The Amazing Markham Race
What is the Amazing Markham Race?
The Amazing Markham Race is going to be a fun-filled day loaded with mentally and physically challenging events all across Markham, similar to the show The Amazing Markham Race. The event is a 100% youth led initiative being run by the Markham Mayor’s Youth Task Force, a group of diverse and dedicated teens representing the fabric of Markham's youth community. The MYTF is dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating youth, as well as being an active voice in the Town of Markham. Join the Mayor's Youth Task Force, Street Kids International, and the support of every high school in Markham for this incredible opportunity for fame, glory, and a $1000 cash prize! Not to mention, it's all for a great cause.
Purpose
The purpose of the Amazing Markham Race is to inform youth about the different youth friendly resources and activities the Town of Markham has to offer. Contestansts will get the chance to take part in various events across Markham, and share their experiences with fellow youth while having fun at the same time! The contestants will be cheered on by peer spectators. The money raised will go to giving street kids everywhere a chance.
How It Works
Each high school will only be allowed to send one team made up of two students to compete in the Amazing Markham Race. To potentially represent your school, by winning a spot in the Amazing Markham Race, your team will need to raise funds for Street Kids International. Street Kids International is a registered charity founded in Canada. Street Kids International develops and disseminates the strategies and tools needed to give street kids around the world the choices, skills and opportunities to make a better life for themselves. Street Kids International works actively in York Region by providing young people the opportunity to learn about and take action on global youth poverty and homelessness. Last year, Street Kids International supported the Mayor's Youth Task Force in organizing a Markham student conference about the local impact of these issues.
The winning team, from each Markham school, that raises the most funds for charity will be given the chance to compete against other Markham high schools in the Amazing Markham Race for a Grand prize of $1000. All teams that register have the chance to win even more cash and prizes. So be sure to keep fundraising to increase your chances. On the day of the race, contestants will travel all around Markham, completing various activities that will test both your wits and vigor. The team that wins the Amazing Markham Race will receive the grand prize, along with endless fame and glory for your school and your community!
Register Now for The Amazing Markham Race
Markham’s Expo for the Arts
Expo for the Arts
What is it?
Have you ever wanted to hear the roar of the crowd on that last note, people taken back by your dance moves, have everyone moved by your song, or even have the public simply look in silence and appreciate your artwork. It’s these kinds of moments that any artist would desire, no matter what the genre, and that’s why we have the first ever Mayor’s Youth Task Force Expo for the Arts. No longer do we want to see painting and sculptures alone, we want to have an amazing performance put on by you, the youth of Markham, either in instrumental, song, or dance. If it’s that one chance for you to come out and showcase to everyone what you have, and how talented you really are, then the Expo for The Arts is for you!
How it Works
The Mayor's Youth Task Force Expo for the Arts is geared towards all youth in Markham who have an interest in the arts. It will take place May 12th, 2006, at the Frederick Horsman Varley art Gallery. The artwork could be displayed throughout the week of May 8th to May 12th and performances will take place on the night of May 12th from 7 to 10 pm. To enter, all you have to do is register online, and then, if you are displaying artwork, just submit your work(s) to a local community centre. Bring forth your talent, show Markham what the youth can do and why not just come on out this very night for some fun!
Youth volunteering program
Information Markham and Volunteer Centre is a non-profit program, dedicated to supporting the needs of volunteers and organizations that require volunteer help. Serving as an agency, we play a key role in advocating and promoting volunteerism in Markham. We recruit individuals who wish to volunteer their time and expertise, and refer them to those organizations seeking assistance.
The objective of this youth volunteering program is to encourage students to develop an understanding of civic responsibility and the role they can play in supporting and strengthening their communities. Experiences in the community may also influence career choices.
Resources for youth volunteering
United Way
Volunteer Toronto
Charity Village
Habitat for Humanity
Markham Theatre Volunteer Opportunities
Getting involved
-
Determine what you would like to do, your time commitment, and location preference.
-
E-mail, telephone or visit the Volunteer Centre and fill out the Volunteer Application Form.
-
You will be provided with agency contacts that meet your requirements.
