S.T.A.R. Program
Supporting the Transition to Adult Responsibilities! (Ages 18- 23)
Program Overview
S.T.A.R. is a three-week summer program designed for young adults aged 18–23 with ADHD and/or learning disabilities. This program empowers participants to tackle adulthood with confidence by teaching essential life skills, fostering independence, and providing meaningful volunteer opportunities. STAR focuses on what participants want to learn, helping them navigate responsibilities like budgeting, resume building, and navigating adult relationships, all while building camaraderie with peers and staff.
S.T.A.R. at a Glance
- Ages: 18–23 years
- Location: Foothills Academy, Calgary, with off-site volunteering and activities
- Dates and Duration: 3 weeks in the summer, Monday to Friday, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
- Focus/Goal: Build independence, confidence, and essential life skills while fostering social connections
- Activities: Skill-building workshops (resume building, interview prep, renting, cooking, and more), volunteering, certifications (e.g., WHMIS, ProServe), team-building, outings, and more
- Transportation: Participants are responsible for their own transportation
- Registration and Intake Criteria: Completion of the Intake Form is required for new participants. Details below
About the S.T.A.R. Program
The STAR program is designed for young adults eager to gain confidence and independence as they navigate the challenges of adulthood. With two distinct streams—one focused on gaining employment and the other on building life skills and independence—participants will engage in hands-on learning, community volunteering, and interactive workshops that address their real-world concerns. Along the way, they’ll build meaningful friendships with peers who share similar goals.
Transitioning into adulthood can feel overwhelming, whether you’re neurodiverse or not. There’s a common misconception that when you turn 18, you should be ready to move out, get a job, and start your adult life—but that belief is neither practical or true for most people. Many young adults simply don’t know where to start. That’s where STAR steps in.
Before starting the program, participants complete a questionnaire to share their concerns, interests, and goals. This allows us to tailor each session to the group’s needs. Common topics include renting and moving out, building a resume, finding a job, cooking, budgeting, staying healthy, building friendships, and getting involved in the community.
Based on these interests, STAR offers two engaging program streams (Participants can join both for maximum value):
Stream 1: Gaining Employment
Participants spend 3–4 days per week volunteering at different organizations to explore various workplaces, develop a broad skill set, and build their resumes. When not volunteering, our staff run workshops focused on resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, workplace fundamentals, and other job-readiness skills.
Stream 2: Developing Adult Independence
This stream focuses on essential life skills for independent living. Participants learn to navigate public transit, budget, cook, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and understand the rental process, while also volunteering, practicing interviewing, earning certifications, and hearing from guest speakers.
While STAR’s focus is practical skill-building, community and connection are central to the experience. Team-building activities, escape rooms, and social outings help participants strengthen relationships and gain confidence in planning their own fun. We introduce hobbies and low-cost activities that participants can do outside the house—whether it’s exploring local events, starting new traditions with friends, or finding creative ways to have fun on a budget. The goal is to show that adulthood isn’t just about responsibility; it’s also about building a life you enjoy. From these experiences, many STAR participants form a supportive network that continues well beyond the program.
By the end of STAR, participants feel better equipped to take on adulthood and excited to chart their own paths. “Adulting” can be daunting, but with the right tools—and a supportive community—it can also be deeply rewarding.
Registering for S.T.A.R.
Registration is coming in January 2026.
Financial Accessibility
The S.T.A.R. program is not eligible for FSCD funding. See the Financial Assistance page for other options.
S.T.A.R.
Luke (aka Yoda) has been working in the field of camping, outdoor education and recreation since 2014 and working with youth in a variety of roles since 2009. Since completing a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education with a specialization in Outdoor Adventure Leadership from Laurentian University, he has continued his professional development and is trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, ASSIST suicide prevention and NCCP coaching. In addition, he is a Wilderness First Responder, ACMG certified Top Rope Climbing Instructor and Paddle Canada level two certified whitewater canoeist. In 2020 Luke joined Foothills as the photographer for Camp Amicus, then later worked with the school as an Educational Assistant. In 2022, he began his role as Manager of Camp Amicus and Recreation Programs. Luke has always had a passion for program development in specialized populations and makes it a priority to work with his team to ensure camp and recreation programs evolve to align with the changes in participants' lives, interests and needs.
Jana has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary, and is registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers. She has a history of working with children, youth, and families, and is passionate about early intervention, prevention, and meeting children’s social, emotional, and developmental needs. Jana is trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Traning, and the Nurturing Parenting Program Curriculum. She utilizes a trauma-informed and strength-based approach in her social work practice, aimed at mitigating the effects of trauma, strengthening family resilience, increasing natural supports, and building on existing strengths.