The goal of YAP (AOK’s Youth & Adult Program) is to provide a place for our members to socialize while enjoying a variety of activities. This group is for ages 16 and above. It is a place to develop social skills, build friendships, try new activities …. and most importantly have fun.

You can sign up for one or more of these sessions. Each session has it’s own registration form and fee. Once the sessions start the registration fee is non-refundable, even if you have to miss some evenings/afternoons.

YAP Mix it Up 

Kelowna: 

SESSION IN PROGRESS started April 9th – various activities such as Board & Card Games, Bowling, Evening at Rusty’s for pool/darts/food, Kelowna Airhouse (Trampolines),  Pick up Basketball or a photo scavenger hunt, Disc Golf, Scandia, and Hiking/Picnic.  The final schedule will be available to registrants. Once we start, we may change activities depending on what the group wants to do. Extra costs for some activities may apply depending on what the group decides to do.

  • When: Weekly on Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 pm from April 9 to May 8th (8 sessions) – occasional day changes may happen due to availability of activities
  • Where: First session at Okanagan Ability Center, 2040 Springfield Road, Kelowna, remaining sessions at various locations.
  • Cost: $40 per person
  • Questions or interested in future sessions? Email us at yapleader@autismokanagan.ca

Penticton:

SESSION POSTPONED – NEW START DATE  TBA We are happy to announce that we have launched a brand new branch of YAP in Penticton! Penticton YAP Mix it Up will have various activities such as Board & Card Games, Bowling, Escape Room night, evening at Just for Fun, Hikes, etc.  

  • When: Weekly on Mondays 6:00-7:30 pm from April 8 to June 3 (8 sessions, no session May 20 for Victoria Day)
  • Where: First session at Penticton Eagles Hall, 1197 Main St, Penticton, remaining sessions at various locations.
  • Cost: $40 per person
  • Questions: Email us at yapleaderP@autismokanagan.ca (Note the “P” after yapleader to distinguish it from the Kelowna leader email address!) 
Register Here for Penticton YAP

Dungeons & Dragons

SESSIONS IN PROGRESS

Dungeons & Dragons for Experienced players Group 2 starts April 10th.   For new or experienced players. Weekly on  Wednesdays 6:00-8:30 pm for 8 sessions. Okanagan Ability Center, 2040 Springfield Road, Kelowna. Registration Fee: $50 per person (Max 5 registrants)

Dungeons & Dragons for Experienced players Group 1 starts April 10th. This is primarily for experienced players.  Weekly on  Wednesdays 6:00-8:30 pm for 8 sessions. Okanagan Ability Center, 2040 Springfield Road, Kelowna. Registration Fee: $50 per person (Max 5 registrants)

YAP One Time Activities

ON HOLD BECAUSE NOT ENOUGH INTEREST  We’re excited to introduce something new! To participate in our one-time activities, simply register separately! For the activities to occur, we need a minimum number of registrants, so invite your friends! 

  • One time intro to pottery Cost approx $80 per person. Exact time of day TBA.  Email us if you are interested in this.  If we have at least 4 people interested we will confirm details and open registration
  • One time golf foursome at Michealbrook Cost approx $40 per person; Details to follow; Date TBA.  Email us if you are interested in this.  If we have at least 4 people interested we will confirm details and open registration.  This could become a regular thing.
  • One time Golf Simulation Center session Cost approx $15 per person. April 15th 6:15-7:30pm. Email us if you are interested in this.  If we have at least 4 people interested we will confirm details and open registration

Email info@autismokanagan.ca if you are interested in a specific One Time Activity.

 

Cost: In order to fund this program there is a registration fee for each session – the amount varies depending on the length and type of session. (As well, some of the activities will continue to have a cost associated – e.g. buying your own food or drinks when out, paying for a movie, etc.) Consider donating to AOK to help us continue this and other programs.

Main location: Okanagan Abilities Center on Springfield Road in Kelowna. Other activities are in the community.

Please note that YAP members must either be independent for self-care and safety, or attend with a support person. They should be able to participate in activities with the intermittent help of their peers and our YAP leaders. Our leaders are not able to address one individual’s needs on a continuous basis. Support needs may vary depending on the evening’s activities – Parents and support workers are encouraged to step back and allow independence when possible.

Participants also have opportunities to volunteer at AOK events and are encouraged to offer suggestions to the AOK Board of Directors about the needs of adults with autism in our community.

 Code of Conduct:  Thank you to our YAP members for following these rules and creating such a welcoming and safe space. 

  • I will support and respect all leaders and members of this group at all times.
  • I will try to participate in all activities, regardless of my personal interests.
  • I will follow the direction of the leaders.
  • I am able to legally make my own decisions and manage my personal care and safety.  If not, I will be attending with a support person who will assist me.
  • I am able to participate and interact in activities with other group members, with intermittent help from the leaders.  If not, I will be attending with a support person who will assist me.
  • I am aware that there is no supervision before and after these sessions.
  • I am aware that if I choose to leave during the session, the YAP leaders are unable to provide supervision and I will be responsible for my own safety.
  • I am aware that any disrespectful or unsafe behaviour will be reported to organizers.  This behaviour will be discussed with me.  If the behaviour continues, I may be requested to attend with a support person, or I may lose the privilege of attending this group.
  • I will respect the basic rules set out by the YAP members:
  • I will not swear.
  • I will take turns when speaking.  I will listen to others when they are speaking.
  • I will always be nice even if I don’t agree
  • I won’t  say or do things that make others uncomfortable.  If I do it by accident, I will say sorry and I won’t say or do it again.
  • If someone shares something private when we are talking in the YAP group, I won’t tell anyone outside of our YAP group unless that person says it is ok.

YAP respectfully acknowledges that our activities are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan people.