Every Thursday, parents in Calgary know their children have a safe, welcoming place to go at The Salvation Army’s Community Resource Centre thanks to the After S’Cool Club, where kids can learn, make friends and build academic and social skills.

This is especially important for the large population of newcomers in the community who are adjusting to a different culture, environment and language—all barriers that can make school and learning difficult for children. The After S’Cool Club not only helps kids thrive in school but also fosters confidence and community connection, and gives them opportunities they might not have otherwise.

Something for Everyone

The families served by the Community Resource Centre are often facing more than just cultural and language barriers, with many experiencing financial challenges that affect their ability to access educational programs and other extracurricular activities for their children.

“Specialized clubs and activities in the community can be expensive,” says Gurleen Mehta, family program manager. “Families are not able to afford most clubs, sports and other programs, and many of them do not have transportation to get there and rely on public transit.”

To help meet this need, the After S’Cool Club and all the other services at the Community Resource Centre are offered at no cost. There are programs for all ages, from play groups and arts and crafts for young children, to a sports club for older youth. 

There are also programs designed for adults, such as ESL classes, financial literacy groups and Career Compass, where participants learn about employment practices in Canada. Adults can also access tax assistance and an emergency food pantry for their families.

But for elementary school students, the After S’Cool Club has quickly become one of the most popular programs.

Fun After School

"It’s really a homework club, but we decided to call it the After S’Cool Club so that it is more exciting to kids,” says Mehta.

The program runs every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is open to kids aged six to12. It is structured to blend intentional academic support with creative, physical and social activities, including homework help, educational games, arts and crafts, and more. The goal is to help children improve their reading, writing, numeracy and overall literacy skills. The club also incorporates a sports element to foster teamwork and interpersonal skills, such as communication and empathy.

“We help students complete their school assignments and address academic skills, while combining it with reading books and play time for the natural development of this age group,” explains Mehta. “We want to encourage the love of learning.”

The After S’Cool Club does not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Staff provide personalized support, which is tailored to each child’s individual learning and abilities. “Not every child is at the same learning level, so we give one-on-one attention to each kid to see where they’re at and work with them at their level,” says Mehta. “This way, we can address their unique strengths and opportunities for learning.”

Learning and Thriving

First launched in January 2024, the club began with only one or two participants attending and now serves up to 25 kids at a time. Since it started, Mehta and the program staff have seen academic and language progress in the children who attend regularly.

“We see the consistency,” she says. “The kids are returning again and again because they enjoy it so much. They are improving their communication, their social-emotional growth, even their hand-eye movements and gross and fine motor skills.”

So far, there has been excellent feedback from parents who hope that the program continues to run in the future.

One family has been attending the program for a month and has been taking the city bus to get there because the children enjoy it so much, and it is helping them in school. “My kids are loving it, learning math and science,” says their parent. “They come here and are excited to go straight into the class.”

Another family arrived in Canada one year ago and have been part of the After S’Cool Club ever since. They also attend other programs at the Community Resource Centre such as ESL. “My children enjoy this program,” the mother says. “They have improved their English skills and are meeting new friends. They have a good time.”

A Greater Impact

The Salvation Army’s impact on newcomers and families facing financial strain goes beyond just the After S’Cool Club. Many of the children and families involved with the club are also supported by additional programs, such as summer camps, school backpack programs and the Christmas toy distribution. In 2024, the Community Resource Centre gave toys to approximately 3,500 families, including about 8,000 kids. 

In the future, the centre plans to expand the After S’Cool Club to accommodate more children, dividing programs based on age to better target kids’ developmental stages.

“Word is spreading, and the centre is overflowing,” says Mehta. “People want to come. They want to engage in our programs and learn more about The Salvation Army.”

Photos: Lara Peters