2026 Out of School Time Conference

Join us for the 2026 OST Conference!

This year's conference will be held in person on the NAIT campus, in the Productivity and Innovation Centre Building. We will have incredible presentations from Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative, Ever Active Schools, BGCBigs and more!

Experience the informative and practical sessions focused on building staff and organizational capacity for delivering summer programs in our ever-changing world. This conference is for people who work with children and youth in out-of-school time (summer and after-school) programming. It is a fun and interactive way to engage in meaningful discussions, access valuable training, and acquire new skills and helpful tools.

If cost is a barrier to attendance, please email [email protected]

8:30 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.
Breakfast, Opening Remarks, Blessing with Bent Arrow, and Keynote Speech by Urick Anthony Manoo
Keynote: My Journey
Through real-life experiences and honest conversations, Urick shares his journey of arriving in Canada and how negative choices, racism, and difficult circumstances once pulled him toward gang life. He speaks openly about the challenges he faced and how positive choices, education, and determination transformed his life and future.

His message is powerful and clear: education can elevate a person to a higher purpose in life. Through his presentations, Urick encourages youth to believe in themselves, make smart decisions, and understand that their future is shaped by the choices they make today.

Drawing from years of frontline experience working with vulnerable youth, Urick also shares some practical tools and strategies that help redirect young people from negative influences toward positive pathways. His presentations focus on prevention, resilience, accountability, leadership, and hope.

Most importantly, Urick reminds every young person of one essential truth: the youth do matter.

About Urick: Born in Tanzania, East Africa, Urick Anthony Manoo is an Enhanced Settlement Worker in Schools (E-SWIS), Cultural Broker, motivational speaker, youth advocate, and mediator with more than 20 years of experience supporting vulnerable youth and families in Calgary. https://www.urickanthony.com/

He is the founder of CHOOSE WELL AND SUCCEED (CWS) and creator of the Preventive Maintenance Program, empowering youth through education, mentorship, gang prevention, and positive decision-making. Urick has reached thousands of students across the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District, helping young people build resilience, purpose, and safer futures.

He is recognized for his leadership in gang and drug prevention education, cultural mediation, and community engagement. Urick holds a Conflict Resolution (Mediator) Certificate from Mount Royal University, an Advanced TESOL Certificate, and Level Three accreditation with the Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA).

His outstanding community service has been recognized with three Awards of Excellence for work with youth and families, and a Presenter Award from Alberta Public Security and Emergency Services (2022)., Urick also serves with the Real Me Gang Intervention Program and as a Cultural Broker for the Parole Board of Canada, supporting culturally responsive approaches within maximum correctional and community contexts ,continuing to bridge communities and inspire youth to choose well and succeed. He has also moderated public forums with the Premier of Alberta on key topics including newcomer success, fairness in professional licensing, and settlement pathways.

10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Breakout Session #1
You will need to select one of the available sessions to attend. Please see below for session descriptions.

11:40 a.m.to 12:50 p.m. Breakout Session #2
You will need to select one of the available sessions to attend. Please see below for session descriptions.

12:50 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. Lunch Break
Food will be provided with vegetarian, halal and vegan options. If you have any other dietary requirements or allergies, please provide them on the registration page.

2:10 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. Breakout Session #3
You will need to select one of the available sessions to attend. Please see below for session descriptions.

3:30 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. Breakout Session #4
You will need to select one of the available sessions to attend. Please see below for session descriptions.

Attendees will choose which sessions they plan to attend from the options below (A, B, C or D) :
A. Accessibility Tips and Learning Resources for Neurodivergent Kids
Presented by Edmonton Public Library
Creating welcoming, inclusive spaces for neurodivergent children is essential. This 70-minute session will provide practical, adaptable strategies to help educators and programming staff better support diverse learners, including those with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, and other neurodivergent experiences.

