Connect to…Adventure!
Imagine embarking on a week-long journey of adventure that will introduce new opportunities for you to try, all while fostering new friendships.
Location: Orillia and Surrounding Area
Dates: June 23 – 27, 2025
Experience, Socialize and Connect
Join a group of people who are ready to add excitement in their summer. Together you will experience what our community has to offer while having the opportunity to create friendships.
Where: Barrie    Â
When: June 9th – June 13th
Social & Connections
Empower Simcoe’s ‘Connect & Thrive: Social & Connections Series’ is a dynamic six-week program designed to enrich lives through social interaction and skill-building activities. This program is the perfect avenue for those looking to foster new friendships, share thoughts and ideas, and enhance their social development in a fun and inclusive setting.
Where: Orillia (The Moose Lodge)
When: May 22/25 – June 26/25
Summer Adventures Camp
Empower Simcoe’s Summer Adventures Youth Program offers 8 themed weeks of fun and discovery for high-school aged youths. With exciting field trips, hands-on projects, and inclusive programming, participants will explore sports, art, nature, cooking, STEM, and more. Every week is a new adventure—join us in Orillia, Barrie, and Innisfil for the ultimate summer experience!
Circles Program
A 6-week social skills program that teaches youth about personal boundaries and healthy relationships using a fun, colour-coded model, videos, games, and group discussion.
Dates: Wednesdays, May 7 – June 11
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: 39 Fraser Court, Barrie
Cooking Up Capability – Level 1
Following the resounding success of its inaugural run, Empower Simcoe is excited to announce the return of its highly sought-after culinary course, ‘Cooking Up Capability.’ With overwhelming demand and glowing reviews from participants, the next offering of this empowering program is set to commence in Barrie this August.
Cooking Up Capability – Level 2
This program is designed for people who have completed Cooking Up Capability Level 1 and are hungry for more. This 8-week program is aimed to help you get more comfortable working with a stove top while learning new recipes with your peers.
Coming Soon
Create and Inspire Art: 8-Week Artistic Exploration
An 8-week art program introducing individuals to various forms of art. A hands-on artistic experience for creative expression using techniques introduced weekly to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind art. Â On the final day an art exhibit to celebrate creativity and accomplishments will be displayed.
Duration: October 28 – December 16, 2024 (Mondays, 10 AM – 12 PM)
Location: Orillia
Express Yourself class – Orillia
The ‘Express Yourself’ course is a unique blend of melody and motion, designed to unleash your creativity and get you moving in a fun, inclusive environment. Come join us and discover the joy of movement, the power of music, and the freedom of self-expression!
Orillia: May 6/25 – June 24/25
Life is What You BAKE It
Unleash your inner baker with our 6-week ‘Life is What You Bake It’ program, where you’ll master new recipes, hone baking skills, and take home delicious treats each week!
Where: Barrie, ON
When: Wednesday mornings from February 5th to March 12th
SibShops Event: May 2, 2025
Sibshops are designed just for siblings (ages 8 to 13) of kids and youth with disabilities or developmental needs. This group is specifically for kids who do not have developmental needs themselves. It’s a chance to have fun, make new friends, and talk about what it’s like to have a sibling with a disability or developmental need.
Skills to Thrive
“Skills to Thrive” by Empower Simcoe is an engaging 8-week program offering practical skills across eight crucial areas including safety, well-being, money management, and more. With expert guest speakers and interactive learning methods like games and hands-on activities, participants are set to gain essential life skills for thriving.
Where: 40 Fraser Court, Barrie
When: Monday mornings from April 7th to June 9th