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.

Dungeons & Dragons

Our D&D program is a social group for individuals with autism and other neurodiversities to connect with like-minded individuals. The program is designed for individuals to use the game’s collaborative storytelling and strategic elements to build social skills and foster a sense of community.

NEW Young D&D (ages 8-12)

This new group is for pre-teens (ages 8-12). No experience is necessary. Our experienced Dungeon Master is a school teacher who is happy to introduce newcomers to the game.

When: Weekly on Sundays 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm from September 15 to November 24 (8 sessions)
Where: Kelowna Okanagan College Campus, Health Science Building, Room 107
Cost: $40 per person

Dungeons & Dragons (ages 16+)

This D&D session for experienced players ages 16+ starts September 11th. New players may join in knowing the play will not be at a beginner level.

When:  Weekly on Wednesdays 6:00-8:30 pm from Sept. 11 to Oct. 30 (8 sessions)

Where: Okanagan Ability Center, 2040 Springfield Road, Kelowna.

Cost: $50 per person (Max 6 registrants)
 

YAP Mix it Up 

Kelowna: 

NEXT SESSION TO START SEPTEMBER 2024 – 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.

Fall Session 1: 

  • When: Weekly on Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 pm September 10th to October 29th (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: $50 per person
  • Questions or interested in future sessions? Email us at yapleader@autismokanagan.ca

Fall Session 2: 

  • When: Weekly on Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 pm from November 5th to December 17th (7 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: $50 per person
  • Questions or interested in future sessions? Email us at yapleader@autismokanagan.ca

Penticton:

Thanks to a generous grant from the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen and a partnership with the Penticton Eagles, we were able to offer the first Penticton YAP Mix It Up group from April to June this year. The group enjoyed a night at Just for Fun, ice cream and table games at Dairy Queen, art and cooking nights at the Eagles hall, a pizza night out, and a night of burgers and games at the beach. 
 
If you would be interested in attending a future session of Penticton YAP Mix It Up please complete this Expression of Interest Form. If we have enough interest, we will run another session in Fall 2024.

Questions: Email us at yapleaderP@autismokanagan.ca (Note the “P” after yapleader to distinguish it from the Kelowna leader email address!) 

 

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

  • Questions or interested in future sessions? Email us at yapleader@autismokanagan.ca
  • Ideas for YAP?  Email us at yapleader@autismokanagan.ca
  • 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.

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.

Thank you to our YAP Sponsors:

We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia