Build friendships and community, develop social skills and independence, and learn group participation and communication.

Children in Motion | Ages 3-5
 Through fun and inclusive activities, participants build foundational skills like balance, coordination, teamwork, and self-regulation. Children also learn how to participate in group sport programming by practicing listening, following routines, and engaging in cooperative play. This program helps every child gain confidence and independence while moving, playing, and growing together.

1:1 Reading | Ages 3+
Literacy program that builds reading comprehension and confidence through themed activities and guided reflection.

Social Explorers | Ages 4-12
Previously known as Building Blocks, our Social Explorers program helps children develop emotional regulation and positive play behaviors through guided classroom activities and structured group play. Participants learn to recognize emotions, practice turn-taking, and build cooperation skills in a supportive environment. Each session begins in the classroom and gradually transitions to exciting spaces like the fieldhouse, kids gym, courtyard, and rock wall. This program builds confidence and consistency in navigating new environments while fostering social growth through play.

After School Program | Ages 4-21
Offered 5 days a week throughout the school year from 3pm to 6pm.  This after-school program offers grade school students a chance to stay active and engaged through weekly swimming, adapted sports, games, and arts and crafts in a fun, inclusive setting. Supervised by qualified staff, the program emphasizes social interaction and safe participation with a 1:5 staff-to-child ratio.

MultiSport: Instructional | Ages 6-12
An active and inclusive program where children are introduced to a new sport each week, helping them build fundamental movement skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. From basketball to track to sitting volleyball, participants explore a wide range of activities in a fun and supportive environment. The program also offers exposure to Variety Village’s in-house pre-competitive sport teams, inspiring kids to see what’s possible beyond recreational play. Multisport encourages confidence, cooperation, and a lifelong love of physical activity..

Teen Brunch Club | Ages 10-14
Teen Brunch Club is a fun and interactive social skills program designed for teens to build confidence, connection, and independence. Each week, participants work together to plan and cook a delicious brunch, developing teamwork and life skills in the kitchen. Through group activities, they’ll practice emotional regulation, conversation, and active participation in a relaxed and supportive setting. After brunch, the group explores a variety of programs at Variety Village including rock climbing, swimming, sports, science and crafts to build new skills and social connections through shared experiences

Leaders in Training | Ages 12-18: The Leaders in Training (LIT) program empowers youth to explore what it means to be a leader within their community. Participants will learn about volunteer and employment opportunities available at Variety Village and gain insight into the responsibilities of different roles. They’ll build essential skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and initiative through interactive workshops and hands-on experiences. As part of the program, participants will also work toward developing basic first aid skills, with the goal of obtaining a Basic First Aid and/or Emergency First Aid certification.

Respite | Ages 14+:

Funky Friday: Funky Friday is a full-day, high-energy program packed with creativity, movement, and fun! The day kicks off with drop-off and mingle activities to help participants ease into the morning, followed by hands-on art programming and active play in the fieldhouse. After making and sharing lunch together, the afternoon includes exciting science activities, a refreshing swim session, and time to relax and connect through social activities. With a bit of everything, art, sport, science, swimming, and friendship, Funky Friday is the perfect way to end the week on a high note!

Sport, Swim & Social: Sport, Swim & Social is a dynamic and flexible program that gives participants the choice to join either the swim group or the sport group at the start of each day. The day begins with fun mingle activities to help everyone connect and get energized. Participants then head to their chosen activity, either the pool for swimming or the fieldhouse for sport-based games and skill-building. After the active portion, the whole group comes together for a fun and engaging social activity, promoting connection, communication, and community.

Wicked Wednesday: Wicked Wednesday is an engaging evening program that combines creativity, movement, and social connection in a relaxed and supportive setting. The evening begins with unstructured mingle time and a group check-in, followed by either an art or science activity. Participants then enjoy a swim session before preparing and sharing a meal together. The night finishes with active games in the fieldhouse and a fun social activity, offering a well-rounded experience that encourages confidence, friendship, and participation.

