Program Guide - July to December 2025

Caregivers of children 0 - 6

Explore a variety of evidence-based parenting information that addresses common challenges and fosters positive development. Enjoy informal, open discussions where you can share experiences, ask questions, and gain insights in a comfortable setting.

Wednesdays

1:00PM - 2:30PM

Cold Lake Family Connections

Free, registration not required

December 3 - Tantrums

December 10 - Sharing

Ages 7-11

Recognizing and expressing emotions positively can be difficult for any child. Developing these skills early-on can help foster positive attitudes and behaviors later in life. Each Jr. Emotion Kit offers tools for social-emotional development, self-care strategies, and enjoyable activities. Afterward, caregivers will receive a follow-up call from a Cold Lake Family Connections staff member. Register for as many kits that suit your child’s needs.

Wednesdays

Pick up between 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Cold Lake Family Connections

Free, registration required

December 3 - Kindness Click here to register

Ages 13 -17

Attention, teens! Lakeland Psychological Services is excited to offer an Art Therapy workshop led by the talented Randi Martin. This workshop is designed to help you relax and express yourself through the medium of art. Art Therapy provides an enjoyable way to alleviate stress and embrace your individuality. It acts as a mini-vacation for your mind. Engaging in artistic creation can calm racing thoughts and offer a respite from daily pressures. Come out, create some art, and discover the benefits it can bring to your mood and happiness. 

Thursday December 4 Click here to register

5:00PM - 7:00PM

Cold Lake and District FCSS

$20.00, registration required

Ages 9-13 

Children need to feel comfortable, safe, and equipped to stay home alone. Guardians will also be equipped with the knowledge and resources to help the children in their care to feel safe, responsible, and empowered while at home. There will be a half hour parent/caregiver portion that will be completed virtually. Your facilitator will be in contact with the parents/caregivers to arrange times that are appropriate.

9:00AM - 11:30AM

Cold Lake Family Connections

Free, registration required

Friday, December 5 Click here to register

Newcomer Families

If you’re new to Cold Lake or recently relocated here and eager to cultivate connections, this program is perfect for you! Tonight’s event promises to be a delightful blend of festive cheer and valuable insights. As we gather to indulge in delicious treats and get creative with cookie decorating, we also can delve into essential discussions about mental health and wellness in our community with support from our guest speakers from Recovery Alberta. Moving to a new place can bring unique hurdles, and we aim to foster a welcoming space where newcomers can freely express themselves, connect through their narratives, and forge a sense of belonging in our community. This program is graciously funded by the Rural Mental Health Project. 

5:00PM - 7:30PM

Cold Lake and District FCSS

Free, registration required

Monday, December 8 - Click here to register

Community

The purpose of Cold Lake Bully Free is to raise awareness about the serious impact bullying has on individuals, groups and the community, and to explore and share solutions on how bullying can be prevented. As we approach the 18th year of Cold Lake Bully Free, we would like your help to redesign the Cold Lake Bully Free logo. We would like you to design a logo that speaks of kindness and community. Entry forms are available at Cold Lake and District FCSS or online at coldlake.com. Entries will be judged by the Cold Lake Bully Free Committee. The winning entry will be made into the new logo.

Forms are due December 8. 

November 17 - December 8

Cold Lake and District FCSS

FREE, registration not required

Ages 12-17

Cold Lake Youth Council is a youth-led volunteer-based group, focused on social and civic advocacy that acts as a voice and as peer advocates for the young people of Cold Lake. CLYC promotes youth activism and civic engagement. Members develop communication and leadership skills, while supporting their community and making new friends. For more information, please contact youthcouncil@coldlake.com. 

Wednesdays

6:00PM - 8:00PM

Cold Lake and District FCSS

Free, registration required

December 10 Click here to register

Ages 13-17

That Bites! is a program focused on teaching how to prepare easy, healthy, and budget-friendly meals. Participants will learn to cook, share meals, and understand the importance of eating balanced on a budget. That Bites! aims to support youth as they transition into adulthood, building their confidence in the kitchen and teaching them how to cook safely. Register by December 9.

