weeks to register for a camp that you might want.

Go to online registration. 
 

The people of St. Alban’s: Meet Uniqueka!

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Uniqueka Wilson is an integral part of St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club’s  recording studio program. Uniqueka has worked for St. Alban’s for 5 years in the role of sound engineer. She has a passion for music and for the industry and believes that her passion for music came from her grandfather. Her grandfather was a music teacher in the Bronx, New York and was an accomplished trombone player, playing with famous people like Bob Marley. Over the years, Uniqueka has learned more about this amazing man and has come to realize that her passion for music comes naturally.

How did you first get involved in sound engineering?

I first became involved in the field when I found myself in-between careers and my brother invited me to join him in a recording session. I enjoyed it so much and found a studio in New York City that was offering a six month program for sound engineers. I enrolled in the program and lived with my aunt in New Jersey while I attended the program. I then returned to Toronto and enrolled in the Remix Project.

What do you enjoy most about this field and your role as an engineer? What do you find most challenging?

I enjoy being a part of the moment, when the artist is recording in the booth  in a vulnerable state, and helping them get the sound out right with perfect tone, pitch and expression.

The thing I find most challenging is when you’re working on a mix and getting each sound in its right space.

What do you find rewarding about this field?

I enjoy when I can deliver what the artist desires and they say, ‘you understood and delivered what I was trying to relay in my music.”

Do you ever write and record your own music – how does this make you feel?

Recently I started writing my own music and it feels really good. This helps me understand the artists I work with, even more. 

Have you gotten any recognition or awards for your work?

NOT YET!!!  

(Editor’s note: Although we don’t have a specific award to give her, we recognize the amazing contribution Uniqueka makes to our Club and the young artists she works with! Her work with musicians yields brilliant results but more importantly, she empowers youth to feel confident and connected to their community. If there was an award for awesomeness, she would definitely deserve it.)

What has been your coolest accomplishment in this field and in life?

In the field, that fact that I’m in this amazing field and I can still do what I love. I had no idea where this would lead me.

In life, my most valuable accomplishment is my faith in Christ and the fact that he has given me the opportunity to be a part of St. Alban’s and the sound studio where I have had the opportunity to develop and expand the studio. Being here at St. Alban’s has given me the chance and freedom to grow as a person and an engineer.

Board Meeting Notification

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Boys and Girls Clubs logo

All current Club members are invited to attend our next Board of Directors meeting to address a slight change to our bylaws that impacts our eligibility for funding from the City of Toronto.

Meeting Date: November 7 2018  at 7pm
Location: Administrative office –  1278 St. Clair Avenue West Unit 5, M6B 1E9

The people of St. Alban’s: Meet Marta!

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Meet Marta, a Raise the Grade mentor volunteer! Marta has been a mentor for the Raise the Grade program for almost two years. She started out as an amazing placement student working with our youth in programs such as Raise the Grade, Youth Compass, Sole Sisters and is overall a great spirit in our community!

When did you join Raise the Grade and what made you choose to be a volunteer mentor?
I joined officially in January 2018 and had the pleasure of doing my placement at St. Alban’s prior and got to see how the program worked. I like the idea that it is a one-on-one mentorship experience with the youth. You are able to witness their growth and accomplishments throughout the year and it is a nice feeling know that you were able to mentor them during it all.

What is your favourite thing about the Raise the Grade program?
Being able to see the growth of the youth by the end of the school year and how happy they are with their accomplishments!

How do you like to relax especially when dealing with stress?
Throwing on a pair of running shoes, putting on a great 90’s playlist and taking a run around the city!

Sweet or Savoury? Favourite Snack?
100% Savoury! Chips are my weakness!

Dream travel destination?
Definitely Thailand. I love having the opportunity to experience different cultures and the country looks beautiful. I also LOVE Thai cuisine.

If you could give one piece of advice to your past self, what would it be?
Never give up on what makes you happy. With hard work and determination, you can achieve anything…even if it takes a couple of tries and failures to get there!

The people of St. Alban’s: Meet Alessia!

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Get to know one of our STARS After School program staff members, Alessia Lalli.