Drama | Ages 16+
Variety’s Drama Program is a year-long creative journey where participants build confidence, collaboration, and performance skills through the art of drama. In the fall, participants explore acting and improv through games and activities that strengthen stage presence and teamwork. The winter season shifts focus to casting and rehearsals for a winter talent show, followed by preparation for a full spring drama production. This program offers a fun, supportive environment where every participant has the opportunity to shine on stage and grow as a performer.
Dinner Club Add-On is a flexible pre-program option for participants enrolled in Variety’s Drama Program. Before the evening program begins, participants will join an instructor-led social dinner club, where they can eat with their drama friends and take part in casual group activities. This add-on offers a relaxed and social environment to connect and unwind before rehearsals. Please note that dinner must be brought from home, as it is not provided by Variety Village.

Adult Day Program | Ages 21+
Designed for individuals 21 years of age and older with a physical and/ or developmental disability. Participants enjoy a structured program where they can continue to learn and develop skills through a variety of fun and interactive opportunities.

Participate in structured activities, develop fundamental movement and fitness skills and engage in multisport or house league programs for lifelong activity.

Exceptional Explorers | Ages 0-3:
Exceptional Explorers is a parent-and-tot program designed to support early movement and motor skill development through fun, play-based activities. Each session begins with 40 minutes of active exploration in our fieldhouse and kids gym, where children build gross motor skills like climbing, jumping, and balancing with the support of their caregiver. After a 20-minute transition period, participants take part in a 40-minute swim lesson that introduces them to the water in a fun and safe environment alongside their guardian. These classes focus on building comfort and confidence in the water through guided interaction between parent and child.

Teeter Tots | Ages 2-4
Focuses on early movement skills like running, throwing, and climbing. It includes 40 minutes of independent gym time for the tot and 30 minutes of swim instruction with a caregiver.

Children in Motion | Ages 3-5
Children in Motion is a play-based movement program designed to support the physical, social, and emotional development of children. Through fun and inclusive activities, participants build foundational skills like balance, coordination, teamwork, and self-regulation. Children also learn how to participate in group sport programming by practicing listening, following routines, and engaging in cooperative play. This program helps every child gain confidence and independence while moving, playing, and growing together.

MultiSport: Instructional | Ages 6-12
MultiSport: Instructional is an active and inclusive program where children are introduced to a new sport each week, helping them build fundamental movement skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. From basketball to track to sitting volleyball, participants explore a wide range of activities in a fun and supportive environment. The program also offers exposure to Variety Village’s in-house pre-competitive sport teams, inspiring kids to see what’s possible beyond recreational play. Multisport encourages confidence, cooperation, and a lifelong love of physical activity.

AquaSport | Ages 5-12
Progressive program that builds water confidence and swim skills through fun, inclusive activities. Participants advance through three levels, preparing for aquatic sports in a supportive environment.

Soccer: Instructional| Ages 6-12: 
A beginner-friendly program that teaches the core skills of the game in a fun and inclusive setting. Participants will learn to dribble, pass, shoot, and work as a team through engaging drills and activities. Each session focuses on building coordination, confidence, and a love for the game. This program is perfect for children who are new to soccer or looking to strengthen their foundational skills.

MultiSport: House League | Ages 8-12: 
MultiSport: House League is a fun and inclusive program where participants experience the excitement of team play while exploring a new sport each week. Each session begins with a review of the game’s rules and a short skills refresher, followed by team-based gameplay for the majority of the program. Sports may include basketball, soccer, floor hockey, and more, giving kids a chance to build confidence, improve coordination, and learn game strategies. With a focus on teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship, this program offers a supportive environment for all skill levels.

Air Adventurers | Ages 8-14: 
Air Adventures is a thrilling climbing program where participants build confidence, strength, and skills while exploring Variety Village’s rock wall and high ropes course. Each session focuses on climbing safety, knot tying, harness use, and communication techniques, helping participants become comfortable and capable climbers. As they progress, climbers develop endurance, coordination, and problem-solving skills in a fun, supportive environment. Air Adventures invites participants to rise to the challenge and discover just how far they can go, one climb at a time.

Learn to Lift | Ages 13+

Fitness Classes | Ages 16+: Including AquaFit, ChairFit, Core Strength and Stability, HITT, Pilates, TIME, Weightlifting, Yoga

Personal Training | Ages 4+

Moving on to Fitness | Ages 18+

Discover a sport you love, join pre-competitive teams and pursue regional, provincial, national or even Paralympic/Olympic levels.

