Youth Week - May 1 to 7

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Youth Week Activities

Celebrate National Youth Week in Ajax from May 1-7, 2026.

A week of fun FREE activities and collaboration to celebrate Ajax youth and their active participation in our community. National Youth Week is an opportunity to honour youth involvement and to connect young residents to the Ajax community. For more information please contact youth@ajax.ca or call 905-619-2529, ext. 7508.

Please Note: No pre-registration required. Space is limited so please arrive early to secure your spot. 
 

Friday, May 1

Youth Week Kick off in Youth Spaces! Pizza & Giveaways hosted by the Youth Engagement Advisory Committee! (11 - 18yrs) - 5 to 7 p.m. - All Youth Spaces (McLean Community Centre, Audley Recreation Centre, Ajax Community Centre)

Youth Day in the Core Performance Zone: Come and experience the excitement of our Core Performance Zone. Get guidance from experienced trainers, improve your fitness, and enjoy the gym facility and equipment. (14 - 18yrs) – 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Audley Recreation Centre, Core Performance Zone (Check in with front desk) 

Karma Jiu Jitsu: Curious about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Join us for a free Try‑It Jiu Jitsu class designed for beginners with no experience required. This fun, supportive session introduces participants to the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu, focusing on movement, balance, basic techniques, and safety.  For more information, please call 289-678-2110, email karmajiujitsu@gmail.com or visit Karma Jiu Jitsu. (11 - 18yrs) - 7 - 8 p.m. 487 Westney Rd. Unit 4.

Saturday, May 2

Drop-In Skateboarding Basics: Join us for FREE drop-in Skateboarding Basics. This workshop is for youth aged 11 to 16 looking to improve their skateboarding skills in a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere. Participants must provide their own skateboard and safety equipment. Helmets are mandatory and knee and elbow pads are recommended. (11 - 16yrs) – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Audley Recreation Centre, Skate Park 

Drop-In Basketball: This free program is for youth looking to improve their basketball skills in a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere. Limit of 40 participants. First come, first served. (14 - 18yrs) – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Audley Recreation Centre, Gymnasium 

Comic Book Day: Come in your best cosplay for our movie afternoon on Comic Book Day! 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. - Ajax Public Library, Main Branch

Karma Jiu Jitsu: Curious about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Join us for a free Try‑It Jiu Jitsu class designed for beginners with no experience required. This fun, supportive session introduces participants to the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu, focusing on movement, balance, basic techniques, and safety.  For more information, please call 289-678-2110, email karmajiujitsu@gmail.com or visit Karma Jiu Jitsu. (11 - 18yrs) - 7 - 8 p.m. 487 Westney Rd. Unit 4.

Sunday, May 3

Drop-In Basketball: This free program is for youth looking to improve their basketball skills in a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere. Limit of 40 participants. First come, first served. (14 - 18yrs) – 4 to 6 p.m. - Audley Recreation Centre, Gymnasium

Sundays are for Makers: Create something new within May's theme: Circuitry. Ajax Public Library, McLean Branch & Makerspace

Monday, May 4

Drop-In Basketball: This free program is for youth looking to improve their basketball skills in a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere. Limit of 40 participants. First come, first served. (14 - 18yrs) – 4 to 6 p.m. - McLean Community Centre, Gymnasium

Drop-In Basketball: This free program is for youth looking to improve their basketball skills in a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere. Limit of 40 participants. First come, first served. (10 - 14yrs) – 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. - Audley Recreation Centre, Gymnasium

Karma Jiu Jitsu: Curious about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Join us for a free Try‑It Jiu Jitsu class designed for beginners with no experience required. This fun, supportive session introduces participants to the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu, focusing on movement, balance, basic techniques, and safety.  For more information, please call 289-678-2110, email karmajiujitsu@gmail.com or visit Karma Jiu Jitsu. (11 - 18yrs) - 7 - 8 p.m. 487 Westney Rd. Unit 4.

Tuesday, May 5

Drop-In Basketball: This free program is for youth looking to improve their basketball skills in a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere. Limit of 40 participants. First come, first served. (10 - 14yrs) – 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. - McLean Community Centre, Gymnasium

Drop-In Basketball: This free program is for youth looking to improve their basketball skills in a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere. Limit of 40 participants. First come, first served. (10 - 14yrs) – 4 to 6 p.m. - Audley Recreation Centre, Gymnasium

Drop-In Basketball: This free program is for youth looking to improve their basketball skills in a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere. Limit of 40 participants. First come, first served. (14 - 18yrs) – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. - McLean Community Centre, Gymnasium

D&D Cafe: Slay monsters, enjoy free snacks, and connect with other tabletop gamers by joining one of our D&D groups! Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new, we will link you up with a DM and a group and provide dice, refreshments, and space to play. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Ajax Public Library, Main Branch 
Contact carly.midgley@ajaxlibrary.ca to register. 