Thursday December 11 Click here to register

4:30PM - 6:00PM

Cold Lake and District FCSS

$10.00, registration required

Adults 18+

Everyone deserves a support circle. We want you, the parents, families, friends, and allies of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, to have the resources to understand and support your loved one. Join us for this welcoming and informative group to better understand 2SLGBTQIA+ terms and culture. Open discussion to follow.

Thursdays

6:00PM - 8:00PM

Cold Lake and District FCSS

Free, registration required 

December 11 Click here to register

Families

Regular family interactions foster deep
connections and understanding among members, creating a solid foundation of support and trust. From classic board games to modern favourites, there is something for everyone at Family Game Night. Enjoy a spread of tasty snacks and drinks to fuel your fun and keep everyone refreshed throughout the evening. 

Friday December 12 Click here to register

6:00PM - 7:30PM 

Cold Lake family Connections

Free, registration required

Adults 18+

Date Night with a twist! Cook a meal together and practice communication skills at the same time. Ingredients will be provided. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements when you register. Register by December, 8th

Fridays

Friday, December 12  Sushi Night!  Click here to register

6:00PM - 8:00PM 

Cold Lake and District FCSS

$17.00 per participant, per session, registration required

All ages

Ruffles is back for the 6th Year! He’s ready to race and make this the best year ever by collecting funds to purchase 400 turkeys for the Cold Lake Food Bank’s Christmas Hamper Project. One hundred percent of all money raised goes directly to the Cold Lake Food Bank.

Ruffles begins his race on November 12, 2025, and will cross the finish line on December 19, 2025.

Watch for Ruffles at local events and follow his progress on the City of Cold Lake’s Facebook page. Donation forms can be found at www.coldlake.com/turkeyrace or drop by Cold Lake and District FCSS

Adults 18+

Have you wanted to learn about improving your personal finances, but never had the time? Join us for $oup and $avvy, a fun bite-sized money management program with a free lunch. Lunch will consist of soup and a bun, coffee, tea, or water.

Mondays

12:00PM - 1:00PM

Cold Lake and District FCSS

Free, registration required

December 15 - Avoiding Last Minute Spending Click here to register

Ages 12-17

A creative and inclusive space where young individuals can explore self-care and wellness practices, fostering clarity and mental balance throughout their lives. This is an opportunity for youth to build healthy
connections with their peers while encouraging mental wellness practices such as art, mindfulness, meditation, nature, gratitude, reflection, and movement. 

Mondays

5:30PM - 7:00PM

Cold Lake and District FCSS

$10.00 per session, registration required

December 15 Click here to register

Caregivers and children 0-1

Research shows that sign language offers many benefits for young babies, such as reducing frustration by giving them a means to express themselves before they know how to talk. It also increases parent-child bonding and promotes self-esteem. Join us during Baby Connection’s for this introduction to Baby Signs.

Tuesday

1:00PM - 2:00PM

Cold Lake Family Connections

Free, registration not required

December 16

Adults 18+

This program is designed for adults who require adaptations to lead an active social life due to disability, and community members who are interested in fostering community inclusivity. This program consists of monthly themed interactive social activities that include games and crafts. At the beginning of each program there will be a short presentation on social skills development such as setting personal boundaries, conflict resolution, and expressing your needs. Participants are welcome to bring their caregivers.

Wednesdays

10:00AM - 11:30AM

Cold Lake and District FCSS

Free, registration required

December 17 - Celebrate Around the World Click here to register

Parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children ages 0-18

Join our Parent Group for families of neurodivergent children, where you'll connect with others facing similar challenges and share valuable experiences. Our group offers a safe, welcoming space to discuss strategies, resources, and self-care, with insightful guest speakers providing expert advice on topics like advocacy, communication, and mental health. Whether you're new to the journey or have been navigating it for years, this is a wonderful opportunity to find support, ask questions, and gain new perspectives! You can attend the Parent Group either virtually or in person, offering flexibility to connect with others in the way that best suits your needs.

Thursdays

6:00PM - 7:30PM

Cold Lake family Connections

Free, registration required

December 18 Click here to register