Friendship Club
Friendship Club
Friendship Club is a weekly semi-structured program to support with developing various social skills such as making conversation, active listening, making friends, and conflict resolution. Each week we explore one of these skills through small group activities led by Friendship Club Volunteers. These activities can include arts and crafts, roleplays, and games.
Please complete one (1) form per child you wish to register.
Help Us Keep Friendship Club Free
Friendship Club is a free, inclusive program designed to help neurodiverse children build social skills, confidence, and meaningful connections, all in a fun, supportive environment.
While families never pay to participate, it costs us approximately $25 per student each week to run the program. Your donation helps cover supplies, staffing, and accessible programming and ensures every child has a place to belong.
Support Friendship Club today and make a lasting impact.

Dates
When: July 8 to August 26th
NO SESSION ON AUGUST 5TH
Time: 6:00PM – 7:30PM
Who: GR. 2-8
Location*
Where: Rotary Youth Centre | Burlington, ON
Program Length
7 Weeks
Theme Weeks
Zones of Regulation
This week we will explore different emotions, the sensations the feelings bring to our bodies & how to manage our emotions in a positive and healthy way through arts and crafts and board games.
Non-Verbal Communication
Did you know over 75% of the way we communicate is non-verbal? During this week’s drop-in we will explore different ways to use the body to communicate with the people around us. We’ll practice body language, facial expressions and active listening through a variety of games and activities.
Self-Esteem
We are all amazing in our unique ways! This week we will explore what self-esteem is and how we can be our best confident selves through arts and crafts and Show-and-Share! For Show-and-Share, your child can bring one item with them to showcase their special item with everyone who joins as a way to help with public speaking.
Social Norms
Ever wonder how you’re supposed to follow the “unwritten social rules” in public if no one has told you about them? Rather than figure them out yourself, this week we will use roleplays and imaginative play to practice being on our best behaviour in various social situations.
Friendship
This week is all about Friendship! Join us to make friendship bracelets, connect with other kids, play games, and learn about the many different types of friendships that exist!
Making Conversation
How are we supposed to know what to talk about when trying to make new friends? During our final week of Friendship Club, we’ll learn how and what to talk about with potential new friends through games and a tea party!
Active Listening
In this fun and engaging lesson, kids will learn what it means to be an active listener—someone who listens with their eyes, ears, and heart. Through interactive games, storytelling, and role-play, students will practice skills like making eye contact, not interrupting, and asking thoughtful questions. They’ll discover how being a good listener helps them build better friendships, understand others, and become great communicators!
CDL is offering a free peer-to-peer support group. This program aims to provide the parents and caregivers of neurodiverse children an opportunity to build a community, discuss their lives in a neurodiverse household and learn about different resources and strategies to go from surviving to thriving.
Neurodiverse Network Dates and Times:
Tuesdays on July 8 to August 26th – NO SESSION ON AUGUST 5TH
6:00PM – 7:30PM
560 Guelph Line, Burlington ON
Please note: you must register your child for the same night of friendship club you wish to attend the peer-to-peer support group.