Children in Motion | Ages 3-5: 
Children in Motion is a play-based movement program designed to support the physical, social, and emotional development of children ages 3–5. Through fun and inclusive activities, children learn how to participate in group sport programming by practicing listening, following routines, and engaging in cooperative play.

AquaSport | Ages 5-12: A three level progressive program focusing on developing the skills necessary to participate in aquatic sports and use aquatic equipment. 

MultiSport: Instructional| Ages 6-12: Offered year-round builds confidence and physical literacy through running, jumping, throwing, and sport-specific skills. It progresses through three levels, introducing and refining abilities to prepare for sport participation.

MultiSport: House League | Ages 8-12: Each session begins with a review of the game’s rules and a short skills refresher, followed by team-based gameplay for the majority of the program. Sports may include basketball, soccer, floor hockey, and more, giving kids a chance to build confidence, improve coordination, and learn game strategies.

Pre-Competitive | Ages 4+: Challenger Baseball, Flames, Golf, Taekwondo, Track, VOLT Hockey, Olympic Weightlifting, Wheelchair Basketball

Competitive | Ages 7+: Flames, Sunshine, Taekwondo, Track, VOLT Hockey, Olympic Weightlifting, Wheelchair Basketball

Learn water safety, develop swimming skills, explore aquatic sports, and prepare for aquatic leadership opportunities.

Guardian & Tot Learn to Swim| Ages 0-3: 
Parents and Tots will learn how to play safely together in the water. We will introduce
swimming-specific skills such as floating, gliding, and blowing bubbles through play and songs. Parents will have the
opportunity to get more comfortable supporting their tot in the water

Preschool Lessons | Ages 3-5: A 5 level progressive program designed to teach swim basics 

Level 1: These preschoolers will have fun learning to get in and out of the water. We'll help them jump into chest deep water. They'll float and glide on their front and back and learn to get their faces wet and blow bubbles underwater. If a participant needs extra encouragement, grownups are welcome to sit on the side of the pool to help the participant feel more comfortable.

Level 2: These preschoolers learn to jump into chest-deep water by themselves and get in and get out wearing a life jacket. They'll submerge and exhale underwater. Wearing a lifejacket, they'll glide on their front and back.

Level 3: These youngsters will try both jumping and a sideways entry into deep water while wearing a lifejacket. They'll recover objects from the bottom in waist-deep water. They'll work on kicking and gliding through the water on their front and back.

Level 4: Advanced preschoolers will learn to do solo jumps into deeper water and get out by themselves. They'll make sideways entries and open their eyes underwater. They'll master a short swim on their front wearing a lifejacket and gliding and kicking on their side.

Level 5: These youngsters get more adventuresome with a forward roll entry wearing a lifejacket and treading water for 10 sec. They'll work on front and back crawl swims for 5 m, interval training and get a giggle out of whip kick.

AquaSport | Ages 5-12: 
A three level progressive program focusing on developing the skills necessary to participate in aquatic sports and use aquatic equipment. 

Group Level Lessons | Ages 6-12: A 10 level progressive program focused on teaching swimming strokes and water safety skills. 

Level 1: These beginners will become comfortable jumping into water with and without a lifejacket. They'll learn to open their eyes, exhale and hold their breath underwater. They'll work on floats, glide and kick through the water on their front and back and learn water safety skills such as the importance of supervision.

Level 2:These advanced beginners will jump into deeper water and learn to be comfortable falling sideways into the water wearing a lifejacket. An endurance distance swim of 10m. Working on both front and back crawl arms. Important water safety skills are completed as well

Level 3: In this level, swimmers will increase the distances of the skills. Try out the beginning stages of treading- with and without PFD. Learn about self-safety and safe diving. Level 3 swimmers will continue to practice basic flutter and whip kicks on front and back, swimming 10m each of front crawl and back crawl. Distance swim of 15m. Focuses on water safety with
various entries, and safety protocols like swimming with a buddy

Level 4: These junior swimmers will complete a distance swim of 25m, one length of the deep end! They'll work on 15 m front
crawl, back crawl and 10 m whip kick on their back. Cannonball into deep water along with introducing stride dive. Water
safety is reviewed

Level 5: At this level swimmers are working on increasing distance in swim skills, with a 50m distance swim. They will be
introduced to a throwing assist without a line. Swimmers will complete strokes with 20m each of front crawl and back
crawl and demonstrate whip kick for 15m. Working on underwater swimming skills for 5m and treading water for 30 sec. Focuses on skills like handstands and standing dives, as well as understanding boating safety and peer influence.
Emphasizes safety protocols

Level 6: These intermediate swimmers will swim lengths of front, back crawl, whip kick, and breaststroke arms while breathing. Elementary backstroke is introduced with a 10m distance. A distance swim of 75m, standing dive, both eggbeater and treading water. Water safety skills such as throwing assist with a line, distressed swimmer recognition and learning about a partial choking obstruction.

