Jordan Jacobs, Sports Writer
The Youth Program is a fairly new initiative being hosted at the Walnut Grove Community Centre. The activities being offered range from drop-in badminton and basketball to karaoke and watching movies! The program is for anyone who is 12-18 years old who has the teenager friendly cost of just $3.40 for drop-in sports. There are activities being held every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with the times differing slightly between days, but always after 5:45pm. The Youth Lounge, a newer component to the program is completely free, unless an activity is taking place, and is a safe, friendly environment where teens can hang out.
“I want to create a space for youth that is fun, exciting, engaging, [and] safe.” Kristi Kocherkewych
Kristi, a youth worker greatly involved in the Youth Program is often available along with other youth workers in the Youth Lounge to talk to teenagers about school, friends, healthy choices, and even the future.
“Often times youth feel unheard or that their opinions or voice don’t matter. So for someone to take the time to listen and engage in conversation with them is huge.”
The Youth Program has an activity for everybody, whether you are an athlete or an artist. However, the program is always looking for suggestions for new activities as long as they are age appropriate.
“My long term goal [is] I want to see [the Youth Lounge] full of youth having a great time!”
Below is the schedule for the Youth Program during the month of November:
WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY |
Drop-in Basketball
5:45-7pm |
Drop-in Badminton
6:45-7:45pm |
Drop-in Basketball
7-10pm Movie & Popcorn Night 7-10pm |
Drop-in Badminton
7-9pm Scavenger Hunt 7-9pm |
Drop-in Basketball
5:45-7pm |
Drop-in Badminton
6:45-7:45pm |
Drop-in Basketball
7-10pm Wii Sports 7-10pm |
Drop-in Badminton
7-9pm Karaoke |
Drop-in Basketball
5:45-7pm |
Drop-in Badminton
6:45-7:45pm |
Drop-in Basketball
7-10pm Board Games 7-10pm |
Drop-in Badminton
7-9pm Got a sweet tooth?!! 7-9pm |
Drop-in Basketball
5:45-7pm |
Drop-in Badminton
6:45-7:45pm |
Drop-in Basketball
7-10pm Guitar Hero 7-10pm |
Drop-in Badminton
7-9pm Minute to Win It 7-9pm |