BGC Okanagan

10/15/2026

A little spooky. A lot of fun! 🎃👻

Calling all kids and youth with support needs, ages 11–18, along with their siblings and families! Join BGC Okanagan for our FREE CYSN Halloween Dance.

Come for dancing, games, snacks and treats—and a chance to celebrate together. Costumes are welcome if you wish!

📅 Thursday, October 22
🕡 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 BGC Martin Avenue Club, gym
1434 Graham Street, Kelowna

Parents are welcome to stay or drop off youth and siblings ages 11–18.

Share this invitation with a family who would love to join us! 🧡

10/01/2026

What does learning about reconciliation look like for kids?

Sometimes it looks like an activity around a table.
Sometimes it looks like a question that sparks a bigger conversation.
Sometimes it looks like listening to a story and thinking about what it means.
And sometimes, it looks like heading outside and spending time on the land. 🌿

Our Rutland After School kids and staff spent time together learning about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, wearing orange and making space for questions along the way.

These conversations are important, and they don’t need to happen only on Sept. 30. They are part of the ongoing work of learning, listening and reconciliation.

🧡 Every Child Matters.

09/30/2026

Today, BGC Okanagan staff are wearing orange to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and to honour the residential school Survivors, the children who never returned home, and the families and communities who continue to carry the impacts of the residential school system.

Reconciliation is not something that happens in a single day. It asks us to keep learning, listening and taking action throughout the year.

If you’re looking for ways to learn more or participate in the community, we’ve gathered some local opportunities and resources below.

Métis Community Services Society – Elders Circle
Mamawapowin Early Years Centre
1580 Bernard Ave, Kelowna
Noon pm - 2 pm

Truth and Reconciliation (Un)learn
Kelowna Museums
470 Queensway, Kelowna
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Walk for the Children – Penticton (2km walk)
Depart from the Safeway Parking lot (1301 Main St #801) and make our way to the Syilx Indian Residential School (SIRS) Monument located beside the kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery on En’owkin Trail.
10 a.m.–noon

North Okanagan Friendship Centre
2904 29 Ave., Vernon
Community gathering including a ceremony with drumming, smudge station, guest speakers, lunch and a chance to learn, reflect and connect.
11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Please feel free to drop your resource and event suggestions below.

09/29/2026

In 2025, BGC Okanagan staff member Tabatha had the privilege of meeting Phyllis Webstad at the National Gathering for Indigenous Education. Later, they unexpectedly crossed paths again at the airport while travelling home.

Tabatha shared this reflection on meeting Phyllis and hearing her speak about her experiences and the origins of Orange Shirt Day:

“Listening to Phyllis speak about her experiences and the origins of Orange Shirt Day was transformative. Hearing about the path she has taken, and continues to take, to educate others, honour residential school Survivors and remember the children who never returned home was incredibly moving.

What stayed with me most was hearing how close this trauma remains to her heart. It was a powerful reminder that these experiences are not simply part of history. The impacts of residential schools continue to be felt by individuals, families and communities today.

Phyllis spoke about the importance of September 30 as a day to remember and honour those who experienced the harms of the residential school system, while also educating ourselves and advocating for change.

Meeting Phyllis and hearing her story firsthand is an experience I will always carry with me.”

Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the residential school Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and recognize the ongoing impacts of the residential school system.

May we continue listening, learning and taking action toward reconciliation. 🧡

09/04/2026

Except ….

You know their favourite song 🎶
You know how they like their snack 🍎
You know when they need a little extra encouragement
You celebrate their firsts 🙌
You laugh at the same silly jokes for the 47th time 😆

When you care for other people’s children, it’s never just a job. It’s being part of their village 💚💙 If you’re ready for work that makes a difference, we’re hiring 🔗

09/02/2026

POV: You spent summer 2026 at BGC Okanagan. ☀️⁠
⁠
You went places.⁠
You tried new things.⁠
You made friends.⁠
You got very, very good at having fun.⁠
⁠
Here’s just a little snapshot of the summer adventures happening across our Okanagan Clubs. 💚💙

BGC Canada

08/27/2026

Ready to race, solve clues, tackle challenges and have a whole lot of fun along the way? 🏃‍♀️🧩

JCI Kelowna’s City Sprint is returning, and the best part? Your team can have an epic day out while supporting youth in our community. 💚

Teams of four will take on an Amazing Race–style adventure through downtown Kelowna, with clue solving, physical challenges and creative tasks along the way. The fastest and savviest teams will earn bragging rights and prizes!

Proceeds from the event will support BGC Okanagan’s Emergency Youth Shelter, helping provide a safe place and support for youth experiencing homelessness.

🏃 Teams of 4
📍 Starting at Red Bird Brewing
🎯 Ages 16+
🌧️ Rain or shine

Ready to sprint for a cause? Register your team today!

Sept 26 !! Save the date for another amazing event by JCI Kelowna.
You like the amazing race? Come test your wits and endurance sprinting around kelowna for the chance to win it all.

Get your tickets at the link below. Each ticket is for a team of up to 4 people.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/city-sprint-trifecta-tickets-1995614620049?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile

08/20/2026

📣 Kelowna youth and parents/guardians, we want to hear from you!

Our Restorative Justice Program is launching a series of community focus groups, and we're looking for youth under 24 and parents/guardians living in the Kelowna area to share their experiences, perspectives and ideas.

Your feedback can help us strengthen our program and services for young people and families in our community. Registration info in comments below.

📅 Thursday, Aug. 27
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
📍 Downtown Kelowna
💰 $60 honorarium
🍕 Food and refreshments provided

08/18/2026

🎸 Okay, Hip fans… this one’s for you. 🇨🇦 What’s YOUR favourite Tragically Hip song? 👇🎶

While you are thinking about it...check you calendar and see if you are busy on Aug. 22 for a special 10th Anniversary Watch Party of The Tragically Hip’s final show at the Canadian Brewhouse. An event you will not want to miss!

Your $25 ticket includes a drink and three uninterrupted hours of The Hip on the jumbotron, all while helping raise funds for BGC Okanagan. 🎸💙

📍 3030 Pandosy Street
🕠 Doors at 5:30 p.m.