Level 7: Swimmers will focus on stroke correction and building endurance. Demonstrates whip kick for 25m, breaststroke
arm drill for 15m, and elementary backstroke for 15m. They will swim 50m of front crawl and back crawl, with 5m of head-up variations each. Participates in activities including a 150m swim, sprints in both front and back crawl, and interval
training. Skills like stride entries, treading water, and eggbeater kicks. Practices water safety with object recovery and
choking rescue techniques and learns to use rescue equipment. Learn about open water dangers and reinforce safety habits such as understanding ice conditions

Level 8: These swimmers will master shallow dives, cannonball entries, eggbeater kicks, and in-water backward somersaults.
Working on a distance swim of 300m. They'll refine their front and back crawl over 50 m swims of each, and breaststroke
over 25 m. Then they'll pick up the pace in 25 m sprints and introduce stride dive. Water safety skills such as Chocking
rescue; complete, partial, conscious person, Hypothermia and Self rescue; Fall through ice.

Level 9: Advanced swimmers in level 9 will be introduced to and taught scissor kicking. Long-distance swimming with 100m each of front crawl, back crawl, and 50m of elementary backstroke. They demonstrate head-up variations for front crawl and breaststroke. Engages in rigorous fitness activities including a 400m distance swim, 50m sprints in both front crawl and back crawl, and focused breaststroke drills. Working on skills such as head-first surface dives, foot-first sculling, and
retrieving a 5 lb. brick in chest-deep water. Learn essential safety practices like sun protection and ice rescue techniques.
Emphasizes water safety habits

Level 10: These advanced swimmers will rise to the challenge of sophisticated aquatic skills including stride entries, compact jumps and lifesaving kicks like eggbeater and scissor kick. They'll develop strength and power in head-up breaststroke sprints over 25m. They'll easily swim lengths of front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke, and they'll complain about the 300m workout. Level 10 Swimmers will also complete a variety of lifesaving skills, these will include 5 lb. brick recovery in deep
water, reverse and ready (how to approach a drowning victim), as well as head & foot first surface dives with a 2m
underwater swim. Moreover, water safety topics such as swimming with a buddy, proper use of life jackets, and frozen
bodies of water (lakes, ponds, etc.) will be covered throughout level 10.

Adult Lessons | Ages 13+:

1:1 Adapted Lessons | Ages 3+: 
1:1 Adapted Swim lessons are for participants with a disability who would benefit from 1:1 instruction. Lessons are 30 minutes in length and are tailored to the individual's needs and swimming goals

Private & Semi-Private Lessons | Ages 3+: 
Private swimming lessons are a great way to learn and improve your swimming, fitness, flexibility and mobility. Lessons are held for 30 minutes at the appropriate depth and are tailored to the swimmer’s individual needs

Rookie Patrol | Ages 8+:
Swimmers continue stroke development with 50 m swims of front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke. Lifesaving Sport skills include a 25 m obstacle swim and 15 m object carry. First aid focuses on assessment of conscious victims, contacting EMS and treatment for bleeding. Fitness improves in 350 m workouts and 100 m timed swims.

Ranger Patrol | Ages 8+:
Swimmers develop better strokes over 75 m swims of each stroke. They tackle Lifesaving Sport skills in a lifesaving medley, timed object support and rescue with buoyant aid. First aid focuses on assessment of unconscious victims, treatment of victims in shock and obstructed airway procedures. Skill drills develop a strong lifesaving foundation.

Star Patrol | Ages 8+:
Swimmers are challenged with 600m workouts; 300m timed swims and a 25m object carry. Strokes are refined over 100m swims. First aid focuses on the treatment of bone or joint injuries and respiratory emergencies including asthma and allergic reactions. Lifesaving skills include defence methods, victim removals and rolling over and supporting a victim face up in shallow water.

