Connecting with the Community: Local Kids and Teens Community Groups

We know that community is a key platform to connect with others. Being a part of a community is an important way to feel a sense of belonging. Community is even the theme of OT Week through Occupational Therapy Australia this year: Unity Through Community.

There are many ways to connect with your community. For children and teenagers, there are various community groups available. This blog will provide links to different child and adolescent community groups available across the regions.

Community groups can offer opportunities for individuals to connect and meet with new people. It may provide different ways for children and teenagers to develop and practice social skills by interacting with other children, greeting others, initiating and maintaining conversations, sharing, conflict resolution and following instructions. Participating in social groups also provides opportunities to build confidence and self-esteem. Trying different activities may also lead individuals to develop new interests and hobbies which is important for our overall health and wellbeing.

Fleurieu:

• The Alexandrina Council regularly updates community activities available for children and youth, particularly during the School Holidays: https://www.alexandrina.sa.gov.au/connect/wellbeing/school-holiday-activities
• The Alexandrina Council host Reclink Street Basketball in Mount Compass: https://events.humanitix.com/reclink-street-basketball-for-youth
• The City of Victor Harbor hosts the Encounter Rhyme and Storytime for children aged 0-6 years, and Little Feet, Big Steps for toddlers and preschoolers at the Victor Harbor Library. The Strathalbyn Library hosts school holiday programs.
• Alexandrina Youth Theatre and Film group occurs weekly at The Centenary Hall in Goolwa, for young people aged 12-18 years. https://www.alexandrina.sa.gov.au/connect/wellbeing/our-young-people/youth-forum-2022/youth

Southern Adelaide:

• The City of Onkaparinga Council provide regular updates of their community events available, also during the School Holidays: https://www.onkaparingacity.com/Community-facilities-support/Youth/Youth-programs-and-events/School-holidays
• Babytime is available through the City of Onkaparinga at the following locations: Aldinga Library, Hub Library, Seaford Library, Noarlunga Library, Willunga Library and Woodcroft Library.
• The City of Onkaparinga also have a community facility offering a wide range of programs and activities for young people aged 8-25 within the local area. The Base 10 Youth Centre is located in Old Reynella: https://www.onkaparingacity.com/Community-facilities-support/Youth/Youth-centres/Base-10-Youth-Centre. Studio 20 Youth Centre is located in Aldinga: https://www.onkaparingacity.com/Community-facilities-support/Youth/Youth-centres/Studio-20-Youth-Centre

Adelaide Hills:

• Youth in Milang involves a weekly after school youth program coordinated by Reclink Australia. https://reclink.org/
• The Adelaide Hills Council host a range of community events, some of which are targeted towards children and adolescents: https://www.ahc.sa.gov.au/discover/events
• The Mount Barker Library also provides school holiday activities: https://onecard.network/client/en_AU/mtbarker/?rm=KIDS+ACTIVITIES0%7C%7C%7C1%7C%7C%7C4%7C%7C%7Ctrue

Murray Mallee Coorong:

• The Murray Bridge Council has a youth hub known as, ‘The Station’, with different activities, programs and events targeting young people aged 12-25. They host regular community group programs such as ‘Band Connections’ and ‘Hip Hop Connect’, along with School Holiday Programs: https://www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/services/your-community/services-for-the-community/youth/thestation
• The Murray Bridge Library hosts a Kid’s Book Club from October 31, providing opportunities for children to connect with others.
• The Square Community Centre in Murray Bridge also hosts a weekly music group for children aged 0-5 years.

Riverland:

• The Renmark Paringa Council offer a range of school holidays and term time activities: https://www.renmarkparinga.sa.gov.au/community/community/familyactivities
• The Barmera Library hosts Rhyme Time and Children’s Activities sessions for younger children: https://www.berribarmeralibrary.org.au/kids/
• Loxton and Waikerie libraries have story and craft sessions for children during the school holidays. https://onecard.network/client/en_AU/loxtonwaikerie/?rm=LOXTON+WAIKERI3%7C%7C%7C1%7C%7C%7C0%7C%7C%7Ctrue
• Riverland Youth Theatre offers a range of programs and activities for children and young people: https://ryt.org.au/whats-on/

Across these regions, there are opportunities to get involved in community groups, with many activities targeted towards children and teenagers. Local sports teams and clubs can further provide ways to engage with the community and connect with others.

Please note that various service providers within the local areas of these regions may also provide other social groups and activities and should be contacted for further information.