About Youth Recreation Services

Richmond’s Youth Services section aims to address some of the recreational, social and cultural needs of youth. We achieve this by:

• Building relationships that are grounded in mentoring, role modelling and engagement
• Creating meaningful experiences
• Working with other agencies and services to support youth

Topics on this page:

• 40 Developmental Assets
• City-wide Youth Services

Please point your mouse on Youth Services in the main menu on the left to see the list of topics in the fly out menus.

40 Developmental Assets
Why do some youth struggle while others seem to do much better? The Search Institute has identified 40 Developmental Assets that research shows can influence youth development.

Think of the assets as developmental “nutrients”. Youth require a steady diet of them to mature into responsible, caring individuals. These nutrients are concrete, common sense, positive experiences and qualities that can have a tremendous influence on youth's lives and choices. 

Richmond's Youth Services philosophy fosters healthy youth development through intentionally building on these assets.

Visit www.search-institute.org/downloads to view the 40 Developmental Assets in other languages.

Adults can build assets in youth by:

•  Recognizing youth for their achievements no matter how big or small
• Involving them in making meaningful decisions
• Modelling consistent, positive values in front them
• Serving yummy food to their friends in your home
• Being consistent when setting boundaries
• Encouraging youth to help others
• Supporting their dreams and passions
• Planning a family dinner without the television on
• Attending their games or music performances
• Learning the names of the other youth in your housing complex or neighbourhood
• Going fishing with them at London Landing

Youth can build assets by:

• Joining a youth group
• Spending time with awesome adult role models
• Joining a school club
• Volunteering at the local community centre
• Learning new skills in sports or the arts
• Mentoring younger children
• Interacting with others with different interests and cultures

City-wide Youth Services
The City and partners coordinate a variety of events and activities all year long. Contact your local Youth Development Coordinator for information on how to get involved.