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 on a weekly basis. This group helps members develop social skills, build friendships, support participation in community activities…. and most importantly have fun

WE ARE NOW FULL for the current session, running 17 evenings from April 12th to June 14th. If you are interested in joining partway through the session if someone can no longer attend, or if your are interested in a future session please let our YAP leader know by email yapleader@autismokanagan.ca or mailing it to us at 102 – 2040 Springfield Rd. Kelowna BC V1Y 9N7

Questions? Email yapleader@autismokanagan.ca to learn more & register.

Traditionally 19 yrs and up, YAP Club changed to 16 years and up (due to the number of requests from the younger age group in Spring 2023). We are continuing to change ages / activities/ format based on the current members preferences. Check back in the summer for our fall program.

Cost: In order to fund this program a registration fee of $85 ($5 per session) for the April to June session was required to help cover a portion of the cost of our leaders and rental space. (As well, some of the activities will continue to have a small cost associated – e.g. buying your own food or drinks when out, paying for a movie, paying for own bowling fee.) Consider donating to AOK to help us continue this and other programs.

The YAP schedule is on our Events Calendar – see to the right on this page or look on our news and events page https://autismokanagan.ca/news-events/.

Main location: Okanagan Abilities Center on Springfield Road in Kelowna. Some of the activities will be on line (e.g. cooking, some games). Some activities will be 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.

Thank you our YAP members for following these rules and creating such a welcoming and safe space online. If you have any more ideas or rules please e-mail us back. yapleader@autismokanagan.ca

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

Past Activities

2021 and 2022 and 2023

Look at our calendar on our News and Events page for past activities. And follow us on facebook!

2020

January 6 – Dungeons and Dragons January 13 – Story writing January 20 – Cooking lesson January 27 – Employment information night December 30 – New Years reflections, goals, and photo contest December 23 – Christmas Trivia Night December 16 – Employment Info Night December 9 – Cooking lesson December 2 – Dungeons and Dragons November 11 – Cancelled due to Remembrance Day. November 25 – Online Board Games. November 18 – Online EXIT room. November 18 – Online EXIT room. November 4 – Online Dungeons and Dragons Mad Mage. October 28 – Online Halloween craft. October 21 – Kelowna Corn Maze. October 14 – Online Cooking lesson. October 7 – Hike at Mission Creek Park. Sept 30 – Online move night. Sept 23 – Digital Escape Room September 16 – on line – welcome back; review discord use; online board games. August 19 – beach day. July 29 Online movie night. July 7 – online trivia night. June 24 – online trivia night. June 17 – Dungeons and Dragons. June 3 – Online board game night. May 27 – movie critique. May 20 – online trivia night. May 13 – movie critique. May 6 – Online board game night. April 29 – online cooking lesson. April 22 – movie critique. April 15 – mental health discussion. April 8 – Story writing session.  April 1 – Movie critique. March 25 – virtual meeting and activity. March 11 – Ambassador topic. March 4 – Dungeons and Dragons. Feb 26 – Badminton. Feb 19 – Restaurant. Feb 12 – Board Game night/Gym. Feb 5 – Dungeons and Dragons.   Jan 29 – Introduction to Sword Fighting. Jan 22 – Public skating. Jan 15 – Guest Speaker Joanne Poole Discussion on friendship and dating skills.  Jan 8 – Dungeons and Dragons.  

2019

December 18 – EXIT room. December 11 – Badminton and crafts. December 4 – Dungeons and Dragons. November 27 – Basketball and craft night. November 20 – Bowling at BNA Brewing Company and Eatery. November 13 – Music at Glenmore Elementary. There will be stations to try a variety of instruments and a gym for a quiet space. Bring an instrument if you want … or plan to play us your favourite song and tell us why you like it. November 6 – Dungeons and Dragons and character building with our guest Dungeon Masters. Even if you’ve never played, come and join. There will be beginners and experienced players. Oct 30 – Halloween Extravaganza (dress up if you want!) Games, candy, pumpkin carving. Oct 23 – Chess Night. There will also be access to the gym at Martin Center. Oct 16 – Kelowna Corn Maze. Details via email. Oct 9 – Poker Night, Games, Gym time at Martin Center. Oct 2 – World Beat Family Golf – driving range. Sept 25 – Frisbee Golf at the base of Knox Mountain. Sept 18 – Board Games. Sept 11 – Beach Day. Sept 4 – Registration and games. June 26 – Lawn bowling lesson at the Kelowna Club City Park.   June 18 – Outdoor sports – badminton etc. June 11 – Exploring Music Evening – using various instruments.  June 4 – Dungeons and Dragons @ Kelowna Library.   May 28 – Museum Tour.  May 21 – YMCA Connects Program information.   May 14 – Badminton cancelled due to weather. Had games night instead.   May 7 – Dungeons and Dragons.   May 5 – Activities at the Kelowna Autism Walk. Ben Lee Park 12-2pm.  April 30 – Driving Range – Kelowna World Beat Family Golf.  April 23 – coffee/tea & chat at Tim Hortons.   April 16 – Board & Video Game Night.  April 9 – Kelly O’Bryan’s.  April 2 – Dungeons and Dragons.  March 26 – Poker Night.   March 19 – Laser Tag