Participants will explore what neurodivergent children need in their learning environments, from sensory-friendly considerations and predictable routines to flexible communication approaches. Drawing on real-world examples from public library programs and spaces, this session will highlight proven approaches that foster engagement, reduce barriers, and encourage self-directed learning. Attendees will also learn about free library resources that support accessibility, such as adapted materials, assistive technologies, visual supports, and inclusive programming models.

This session will encourage participants to reflect on their own spaces and leave with concrete tools, ideas, and resource lists they can apply immediately. Whether you are new to accessibility work or looking to deepen your practice, this session will equip you to create more inclusive, responsive learning environments where neurodivergent kids can thrive.

B: Restorying Understandings- Addressing Misconceptions of Indigenous Peoples and Community
Presented by Zena LaClerq
In this session, Zena will share her experiences addressing misconceptions about Indigenous communities in ways that create safer spaces for reflection, honest conversation, and mutual learning. Together, participants will explore where these narratives come from, how they impact relationships and communities, and how restoration can happen through listening, understanding, and shared responsibility. Her hope is that participants leave feeling more connected to one another and better equipped to contribute to stronger, more respectful communities.

If you plan to join this session and would like to anonymously submit a question in advance for Zena to answer at her session, please share them here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/988N76K
C: Working Effectively with Vulnerable Populations
Presented by Urick Manoo
Professional development focused on understanding vulnerability, building trust, strengthening communication, and applying practical support strategies.
D: De-Escalation and Safety Awareness
Presented by Aaron McBride (Control Concepts Canada)
This engaging 60-minute awareness-level presentation introduces attendees to the core concepts, principles, and practical strategies behind modern de-escalation and situational awareness training. Participants will gain insight into how communication, emotional control, environmental awareness, and early intervention work together to improve safety, professionalism, and outcomes during difficult interactions. This session is designed to create awareness, introduce key concepts, and provide attendees with practical takeaways they can begin applying immediately.

Attendees will choose which sessions they plan to attend from the options below (E, F, G, H or I) :
E. Culturally Sensitive Approaches to Mental Health and Well-being
Presented by Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative
Join us for an interactive session designed to support summer camp instructors in creating learning environments that foster learning and emotional resilience for children. The session will explore trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approaches and offer practical tools to support children’s learning and emotional wellbeing. Participants will also learn play-based activities that support the social engagement system and can be easily integrated into programming, along with simple ways to “befriend the nervous system,” understand stress, and build co-regulation and coping skills.
F. Safety When Working with At-Risk Youth
Presented by Urick Manoo
Preparation + Awareness = Protection
Professional development exploring with practical, real-world safety strategies when working with at-risk youth in unpredictable environments.
G. Using a Strength Based Approach and Positive Behaviour Supports
Presented by BGC Bigs
In this session we will talk about using a strength-based approach and positive behaviour supports when working with children and youth. Understanding behaviours in children and youth is essential for youth workers to build supportive, respectful relationships. Behaviour often reflects unmet emotional, social, or environmental needs, and should be approached with empathy and curiosity. A strength-based philosophy helps youth workers focus on each young person’s abilities and potential rather than their challenges, fostering trust and resilience. When combined with positive behaviour supports - which emphasize prevention, skill-building, and reinforcement—this approach creates consistent, supportive environments where youth can thrive. By focusing on strengths, understanding the reasons behind behaviour and responding with compassion and structure, youth workers can empower young people to build on their strengths, develop healthy coping strategies, and thrive in their communities.
H. Low-Equipment, High-Engagement Games with Unstructured Play for All Group Sizes
Presented by Everactive Schools
Maximize participation and minimize prep with this fast-paced, active session focused on fun, inclusive games that require little equipment--including unstructured play. Perfect for busy teachers, program leaders, large groups, or programs without a gym or PE specialist, these activities support movement throughout the day while aligning with wellness outcomes. Leave with a full toolbox of ready-to-use games adaptable to any environment.
I. Activities to Support Kids Who Have Stress and Worry
Presenterd by The Family Centre
Session details coming soon!