Gain skills for independence (like Home Alone), volunteer, start babysitting, develop job readiness through certification, and explore career opportunities.

Variety Village is a recognized training partner with the Lifesaving Society, offering nationally accredited certifications. All courses include the Canadian First Aid Manual.

Canadian Swim Patrol | Ages 8+ →

Bronze Star | Ages 11+ |
Bronze Star develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skills and personal fitness. Candidates refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion and provides a fun introduction to lifesaving sport.

Bronze Medallion | Age 13+ | Prerequisites: Completion of Bronze Star OR age 13+
The Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross

Bronze Cross | Age 13+ | Prerequisites: Bronze Medallion and current Life Saving Society Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid certification (or equivalent)

The Bronze Cross further develops the candidate’s lifesaving skills and judgment beyond the Bronze Medallion level. Emphasis is placed on the principles and techniques of advanced water rescue, teamwork, and the supervision of aquatic environments. Candidates learn to evaluate and manage complex rescue situations, including multiple victim rescues, and to apply their skills in challenging conditions. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for all National Lifeguard certification programs and is recognized as an Assistant Lifeguard certification.

Assistant Instructor | Ages 14+

Lifesaving Swim Instructor| Ages 15+ | Prerequisites: Minimum age met by end of course and current Bronze Cross Certification or higher

The Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor course prepares candidates to teach and evaluate the swimming strokes and water safety skills in the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life® program. Candidates develop a solid understanding of swimming skills, progressions, and teaching methods, as well as strategies for creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. Through a mix of classroom, pool, and hands-on teaching experience, candidates build the confidence and competence needed to effectively instruct swimmers of all ages and abilities.

Lifesaving Instructor | Ages 15+ | Prerequisites: Minimum age met by end of course and current Bronze Cross Certification or higher
The Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor course prepares candidates to teach and evaluate the swimming strokes and water safety skills in the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life® program. Candidates develop a solid understanding of swimming skills, progressions, and teaching methods, as well as strategies for creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. Through a mix of classroom, pool, and hands-on teaching experience, candidates build the confidence and competence needed to effectively instruct swimmers of all ages and abilities

Airway Management | Ages 15+

National Lifeguard | Ages 15+ | Prerequisites: Bronze Cross and Current Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid certification (or equivalent)

The National Lifeguard certification builds on the fundamental skills, knowledge, and judgment developed in Bronze Cross. Recognized as the standard for professional lifeguards in Canada, the National Lifeguard program emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and the prevention of incidents in aquatic environments. Candidates develop advanced water rescue skills, scanning techniques, and emergency response strategies, and learn to adapt to various facility types and aquatic conditions. The National Lifeguard program prepares candidates to work as lifeguards in pools, waterfronts, waterparks, and other aquatic facilities.

Leadership Development

Babysitters Training| Ages 12+ 

Home Alone | Ages 10+

First Aid

Lifesaving Fitness | Ages 10+| Prerequisites: Ability to swim at least 100 m and demonstrate comfort in deep water.  Lifesaving Fitness teaches the importance of physical fitness in lifesaving. The award is designed for participants of all ages who learn how to measure, monitor, and maintain personal physical fitness for lifesaving emergencies.

Standard First Aid & CPR-C | 13+:
Standard First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. Standard First Aid incorporates all of Emergency First Aid and is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid including: legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, chest injuries, and medical emergencies. Includes CPR-C certification.

Standard First Aid & CPR-C - Recertification Course |  Ages 13+ Initial certification must be issued within the past 3 years. Candidates may recertify their SFA award only once on a Lifesaving Society SFA Recertification course. Subsequent renewals require completion of the full Standard First Aid course (see above). Holders of SFA certifications from other agencies must recertify with the original certifying agency.

Emergency First Aid & CPR-B | Ages 13+:
Emergency First Aid is for people who want a general knowledge of first aid principles and the emergency treatment of injuries. Skills include victim assessment, CPR, choking and what to do for external bleeding, heart attack, stroke wounds and burns. Includes CPR-B certification. Recognized by Ontario's Workplace Safety & Insurance Board.