Karma Jiu Jitsu: Curious about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Join us for a free Try‑It Jiu Jitsu class designed for beginners with no experience required. This fun, supportive session introduces participants to the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu, focusing on movement, balance, basic techniques, and safety.  For more information, please call 289-678-2110, email karmajiujitsu@gmail.com or visit Karma Jiu Jitsu. (11 - 18yrs) - 7 - 8 p.m. 487 Westney Rd. Unit 4.

Wednesday, May 6

Drop-In Paint & Design: Grab a brush and get creative! In this FREE workshop, youth will mix bold colours, try fun brush techniques, and explore the magic of painting while creating their own vibrant masterpiece to take home. Ages: 11 - 17 yrs – 7:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. - McLean Community Centre, Community Room 2

Get Better Results from AI: Prompting that WorksLearn how to use effective prompts to get more accurate and reliable results from AI for school, work, and everyday life through hands-on practice and simple tips for safe and responsible use. You’ll also leave with a ready-to-use mini prompt checklist/template to improve your prompts. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop or tablet. Advanced registration required.  7:00 to 8:30 p.m. - Ajax Public Library, Main Branch 

Karma Jiu Jitsu: Curious about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Join us for a free Try‑It Jiu Jitsu class designed for beginners with no experience required. This fun, supportive session introduces participants to the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu, focusing on movement, balance, basic techniques, and safety.  For more information, please call 289-678-2110, email karmajiujitsu@gmail.com or visit Karma Jiu Jitsu. (11 - 18yrs) - 7 - 8 p.m. 487 Westney Rd. Unit 4.

Thursday, May 7

Youth Excellence Awards (Invite Only - Nominees and guests):  6 to 8 p.m. Audley Recreation Centre, Banquet Hall - Details below

Maker Space at The Lounge: Join the Youth Space at MCC for to work on a personal project, access new tools and technology, and engage in hands-on learning. A representative from the Ajax Public Library will be there for assistance.  4 to 6 p.m. - McLean Community Centre, Youth Space

Drop-In Basketball: This free program is for youth looking to improve their basketball skills in a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere. Limit of 40 participants. First come, first served. (10 - 14yrs) – 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. - McLean Community Centre, Gymnasium

Drop-In Basketball: This free program is for youth looking to improve their basketball skills in a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere. Limit of 40 participants. First come, first served. (14 - 18yrs) – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. - McLean Community Centre, Gymnasium

Karma Jiu Jitsu: Curious about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Join us for a free Try‑It Jiu Jitsu class designed for beginners with no experience required. This fun, supportive session introduces participants to the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu, focusing on movement, balance, basic techniques, and safety.  For more information, please call 289-678-2110, email karmajiujitsu@gmail.com or visit Karma Jiu Jitsu. (11 - 18yrs) - 7 - 8 p.m. 487 Westney Rd. Unit 4.

Youth Excellence Awards - May 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Graphic of trophy

Do you know an outstanding young individual who has made a significant impact in the community? Nominate them for the Youth Excellence Awards! These awards recognize and honor the hard work, leadership and dedication of youth aged 12 to 18, who have made significant impacts in their communities, schools, and beyond. Nominations are being accepted for the Town of Ajax's Youth Excellence Awards.

Nominations are open until Monday, April 20, 2026. Award winners will be recognized at an awards dinner ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Eligibility

The nominee(s) must:

• be living persons residing or attending High School in Ajax

• be between 12 - 18 years of age

• be a role model for other young people

Required information

• Nominating organization name, address, email, phone number and year established

• Volunteer first name, last name, address, email, and phone number

How to nominate someone

1. Gather the required information:

2. Submit your nomination through: 2026 Youth Excellence Award Application - Ajax

3. Deadline to nominate is Monday, April 20, 2026

Award presentation

Award winners will receive a personalized certificate presented by Mayor & Council on Thursday, May 7 from 6-8 p.m. at Audley Recreation Centre.

 

For more information, please contact youth@ajax.ca or call 905-619-2529, ext. 7508

Youth Engagement Advisory Committee

This year’s youth engagement advisory committee members are inspirational youth who demonstrate the potential of becoming future leaders and are involved in their community or school through extracurricular activities.

The next term begins September 2026. Application below. 

For more information please contact youth@ajax.ca or call 905-619-2529, ext. 7508.

Join the Youth Engagement Advisory Committee

Youth Spaces & Programs

Youth Spaces

Visit our Youth Spaces at the Ajax and McLean Community Centre and the Audley Recreation Centre throughout Youth Week for game tournaments and prize giveaways! Our Youth Spaces are a safe and supervised drop-in space for youth between the ages of 11 to 18. Our Youth Spaces have pool, ping pong, foosball, large screen TV's, and video game consoles.

Youth Space Operating Hours

Youth Programs

For a list of Youth Programs, please visit: ActiveAjax - Online Service

For more information, please contact youth@ajax.ca or call 905-619-2529, ext. 7508.