How long have you been at St. Alban’s? 
I’ve been at St. Alban’s for 3 years! I started off as a placement student for my third year of university where I participated in the STARS Program and the youth program Sistahood. Once I completed my placement, I was hired to work at the satellite site, Regal Road. Since then, I have moved back to the main site where I have worked with Group 5/6 and Group 3 as well as worked summer camp 2016 and 2018.

What age group do you currently work with?
Grade 4! (9-10 year olds)

What is your favorite thing about working with St. Albans?
My favourite thing about working with St. Alban’s is the family atmosphere. Working with the same staff and kids every day makes it very easy for you all to get to know each other and bond quickly. Plus, the kids are super fun, energetic, and unpredictable and the staff are super friendly and always there for you.

Do you have any secret talents?
I can binge watch a TV series embarrassingly fast.

If you had a super power, what would it be and why?
Teleportation! You no longer have to worry about traffic or commuting.

If you could spend one day in someone else’s shoes, who would it be and why?
If I could spend one day in someone else’s shoes, it would be Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day because I have always wanted to be in a band and tour.

If you could describe yourself in 3 words what would they be?
Caring, spontaneous, optimistic

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a teacher because I enjoyed helping my younger brother and sister with their homework (and yet, I never wanted to do my own).

Are you an Early Bird or Late Owl?
I’m 100% a late owl

The People of St. Alban’s: Meet Zachary!

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Meet Zachary, a long-time youth member at our main clubhouse.  Zachary has been a youth member since 2011 and is an active participant in our Raise the Grade program for five years. He also works part-time with our STARS after-school program and summer camp. 

What made you join the Raise the Grade program?

I joined the Raise the Grade program because I needed extra help and support with my academics.  I like the fact that I can work 1-on-1 with a mentor/tutor who is matched and catered to my academic needs and to also have someone I can trust and talk to on a regular basis.

Tell us about your biggest academic challenge and how did you overcome it?

My biggest academic challenge would have to be during my senior year in high school.  I found out that I did not get accepted to my top school and program at Ryerson University. I had several other acceptances and almost went to another school. However after getting advice from my friends, family, and my mentor, I made the tough decision to do an extra year of high school and applied again. I ended up graduating my 5th year of high-school with honours and got accepted into the Sport Media program at Ryerson University! Moral of the story: Do not rush the process!

What is the best part about being a Raise the Grade participant?

I love that I can create a special bond with a mentor that is here to help me improve in various ways. I’ve known my current mentor, Stewart, for two years and he has helped me so much. The program gave us the opportunity to get to know each other and I’m thankful for his time and guidance.

What are your hopes and goals for the future?

My future goal is to graduate university with a degree in Sport Media and connect with individuals in the media world. My hopes are to work as a sports anchor and journalist for a Sport Media Company such as TSN!

The people of St. Alban’s: Meet Annika

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Annika Forman recently won second place in our Song Writing Competition.  She performed her winning track, “Brave New World“, at St. Alban’s Street Jam 2.0. 

How did you find out about the Inc Sound Studio program and St. Alban’s? What were your impressions when you first got here?
I went to St. Alban’s many times throughout my childhood. I went to daycare, summer camp, swimming, skateboarding amongst other things and have always loved the community that St. Alban’s fosters.
I found out about the Inc Sound Studio program because Jo’el Douglas guest lectured in my Equity Studies course at University of Toronto where he talked about the history of hip-hop and rap music. After the lecture I went up to him, thanked him, and said I write rap music and sent him a link of my track, “Brave New World“. Once he had had a listen he told me more about the program and that’s how I came to know of it. My impression of Inc Sound Studio program was a really positive one. I really liked the artists in the program, the staff, and the space itself.

