YouthCan
Since 2024, Reset has been in collaboration with the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies to create YouthCAN, which is a 3 day conference with the intention of fostering friendships for youth in care by creating an experience youth can feel safe, creative, and connected.
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YouthCAN is an annual multi-day conference for around 100 youth (ages 13–18) who are currently in, or have recently transitioned from, Ontario’s child welfare system. The assignment: create an experience that fosters friendship, connection, and community. YouthCAN is the flagship program of the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS). Reset was invited to lead the 2024 conference and will return in 2025.
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Our relationship with OACAS began through our work in Little Jamaica. After experiencing Camp Reset firsthand, one of their team members asked if we could bring something similar to the youth they serve. That conversation led to a dream partnership—and the beginning of a new chapter for YouthCAN.
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This was the kind of invitation we dream about. To be in service to young people in care—many of whom have experienced deep disconnection—felt powerfully aligned with Reset’s purpose. It also allowed us to extend our work to a younger audience, since much of our programming traditionally centers adults.
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YouthCAN was co-created with OACAS and shaped closely by the youth and staff themselves. From early design to on-the-ground delivery, the process reflected our belief that those most impacted should have real power in shaping their experiences.
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Reset was compensated $25,000 for our role in designing and facilitating the conference. The broader YouthCAN program was funded by OACAS through provincial government support.
