The Child and Youth Care Association of Alberta is dedicated to nurturing the professional development of our Child and Youth Care Counsellors.
We are delighted to present our Lunch and Learn program for Spring 2026 season!
Spring 2026 Schedule
Registration is OPEN!
June 17, 2026
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Registration is open until June 16, 2026
Start Where You’re Standing: Gardening Lessons from Subnivean Farm
Presented by: Vaden Somers
Vaden Somers is an educator, farm designer, and program developer who integrates trauma-informed, experiential learning with regenerative agriculture. With a background in sociology, permaculture design, and outdoor education, Vaden has spent over two decades working with young people as a counsellor at the William Roper Hull School in Calgary.
In 2016, he founded Subnivean Farm, a permaculture project located on the school campus just outside downtown Calgary. What began as a design project became a thriving urban farm, starting with a 500-square-foot passive solar greenhouse and growing into over 8,500 square feet of bio-intensive gardens producing organic food for the community.
Through Subnivean Farm, Vaden develops hands-on lessons in soil health, seed propagation, season extension, and ecological stewardship, while designing programs that connect agriculture with healing.
These Lunch and Learns are provided free for CYCAA Members. Members must log in to register.
Already a Member?
If you hold a current CYCAA membership, please login to be re-directed to the registration form.
Do you need to become a Member?
If you are not a Member you can create an account by clicking on the link below.
Membership Requirements and Benefits can be found here!
You asked, We delivered!
The Child and Youth Care Association of Alberta Lunch and Learn Program, is now available to individuals from other CYC Provincial Associations for a nominal fee.
This program is not limited to child and youth care counsellors, as anyone can participate by paying a small fee. The decision to expand the program to a wider audience was made in response to numerous requests from individuals outside of the association’s membership.
Pricing
Other CYC Provincial Associations:
$10.00 per session
Individuals without membership:
$20.00 per session