Arts and Recreation Groups

Arts and recreation activities represent a key element in the social development of all children and youth. Participation in sport, artistic and cultural activities can strengthen a young person's sense of pride and achievement, contributing to increased self-esteem; and fosters a sense of belonging in the community, which can discourage a young person from lashing out against it. It further offers an opportunity to develop skills and gain experience. Sport, in particular, is associated with a wide range of health benefits.

Studies show that children and youth at risk currently take part in arts and recreation activities less often than other children. A growing body of research supports the idea that participation in arts and recreation reduces the risk that a young person will offend or re-offend.

Examples of how arts and recreation groups have played a role:

• Aboriginal Youth Conference-Kenewin Native Performance
  
  The Kenewin Native Performance held a two-day conference on the issue of youth violence. The conference consisted of workshops and presentations on the effects of violence in Native Communities as perceived by the perpetrator, victim, and persons who support youth.
  
  
• ICE, the Project-DanceArts Vancouver
  
  Developed out of two years of intensive workshops with over 250 young people aged 15-18, ICE Beyond Cool is large-scale, professional show that addresses teen issues, in particular, suicide, which is the leading cause of death for young Canadians. DanceArts Vancouver Society explored and developed community partnerships, leaving visited communities with sustainable working relationships. The shows gave a voice to youth and tested the effectiveness of this type of medium of communication.
  
  
• Through a Clear Lens
  
  Headlines Theater researched and filmed positive and less positive interfaces between youth and Vancouver police. The documentary was aired on Roger Community TV in Vancouver in November 2000 and is available on the Headlines Theater Web site.
  
  
• Community-based Arts and Recreation for youth as Crime Prevention
  
  Dr. Robin Wright from the School of Social Work at McGill University examined the extent to which community art and recreation programs have improved the life chances of poor, disadvantaged children and youth, and reduced the prevalence of antisocial behaviour, substance use, school failure, and school dropout.
  
  
• Y4K Pilot Project
  
  Youth Justice and Canadian Heritage co-sponsored Y4K (Youth for Kids) projects. Youth Teams from New Brunswick, Manitoba, and British Columbia piloted youth helping kids (Y4K) in art and recreation activities and then participated in a Film Festival and Film Editing Workshop: Videotaping youth helping kids in art and recreation activities.