Fairview Elementary is the first school in Alberta to host the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps Tims Classrooms Program, bringing a nationally recognized youth leadership and development experience directly into a school setting.
The Tims Classrooms Program extends the core elements of the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps summer experience into schools and community spaces, focusing on building resilience, self-regulation, problem solving and a strong sense of belonging. Delivered at no cost to families, the program is designed to support Grades 5 and 6 students who face barriers to accessing traditional youth development opportunities.
The school hosted the program this week, which was delivered to 48 students in Grade 5.
"The program aligns deeply with who we are and the work we do every day at Fairview," said Teresa Tataryn, Principal at Fairview Elementary. "Our students bring incredible strengths, but many have also experienced significant challenges outside of school. Having a program like Tims Camps come into our building helps reinforce skills like perseverance, confidence and community in a way that is meaningful and accessible to our kids."
Launched in late 2024, the Tims Classrooms Program facilitators partner with schools to deliver hands-on activities that complement classroom learning while building essential life skills.
Fairview Elementary is Red Deer Public's designated English as an Additional Language school. More than half of Fairview's students are new Canadians, representing more than 37 countries and speaking more than 36 different first languages.
"Our school community is incredibly diverse, and with that comes both challenges and opportunities," said Teresa. "We are very intentional about building resilience, for students and staff, through frameworks like the Circle of Courage. The Tims Classrooms program fits seamlessly with that foundation."
In addition to strengthening leadership and social skills, the program aims to help close opportunity gaps for youth by offering experiences and mentorship that can support long-term academic success and positive future pathways.
"We are proud to be the first school in Alberta to host this program, and we thank Tim Hortons Foundation for their generosity," said Teresa. "It speaks to the power of partnerships and to what's possible when organizations come together with a shared commitment to doing right by kids."
