The Afterschool Program That Gives Back To Chilliwack

Afternoon Adventures is a free after school program that’s been on a mission to help children and the youth in Chilliwack, BC to play, learn and grow since 2011.

10
years running
30k+
volunteers hours to date
775
no. of volunteers to date
999
youth impacted to date
32
community partners
PROGRAMS

Supporting Families And Children
Across Chilliwack

After ten years, and nearly 800 dedicated volunteers later, the Afternoon Adventures program continues to grow from strength to strength, supported by churches, and driven by faith.

Here’s what we offer:

Grade 2 - 5

Kids Program

Afternoon Adventures offers elementary kids a safe space in a familiar environment to enjoy a variety of crafts and workshops, to increase their self esteem and to encourage them to make healthy choices.

With nutritious snacks, and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with leaders and peers, children get a warm welcome right after the bell rings.

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Grade 6 - 8

Hang Out Program

At Hang Out, middle school students can enjoy a sense of belonging, and the extra support they need to help navigate those tricky transitional years.

From age-appropriate learning experiences to preparing and consuming nutritious snacks, Hang Out promotes personal development through valuable peer and leader interactions.

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Our Mission

To provide safe, free, high-quality after school care for our youth and children within the Chilliwack community.

Provide free quality after-school programs in Chilliwack

Offer a safe, fun and positive environment for learning and care

Support students in the middle years and their families who can benefit from quality after
school care

Provide students an alternative for a better use of time, acquisition of skills and
improved self-esteem

Offer weekly opportunities to develop intentional supportive relationships between students and caring adults

Give students opportunities to interact with positive community partners

Offer activities for basic life
skills

Help better the Chilliwack community long-term

Afternoon Adventures afterschool program for children and youth within Chilliwack, BC. Supported by CCS, City Life Church and local churches and schools. These kids get to enjoy free child care, snacks and fun activities to grow, learn and thrive. Kids Program, Hang Out Program, Volunteer with us.
Afternoon Adventures afterschool program for children and youth within Chilliwack, BC. Supported by CCS, City Life Church and local churches and schools. These kids get to enjoy free child care, snacks and fun activities to grow, learn and thrive. Kids Program, Hang Out Program, Volunteer with us.

Supporting Families And Children
Across Chilliwack

Fun, laughter and sometimes frustration are part of experiencing new
skills and techniques!

Play & Activities

Provided by volunteers, or prepared by students themselves!

Community Workshops

One-time presentations, or multi-session workshops from our community partners

Off-Campus Visits

Explorations in the world around the school, from farms to restaurants. Usually within walking distance of school.

Snack Time

Provided by volunteers, or prepared by students themselves!

Workshops

Hands-on learning experiences, including everything from woodworking and crafting to cooking and baking. 

About us

Changing Young Lives In Chilliwack

Back in 2011, City Life Church formed a partnership with Bernard Elementary to pilot a weekly after school program for marginalized, and disengaged students. The church provided the team and the funding, and the school provided the space and the students.  

The program was a success, and quickly gained momentum. As waitlists started to grow, a second program day was offered at Bernard Elementary. With interest developing in the local community, we reached out to other local schools and churches. Soon, the partnership between the City Life Church and Bernard Elementary became a model which was developed and expanded across Chilliwack.

Since then Afternoon Adventures has been providing elementary and middle school students in Chilliwack with supportive adults in their lives, great role modelling, and a fun place to learn social skills and build community. A caring culture and meaningful relationships are at the heart of what we do.  

These programs are made possible by committed volunteers, and the generosity of local churches. Afternoon Adventures is an outreach ministry of City Life Church partnered with Chilliwack area churches, and financially supported by Chilliwack Community Services.

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Who We’re Proud To Partner With

Afternoon Adventures and Hang Out are made possible by the following
partners, and community volunteers.

This wouldn’t be possible without the support of Chilliwack Community Services.

How Our Partnerships Work

Partnering with the Afternoon Adventures program couldn’t be simpler.

1

Each church partners with a school, and commits to providing leadership, volunteers, and resources to run the program.

2

Both church and school sign agreements to provide transparency and accountability.

3

The church designates an Afternoon Adventures program leader, who works closely with our director, and a wider leadership network.

4

The after school programming is delivered by the church under the umbrella of City Life Church.

5

Community partners may come in to offer additional presentations and workshops to children, and training for volunteers.

Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it, discover what people in the Chilliwack community
are saying about our after school programs.

