A PLE Team volunteer's ideas about what to do this summer

PLE Team Volunteer Qasim Syed

My name is Qasim Syed and I am  PLE Team  youth volunteer at JFCY. 


I wrote this blog in order to showcase the options available to make use of your extra time now that summer is approaching. I think there is value in youth keeping themselves busy. When I was in grade 5, I joined the community centre which was located really close to my house. Throughout the years, I participated in many of the events and activities, especially basketball. For those that know me, they know that I have loved basketball ever since and it has helped positively shape my life. I now participate in volunteering activities and school clubs.


As summer is approaching, it is a great time to start to think about what you may want to do with all that extra time. This blog will provide you with some information on opportunities to participate in sports and do volunteer work. I live in Toronto, so the activities here are Toronto-focused; however, if you want to check out options in your community I would suggest that you start by looking up your local YMCA or community centre.

Sports

Participating in sports is a great way to enjoy your time off during the summer. Some examples of sports that promote skill development in youth include: basketball, swimming, track and field and beach activities such as frisbee and beach volleyball.

Sports can help develop confidence and give you the opportunity to interact with others who have similar interests.

The YMCA organizes lots of activities for youth to participate in sports over the summer. Click here to find the location nearest youth.  The YMCA offers financial assistance to low-income families and youth so that everyone has the opportunity to participate in their programs. For more info on financial assistance, ask someone at the YMCA or check out this application form. 


Activities at local community centres are often free or low cost.


The City of Toronto also has many opportunities for youth to get involved in sporting activities over the summer. Click here for more information.

Volunteering Opportunities for Youth

Volunteering or finding a hobby is a great way to meet new people and develop skills and discover new interests.Volunteering is not only a great way of being productive but also encourages better time management. Moreover, by joining club or volunteering you could end up discovering a new activity or hobby you enjoy.

At your Community Centre

The opportunities are endless.The community centres around your neighborhood have several different varieties of clubs and activities to choose.


To find out more about community centre volunteering opportunities click here.


With Charities


There are also charities in Toronto which are always looking for new volunteers. No matter what your interest from working with the environment to health organizations there are a variety of charities in Toronto which are always looking for more volunteers!


A great website which lists lots of opportunities to volunteer is Volunteer Toronto. 


For other communities in Ontario, check out the Ontario Volunteer Centre Network.


At Festivals and Events


Toronto in the summer time is host to many events and festivals which need the help of volunteers to run smoothly. 


For more information on events happening in Toronto this summer click here


Events at Harbourfront Center click here

For more information on events happening daily click here


If you have other ideas on affordable summer activities for youth, leave a comment on the blog so you can share your knowledge with others!

f you are under age 18 in Ontario and have legal questions about your rights please contact a lawyer at JFCY at 416-920-1633, or toll-free at 1-866-999-5329.  

This post was written by Qasim Syed, a PLE Team Member volunteer, with contributions by JFCY volunteer Sarah Mehta Alexander and a JFCY staff lawyer.

Trespassing: What is the law?

 Scenario by Qasim Syed, PLE Team Volunteer

Legal Info by JFCY

Jordan is 14 years old and has recently moved to a new school. He meets with a fellow peer in his class named James. James introduces himself to Jordan and invites him to tag along for lunch. James introduces Jordan to his friends who are a bit older.

The group discusses a prank they are attempting to pull. Jordan does not like the sound of the idea, but being new to the school, he would love the opportunity to make more friends and be the cool kid. The kids discuss that they will go to a factory and attempt to sneak in.

Later in the evening James and the group of kids go to the front of the factory. They see signs emphasizing the consequences of trespassing. Some of the signs are big and they say, “Trespassers will be prosecuted.” As the kids walk in Jordan becomes very nervous and contemplates leaving, however he doesn’t.

As the kids walk inside and observe the place they hear a security guard yelling and running towards them. When they look out the window they see two police cars. With nowhere to run or hide, Jordan wonders the consequences of trespassing. What will become of them? What will he tell his parents?  Will he be in trouble?

Trespassing:The Law in Ontario

Ontario has a law that makes trespassing illegal.  A trespasser is someone who is using land that doesn’t belong to them without permission of the person or people who are responsible for and who control that land.  Jordan and these youth are trespassing according to Ontario law, because posted signs make it clear that the factory shouldn’t be accessed without permission.

They could be charged by the police.  The offence is outlined in the Trespass to Property Act and is called “enter premise where entry prohibited”.  They could be given a ticket to pay a fine, or the officer could give them a “summons”, requiring the youth to attend court to deal with the charge.  If a youth under age 16 is given a summons, his/her parents will be notified of the charge by the police.  Either way (summons or ticket), the youth have the right to dispute the charge in court.  They should talk to a lawyer about their individual situation.

Since these youth are breaking provincial law, the section of the Provincial Offences Act that applies to people under 16 would apply if they were charged. (This is different from being charged with a criminal offence, where the Youth Criminal Justice Act applies to people under 18.)  

There are a number of differences between the treatment of adults who are charged with offences and young people who are charged with offences.  One is that young peoples' identities are protected from publication.  Another is a limit on punishments: even if the fine for a provincial offence is higher than $1000, the maximum person under 16 can be fined is $1000.