Ontario. Youth and Recreation Branch

• Youth and Recreation Branch

The Youth and Recreation Branch was formed in June 1968 within the Ontario Department of Education when the Youth Branch and the Community Programmes Section (formerly the Community Programmes Branch) were amalgamated.

The new Branch was divided into the Recreation Programs Section, Resource Centre and Camps, and Community Programs Section. Recreation Programs Section consisted of a Physical Recreation Unit, Cultural Unit and Leadership Unit. Resource Centre and Camps was composed of a publications unit, Youth Consultants, a film service and reference library, and two leadership training camps: Bark Lake Camp and Couchiching Camp. Community Programs Section consisted of field offices divided into five regions: Northwestern Unit, Northern Unit, Western Unit, Central Unit, as well as Cultural Animateurs and Special Project Consultants.

In 1972 the Branch was moved to the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services, where in April 1973, it was replaced with the Sports and Recreation Branch (later renamed the Sports and Recreation Bureau).

The Youth and Recreation Branch assisted Ontario municipalities and private agencies in establishing programs of recreation and adult education through advice, grants, publications, certification of recreation workers, and leadership training. Recreation programs included sports, arts, crafts and cultural activities. The Branch also assisted provincial and local organizations in sponsoring physical fitness and amateur sports. The Branch aided summer camps through leadership training programs and advice for secondary students, camp counsellors and directors, and developed programs for youths.

2026-11-16: migrated to AtoM

Annual Reports of the Department of Education, 1967-1971

Annual Report of the Ministry of Community and Social Services, 1972

Ontario Government Telephone Directories, 1967-1973

Canadiana Name Authorities, 1996-12- 24

Archivist(s):
R. Anger