Summer Camp 2024 Closing Ceremony

Kenzie Kash • August 27, 2024

On the final day of summer camp, GGYC threw a fantastic Summer 2024 Closing Ceremony to celebrate the amazing achievements and fun times of the past few months. The day was filled with a mix of reflection, entertainment, and togetherness.


The celebration kicked off as campers arrived at GGYC and were greeted by the first slideshow video, which showcased some of the summer's most memorable moments.


Michael Ma, Chief Operating Officer & Director Of Community Wellness, gave an inspiring speech, setting a positive tone for the day. He described GGYC as, "A place where you feel safe, have fun, and make new friendships or strengthen friendships you already have." Next up was Talha Malik, Executive Director, who shared his own heartfelt reflections on the summer. Afterward, campers enjoyed a second slideshow video, showcasing more of the summer's fun activities and shared successes, bringing laughter and joy to the event.


The event then moved outdoors where campers and staff gathered for a barbecue, with an ice cream truck adding a sweet touch. There were also bouncy castles, inflatable slides, carnival games and face painting, creating a lively atmosphere where everyone could unwind and have fun after a busy summer.


As the day continued, several staff members shared their summer experiences. Shahnaaz Eqbal summed up her time as a counselor with three words, "Amazing, surprising, loving," perfectly capturing the GGYC's spirit. Mohammed Deshmukh from Eco Arts reflected, "This is a full circle moment for me. On the Go Green website, there's a photo of me as a camper at the African Lion Safari. That's one of my biggest takeaways from being here this summer. The kids here may not notice it yet, but they're going to grow with Go Green." Zain, a Leader in Training (LIT), added, "This summer has been a huge success, not just for myself but for Go Green as a whole. I think we had an amazing summer camp this year."


The event wrapped up with a cake-cutting ceremony, providing a final shared moment that symbolized the camp's efforts to create lasting memories and offer a fitting end to the season.


The GGYC Summer 2024 Closing Ceremony was a joyful and successful event, marking the end of a summer full of growth, friendship, and unforgettable experiences that perfectly reflected the core values and mission of GGYC.

September 30, 2026
Thank you to all our partners, donors and community members who contributed to our Summer Sports & Education Camp 2026! "I want to say thank you for what you do. You are investing in the children's mental health, confidence and future." "This camp motivates me to keep pursuing to be a better version of myself, so that I can have the same impact for the younger campers as I once had being a participant." "A memorable moment that will stay with me forever is seeing my group as the underdogs win against much older opponents in soccer. Overall my campers positive attitude throughout the whole camp made it an experience I will never forget." "One camper who barely spoke up at the start ended up asking to help lead warm-ups by the end of camp small moment, but it meant a lot." "Honestly this whole summer camp has been such a special moment for me from meeting new people to doing different activities everyday."
July 17, 2026
On Friday, July 17, 2026, we were pleased to welcome Mayor Olivia Chow for a meet-and-greet with our youth and team at Thorncliffe Park Public School. It was a great opportunity to discuss issues affecting local youth and explore ways to collaborate. Thank you, Mayor Olivia Chow, for taking the time to visit us and connect with our youth and team!
June 30, 2026
Before welcoming our campers for our 2026 Summer Sports & Education Camp 2026, our coaches and Leaders-in-Training spent time gearing up to deliver the safest and most impactful experience possible. Throughout June 2026, our team engaged in hands-on workshops covering First Aid, safe play, youth mental health support, and career-building skills. A ​special thank you to The King’s Trust Canada, Jack.org, and ​Dr. Lauren Wolman​ for sharing their expertise and empowering our team!
March 18, 2026
On Saturday, March 14, Leaders-in-Training (LITs) accepted for our 2026 March Break Sports & Education Camp gathered at Valley Park Middle School for a day of mentorship, activity-based learning and camp training. Typically between the ages of 14 and 16, LITs shadow GGYC Coaches to gain hands-on experience. This program offers an excellent opportunity to earn volunteer hours, meet new people, and gain exposure to a work setting while developing essential leadership skills.
March 13, 2026
On Saturday, March 7, the Go Green Youth Centre (GGYC) team gathered at Valley Park Middle School for a day of growth, connection, and preparation. This personal development and training day was designed for our current and returning coaches as they gear up for the 2026 March Break Sports & Education Camp. The day went beyond typical staff training, diving deep into career exploration, leadership, and the real-world challenges our coaches face—from navigating the job market to building self-confidence.
March 10, 2026
What if we told you that the sport you love can help you build the career path of your dreams? On February 5, 2026, GGYC participants headed to the Central YMCA in Toronto for an incredible day of growth at The King’s Trust Canada’s "The Network: Shine On & Off the Field" event. Bridging the Gap: Sports x Career The day wasn't just about the game; it was about the hustle. The event focused on how the skills we build on the field—time management, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—are the exact same ones that lead to a winning career. Our youth took part in : Interactive Sessions: Hands-on activities to test their on-the-spot decision making. Networking: Connecting with other young professionals and industry leaders. Career Mapping: Discovering how a passion for sports can turn into a full-time profession. Looking Ahead: FIFA World Cup 26™ With the FIFA World Cup 26™ fast approaching, TKTC presented their partnership with Coca-Cola to rollout the Coca-Cola Future Careers (FC) Academy to young Canadians – a dynamic digital learning experience designed to equip young people with the skills and confidence to step into sports marketing and related industries. With courses led by industry leaders on different key topics, the program blends real‑world know‑how, industry connections, and insider access to help the next generation of leaders score career goals before, during, and beyond the tournament. Sign-up for the Coca-Cola Future Careers (FC) Academy here .
January 21, 2026
In a special collaboration with Connected Minds, youth from our Leaders-in-Training program visited York University to see what research looks like in practice, who it involves, and how it connects to real lives and real communities.
January 16, 2026
I was born and raised in Toronto and have spent my whole life in Flemingdon Park, and my family is Chinese-Vietnamese. My dad immigrated to Canada in the late 70s and was considered one of the boat people who fled the Vietnam War, and my mom migrated in the early 90s.
November 30, 2025
Through this collaboration, we were able to successfully distribute free YNAB licenses and financial literacy resources to the youth we work with, empowering them with a powerful tool for financial planning. We extend our sincere gratitude to YNAB for giving back to our community!
November 19, 2025
Go Green Youth Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of Abeir Liton as its Director, Philanthropy & Impact, effective immediately. Abeir’s background spans strategic planning, communications, organizational development, and technology. His journey started with GGYC when he was a student at Valley Park MS.
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