Young Urbanists' Camp

Curriculum for a youth-focused participatory planning camp

Activity Type : Understand, Vision, Design
Participant Audience : Residents, Organizational Partners
Description

Using some of the other tools available in this toolbox, convene youth to learn about urban planning and share their ideas for the neighbourhood. In the Resources section, you will find a curriculum and design problem that was used for a three-day camp in our Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park project in Toronto. You can scale this activity down or up, depending on how much time you have with the youth.

What makes this tool valuable?

Youth have valuable knowledge about their neighbourhood and their voices are often undervalued in professionalized planning environments. They often walk and bike a lot, and have surprising and creative perspectives on what works and what doesn’t. Creating a space that is youth-focused can support young people in sharing their ideas, while building a love for urban planning and design!

Image of young urbanists with their diplomas, and working together on a proposal.
Tips & tricks
  1. Use connections through local schools or youth agencies to set up the camp.
  2. If you don’t have the option for a multi-day camp, you can choose just one or two tools for a shorter workshop.