Dedicated to improving the well-being of children and youth in British Columbia

Urban Explorers

Community Planning WITH Young People!

SCY would like to acknowledge that this curriculum has been developed on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples–Sḵw x̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷə y̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.

What is Urban Explorers?

Urban Explorers is a sustainability, social studies, and civics education program and curriculum based on a Participatory Planning Pedagogy. The program engages children and youth in their local government’s community planning projects, ensuring that their voices are part of local decision-making processes. Informed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and global Child Friendly Cities initiatives, this student-led program is delivered in collaboration with local governments and community organizations.

Urban Explorers offers citizenship and sustainability education through a place and project-based curriculum, where young people partake in real-world problem-solving for their community. Urban Explorers recognizes and values children and youth as citizens of today and not merely future citizens, or ‘adults-in-the-making.’ Like all citizens, young people under the age of majority have the right and the competence to contribute toward the sustainable planning and development of their communities.

Who is Urban Explorers For?

The program is designed for upper elementary (grades 4-7) classes and is suitable for secondary students as well, who may wish to delve even deeper into specific topics. A large portion of the program and curriculum can also be adapted to younger age-groups and the K-3 classroom.

How Can My Students Participate?

Interested educators and youth groups should contact our Child & Youth Friendly Communities program manager: ildi@scyofbc.org