-
Call the agency(s) to explore the volunteer opportunity.
-
Non-profit organizations tend to be staffed by volunteers and may be busy, please be patient and keep calling until you connect.
-
Make an appointment to visit the organization.
-
Call to confirm the appointment before your meeting. Be prepared and on time.
Strategy planned to battle youth violence
Legacy4youths, a York Region organization that provides positive mentoring to African Canadian youths, is hosting a community forum on youth violence Saturday."The issue of youth violence in the GTA is well documented," Legacy4youths chairperson Lee Miller said.
The organization is partnering with York Regional Police and Ebony Village Community Support Services to host the round table discussion with youths, community and business leaders, educators, law enforcement and church leaders.
The objective is to come up with a strategy to combat youth violence in the African Canadian community and others, Mr. Miller said.
"York Region is a vibrant and culturally diverse community, which we as African Canadian residents, value highly," he said.
"Ongoing news reports of gun violence and other antisocial behavior among a segment of our youths in the GTA has motivated us to take steps toward pre-emptive action to address concerns we have over the potential for it spreading among at-risk African Canadian youths in York Region."
The meeting is set for Saturday between 12:30 and 4 p.m. at Pierre Elliot Trudeau High School, 90 Bur Oak Ave. in Markham.
For more information visit www.legacy4youths.org
Various programs for teens
High School Literacy Test Preparation Grades 9 & up
Through practice exercises and development of test-taking strategies this program prepares students for the mandatory Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test.
$50Job Hunting Skills Ages 14 & up
Your summer job search starts here! Learn job search strategies, resume writing and interview skills. Please call ext. 7133 to register.
Free
TBC Teen Book Club Ages 14 – 16
Read popular teen books, chat about them with others and enjoy a snack.
Free
Volunteer Tutors
Release your inner teacher! Markham Public Libraries is looking for high school students to assist in our Homework Help program. Homework Help is a 6-week program that offers subject support and project help. Attend this information session to find out more. Pre-registration required.
Free
Many other educational and fun programs for teens are available. Visit the link for further details.
Markham Fair
Markham Fair is one of Canada oldest country fairs. Since 1844 the fair has been providing the community with a showcase for talents and products in a friendly competitive spirit. With over 700 volunteers working on more than 70 committees, Markham Fair is the largest community based volunteer organization in Canada. Markham Fair occurs annually on the weekend before Thanksgiving, and hosts upwards of 80,000 attendees. Approximately 3,000 exhibitors will enter more than 12,000 items, which will be judged and put on display during the fair. Promoting excellence through competition in this way, is what makes fairs unique in comparison to other events. As well as the competitive displays, the community is further brought together to enjoy various forms of entertainment such as horse pull, demolition derby, tractor pull, midway rides and displays of farm animals.For a 360 degree look at the Markham Fair and further information, check out the official website.
For a 360 degree look at the Markham Fair and further information, check out the .
Markham Museum
Markham Museum events and exhibits:
Sundays In Space at Markham Museum
Sunday March 12 and 26, 2006. 1:30 – 3:30pm
Suggested admission by donation $2 per person.
Great for kids 8 years old and up (great for teens too!). Learn all about space and astronauts through space movies, interactive space games, talks and creative activities.
Markham Theatre
Markham Theatre at Warden Ave & Hwy 7
Markham Theatre is the town's premiere theatre and, according to the website, also one of Canada's premiere art facilities. There is a variety of productions and events going on throughout the year, including a show called Munsch Worx based on the children books by writer Robert Munsch.
To view upcoming attractions at the Markham Theatre and to buy tickets, click here.
Markham Little Theatre's performances are staged at the Markham Theatre as well. MLT sponsors three local high school drama students at week long Theatre Ontario youth courses, held at one of the province's universities.
Fred Varley (Group of Seven) Gallery, Unionville, Ontario
Fred Varley was a member of the Group of Seven, arguably the most influencial painters in Canadian culture. This building, at the very heart of Unionville, houses many of his works, a gift shop, and a retrospective on his life and work.
e-commUNITY Markham 