This program is the true essence of communities coming together for our children. The community of volunteers who plan, organize, and share their gifts allows for learning and building relationships with supportive adults beyond the context of the classroom walls. Our students have opportunities to cook, craft, and create in a variety of ways with a caring group of people sharing their diverse gifts.
Lisa Wallace, Principal, Robertson Elementary
We have learned through research that the Middle Years (ages 7-12) are a transitional time, a time of heightened risk but also opportunity. The CYC recognizes that Afternoon Adventures provides opportunities for children who may not otherwise have them. Not only are children engaged in a variety of activities, they are also building positive relationships. We know that positive assets in a child’s life at this time can protect against vulnerability and promote well-being.
Kate Healey, co chair, CYC
We have seen firsthand the impact this program has on our students, families, and school communities. Our students always leave each week with a sense of belonging, acceptance, and connectedness to each other as well as to our school. Several students that have struggled to connect during the school day, have found a positive connection to this afterschool program.
Dr. Steven Esau, PCRS
Afternoon Adventures afterschool program for children and youth within Chilliwack, BC. Supported by CCS, City Life Church and local churches and schools. These kids get to enjoy free child care, snacks and fun activities to grow, learn and thrive. Kids Program, Hang Out Program, Volunteer with us.
Afternoon Adventures afterschool program for children and youth within Chilliwack, BC. Supported by CCS, City Life Church and local churches and schools. These kids get to enjoy free child care, snacks and fun activities to grow, learn and thrive. Kids Program, Hang Out Program, Volunteer with us.

An Award-Winning Afterschool Program

Afternoon Adventures afterschool program for children and youth within Chilliwack, BC. Supported by CCS, City Life Church and local churches and schools. These kids get to enjoy free child care, snacks and fun activities to grow, learn and thrive. Kids Program, Hang Out Program, Volunteer with us.

The BC Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association (BCPVPA) Partnership Awards recognise and honour organizations, groups, and individuals who have supported schools over an extended period of time.

In 2019 Jannette Loosdrecht won the award for launching and expanding Afternoon Adventures from one school to seven in the Chilliwack area. At the time, the program was helping more than 177 students and families with the support of 7 churches and over 125 volunteers.

Special Events

Planned in collaboration with program leaders, facilitating church and school administrators,
these annual events are an optional extra for students and families who wish to take part.

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News & Views From The Afternoon Adventures Program

Here you can find all the latest news and views from our Chilliwack after school programs. From student success stories, to people who support the program.

Out of the mouths of kids. So much love and support coming from the children in our programs.

Out of the mouths of kids. So much love and support coming from the children in our programs.

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All

Snack time is one of the highlights for the students in Afternoon Adventures. Sitting down with friends, eating together, laughing, and sharing stories.

Snack time is one of the highlights for the students in Afternoon Adventures. Sitting down with friends, eating together, laughing, and sharing stories.

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All

A community worker’s experience at Afternoon Adventures where she observes volunteer’s attention to child development and the importance of play.

A community worker’s experience at Afternoon Adventures where she observes volunteer’s attention to child development and the importance of play.

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All

How Do I Contact Afternoon Adventures?

Thinking of volunteering?

Find out more about becoming a volunteer.

Afternoon Adventures afterschool program for children and youth within Chilliwack, BC. Supported by CCS, City Life Church and local churches and schools. These kids get to enjoy free child care, snacks and fun activities to grow, learn and thrive. Kids Program, Hang Out Program, Volunteer with us.
Looking for a place on our program?

Enquire about current availability.

Afternoon Adventures afterschool program for children and youth within Chilliwack, BC. Supported by CCS, City Life Church and local churches and schools. These kids get to enjoy free child care, snacks and fun activities to grow, learn and thrive. Kids Program, Hang Out Program, Volunteer with us.
Interested in partnering with us?

Request a call back at a time that suits you.

Afternoon Adventures afterschool program for children and youth within Chilliwack, BC. Supported by CCS, City Life Church and local churches and schools. These kids get to enjoy free child care, snacks and fun activities to grow, learn and thrive. Kids Program, Hang Out Program, Volunteer with us.
Got another question?

Get in touch with one of our team today.

Afternoon Adventures afterschool program for children and youth within Chilliwack, BC. Supported by CCS, City Life Church and local churches and schools. These kids get to enjoy free child care, snacks and fun activities to grow, learn and thrive. Kids Program, Hang Out Program, Volunteer with us.