We received 39 applications and proudly funded 28 youth-informed or youth-led projects, distributing $28,200 across the Timiskaming District.

These projects were created by schools, municipalities, youth organizations, and Indigenous organizations and they all shared a common goal: to give youth more opportunities to connect, create, move, lead, and grow.

What Got Funded?Here are just a few of the exciting projects supported through YAF across the region, including several from small and remote communities. Projects were fully or partially supported through the Youth Activity Fund:

SOUTH TIMISKAMING (Temiskaming Shores- Haileybury, New Liskeard and Cobalt) :

• Drum-making & drumming circle– Led by Keepers of the Circle to connect Indigenous youth with culture and tradition.

• Graffiti & mural projects– Youth-created public art at the New Liskeard skatepark by Temiskaming Art Gallery and Haileybury NISKA park.


• Film & media workshops– Skill-building sessions in Cobalt for youth interested in storytelling and video.

• Basketball drop-ins– Free sessions for youth to learn skills and stay active.

• Swim try-it day– Encouraging youth to try out competitive swimming with the Temiskaming Northern Loons.


• Teen Time drop-in– Safe, welcoming space for youth in transition to relax and connect led by NEOFACS.

CENTRAL TIMISKAMING (Englehart, Hilliardton, Armstrong, Charlton, Chamberlain):

• Pottery & pyrography workshops– Youth in Englehart High School explore hands on art through pottery and in Earlton the youth can try out woodburning (pyrography).


• Youth workshop series– Community mentors and Elders share creative, cultural, and practical skills with local youth promoting community learning.Gardening with Elders– An intergenerational gardening and cooking program bringing youth and seniors together in Chamberlain,  and youth led public space beautification in Charlton.


• Basketball in Hilliardton– New portable basketball nets to boost physical activity in Hilliardton.

NORTH TIMISKAMING (Kirkland Lake, McGarry, Swastika):

• Arts workshop series– KLDCS youth can explore different creative outlets through drop-in art sessions.Drop-in sports in McGarry– Updated equipment to support regular youth sports nights in Virginiatown.


• Active Living for Youth– Free access for low-income youth to the Kirkland Lake Complex for skating, gym use, and more.


• Jiu jitsu program in Swastika- New gear supports a growing free martial arts program for youth through Riverside Church.


• Girl Guide summer camping– New camping gear = more youth learning outdoor and survival skills together.KL Pride youth space– A safe and inclusive drop-in space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth.


• Sacred Medicine Project– Indigenous youth learn about Indigenous plant medicines, hydroponics, and traditional knowledge through Kunuwanimano.

See the full list of all the projects funded by the Youth Activity Fund for 2025 here:

Why It Matters

These projects reflect what youth told us they need: more spaces to be themselves, explore their interests, and feel like they belong.

Each initiative helps reduce risk factors for substance use and boosts protective factors like connection, confidence, and creativity, while empowering the community to do more for their youth, even in the most remote of places in Timiskaming district!

These efforts help build a healthier, more supportive community for youth in Timiskaming.

What’s Next?

These projects are rolling out throughout 2025 and we’re actively collecting stories, photos, and feedback to learn what worked and how to keep improving.

Stay tuned for future updates on what these amazing youth and partners are creating across the district!

Got questions about the fund or future opportunities? Email us at PYT@neph.ca