About the Gifted Youth Group (GYG)

Connecting Brilliant Minds – From Coast to Coast

Mensa is a social organization that connects people who have an IQ in the top 2% of the population. The Mensa Canada Youth Program is a set of initiatives designed to help parents and kids connect with each other.

If you are the parent of a brilliant little kiddo, you already know that some of the usual childcare practices don’t fit them. Mensa parents have been asking for a way to connect with other parents and kids, and this program was created by volunteers—most of whom are parents themselves—who know how much children benefit from being with others who share the same joy and curiosity in life.

Canada is a large country, and not every community has a local group of young Mensa members. To bridge that distance, some of our activities are held online, while in-person events are organized by parents within their local chapters. We also provide ways for parents to connect with one another and share tips about raising their unique families.

Mensa does not provide educational programs. However, members can access links to external gifted youth opportunities, such as those at Johns Hopkins University. Our website and Facebook page also include many articles, activities, and resources of interest to parents, teachers, and kids.

What We Offer - Four Key Resources for Families

1. 1. Mensa Canada Gifted Youth Group (GYG)

The Gifted Youth Group is the central website for youth and families in Mensa Canada. Notices for activities are sent out by email to members, while the website highlights upcoming contests, celebrates past winners, and shares a blog of award-winning youth writing.

Activities and opportunities are volunteer-led and vary each year.  These activities typically include:

Winter Writing Contest

Photography Contest

Chess Club & Tournaments

Guest speakers for kids and parents

Entrepreneur Contest

Online Discord chat group

Resource hub for parents and youth

2. Facebook Community

Join our private Mensa Canada Gifted Youth and Families Facebook group to exchange tips, stay updated, and build connections with other families and Mensa coordinators. Access is by approval only. 

3. International Perspectives & Resources

All Mensa Canada members also have access to the Mensa International Gifted Youth Resources Repository. It includes global program links, parent and educator tools, the Ideas Pool, and cross-country networking opportunities. 

4. Local Chapter Support & Opportunities

We recognize that Canada is vast and that opportunities vary by region. That’s why we equip local chapter volunteers—GY Local Coordinators and Regional Representatives—to initiate meetups, virtual clubs (chess, comics, mentoring, etc.), and even mentorship and leadership awards, ensuring equity across geography, health, and neurodiversity. Interest-driven clubs can be proposed via our online club proposal form. 

What next?

We are constantly trying to do better. Please tell us what you want to see, and what you want us to do. Please be specific! “On-line resource list” is ok, but “online class for my 4 year old to learn how to play the kazoo” is much better! Do you want career days for kids to consider their futures, chess clubs, informal chat groups—whatever it is please tell us! Email: gyc@mensacanada.org