The Hive is buzzing: Bonnyville’s Kickstand centre ramps up free youth programs

Strike or no strike, The Hive on Main Street is giving local youth a place to land — free, welcoming, and packed with things to do.

With classrooms quieter during the teacher strike, staff at The Hive by Kickstand say they’re seeing steady traffic from teens and young adults looking for connection, support, and a safe place to hang out. In September alone, The Hive welcomed about 100 first-time visitors on top of its regulars, a record month that follows a June renovation and the centre’s third birthday.

“We’ve built a really robust October,” says Grace from The Hive. “Our calendar is full, we’re flexible, and everything we offer is completely free.”

What The Hive offers in Bonnyville

Hours: Monday to Friday, 11 am–7 pm, with a heavier slate of after-school options between 3–7 pm.
Who it’s for: Youth and young adults 11–25, plus caregivers.
Cost: Free and confidential. No referral. No wait list.

Walk in for a quiet coffee and homework help, join a group activity, or book time with staff. There’s a barista-style espresso setup the youth help run, plus tables for schoolwork and spaces to just be with friends.

After-school calendar, at a glance

• Board Game Thursdays: From casual play to big group games like Mafia/Werewolf.

• Empower Youth (Thursdays): Mental-health focused activities that keep things real and supportive.

• Feel Good Fridays: A mix of chill activities and “Spill the Tea,” where youth share what’s on their mind over house-made chai.

Food shows up often, thanks to partners and volunteers — from a recent Friendsgiving cooked and served by Lakeview Gospel Church to pumpkin tarts baked by a local youth for the 18–25 group.

For young adults 18–25

Think of it as a bar without the booze — good food, relaxed vibes, and space to meet peers. The Hive regularly hosts special 18–25 nights, including mini Friendsgiving meals and conversation-first hangouts.

Indigenous wellness, meal nights, and more

• Tuesdays feature Indigenous wellness, including teachings led by community partners.

• Wednesday Meal Night returns with comfort picks like pancakes and fruit.

• Homework help is on hand most days with older youth and adults ready to support assignments or projects.

Creative nights and new skills

If you’re missing drama club or want to try the stage, local community member Jamie Pruden runs an improv group at The Hive. There’s also a Creative Collective night where youth bring whatever they’re making — guitar, painting, crochet, poetry — and build off each other’s ideas.

Looking ahead, The Hive is lining up crochet clubs, Dungeons & Dragons, coding, 3D printing, cooking, and an Adulting 201 series. November’s calendar drops mid-month so schools, families, and partner agencies can plan ahead.

Community partners stepping up

The Hive runs on partnerships and local generosity. Shout-outs include Paizano for monthly youth advisory pizza, Boston Pizza for meal nights, and Mary Brown’s Chicken for a recent fundraiser. Businesses or community members keen to sponsor a night, teach a skill, or share an idea are invited to connect — every youth program at The Hive is free, so help goes straight to local teens and young adults.

How to follow along

The quickest way to see what’s on is Facebook and Instagram. Staff and youth post regular updates, reels, and the monthly calendar. Or just drop by: The Hive by Kickstand, Main Street Bonnyville, open 11 am–7 pm, Monday to Friday.

What is Kickstand?

Kickstand is a not-for-profit focused on youth mental health and whole-person support. In Bonnyville, that’s The Hive. Province-wide, youth can also access Kickstand Connect, a free online service for same-day or booked appointments in counselling, peer support, employment services, and more.

Whether it’s games, good food, or someone to talk to, The Hive’s message is simple: show up as you are. There’s a seat for you.