What sparked your interest in music? How did you get started writing your own material?
My interest in music started from a very young age. I was always singing growing up in my house. My mom is a great singer and would always sing lullabies to me and my brother. Growing up there was always a lot of music in the house. As well, being Jewish, we would sing on Shabbat every Friday night and at synagogue as music is a big part of the culture. When I was about six I started taking Suzuki violin lessons and did that until I was twelve. From there I slowly became less interested in the violin and picked up the guitar – which I continue to play to this day. I started writing my own material when I was about 16. My guitar teacher at the time told me about a woman named Robyn Dell’Unto who had this company called “A Song of my Own” that helped artists write and record original songs. I got into contact with her and we wrote a song together. She then applied for a FACTOR (Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent On Recordings) grant on my behalf and upon receiving it I was able to pay for a producer to help me record my first single “Brave New World“.

Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from the world around me. I know that sounds cheesy but it’s true. I am very politically and socially aware and try to be involved in social justice initiatives as much as I can. I also want to make sure that my music is authentic and that I’m actually saying what I feel and am not trying to fit into a mold of party anthems and all the other music one often hears on the radio. “Brave New World” came about from deciding to write a song about something I cared about and had meaning to me. The inspiration for the song was to use a predominantly male musical platform – rap music – and all the historically derogatory ways in which it puts down women through its lyric and I was going to flip it on its head. I was going to use that same kind of medium but use it as a female empowerment song as oppose to how it has often historically degraded women.

What would you tell a young child who is interested in making their own music? What advice would you give them?
I would tell them they should go for it! I’m trying to think of the things that held me back as a kid. One of the things was the feeling that music will not get me anywhere – which I still feel! – but I try to ignore that feeling as much as possible and follow my passion. I also found and find that it’s hard for me to find inspiration. What I would say is the times where you struggle in your life is often the most inspiring times and you can use those times as fuel to write a good song. So the times when you feel like you’re at your lowest is actually the best place to be in to write a song and be inspired. So what I would tell a young person is – find that inspiration and then don’t be afraid to put out stuff that’s not already out there! Something I’m trying to remember to do myself is not to put out stuff just because it’s going to make you look good or it’s going to make you sound good. Put out stuff that’s authentic and real and that you would be okay with your children or future children hearing, something that you would be proud of and stand behind and something you feel strongly about. Don’t just put it out because it makes you sound cool or you think people will like it, put it out because there is truth in what you’re saying and you feel like people should hear it.

Besides music, what are your interests and what do you like to do in your spare time?
Besides music, I’m a huge sports fan. I play soccer and have been playing soccer since I was in elementary school. I love just being physically active in any way that I can. I’m also in school full-time studying sociology – which takes up a lot of my time but outside of school and sports I like to listen to music and hang out with friends.

The People of St. Alban’s: Meet Madison!

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Madison Granger Wing has been coming to St. Alban’s since she was 5 years old, when she first took beginners swimming classes. She has been coming here for 7 years and considers St. Alban’s her second home. 

How did you hear about the Club and what got you started here? 

My aunt told us how my cousin was playing water polo at the Club and how he had such a fun and interactive experience.  My parents loved the idea of how St. Alban’s was a safe environment that would allow me to thrive in a positive way. 

Describe the feeling you have when you come to the Club. 

When I come to St. Alban’s, I feel excited because I have the opportunity to be on the swim team.  I feel motivated to succeed and set goals for myself because of the great aquatic leaders and coaches. 

What are some of the programs you come to here? 

I have attended the H2O summer program for the last two years and absolutely fell in love with it.  This program is super fun because you get the chance to learn life saving skills while at the same time having fun.  This camp has kept me active in the summer, allowed me to meet lots of new friends and let me go on super fun excursions on Fridays. 

My absolute favourite activity is being on the senior swim team because I feel challenged, important and it makes me set goals for myself.  I love going to swim meets because it lets me show off all of the hard work that I put into swimming. 

If you had to describe what it’s like here to another kid, what would you say? 

I would say St. Albans is a great place to be.  There are tons of fun activities like baking club, skateboard club, and swim team.  Thanks to the great staff at St. Albans, you will always be able to feel safe, welcome and be able to express your ideas freely. 

Who is your favourite leader and why? 

Fabian is my favourite leader because he always gives me the challenge to be a better swimmer and he pushes me to pass the goals I set for myself.  He is very thoughtful and kind and he goes the extra mile by helping us on his free time.  He makes you feel good about yourself when you try your best and he is the best coach ever.