For the past few weeks, four Grade 11 students have been busy planning the Squamish Youth Resource Centre's first Youth Fest, a celebration of music and skateboarding set for Saturday (Sept. 12) to raise funds for a new art/music room.
The event will feature tunes from local bands and tricks from professional skaters working the neighbouring skate park's concrete stage.
Youth committees from along the Sea to Sky Corridor that make up The Spot committee have participated in Youth Forums exploring ways to improve through programs and events. A consistent message became clear: youth want more opportunities to commune, share experiences and celebrate.
The result is a series of events geared toward youth by youth organizers.
Youth Centre supervisor and The Spot committee member Ren茅e Theoret said she'd like to see the event become long-lasting with help from the four students that make up the local branch of the youth committee.
"We're actually hoping that this will keep going on and those guys are going to stay in contact through the corridor and hopefully gather new kids in the community to volunteer. They can share their skills and interest in setting up events," she said.
Youth from Whistler kicked off the series with the Late Night Shred on July 13, which featured a car smash and skateboard competition. Local kids like youth committee member Shelise Woods, 15, attended the event. With Sea to Sky communities taking turns hosting events youth are given the chance to meet new people and share interests, she said.
"I think it's really good for experience and bridging communities," said Woods.
The season finale will be hosted in Pemberton on Oct. 16. The events were made possible by funding from the 小蓝视频 Healthy Living Alliance and in co-operation with Sea to Sky Community Services and the Whistler Centre for Sustainability.
Each community received $2,000, while young committee members earn $300 each for organizing the local event, said Jackie Dickinson of Sea to Sky Community Services.
All youth are welcome to attend the event, which runs from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m at the centre, which is next to Howe Sound Secondary. Besides music and skateboarding, participants are invited to contribute to a community art mural painted on a large canvas. There will also be a barbecue available for $2 or a non-perishable for the Youth Centre Food Bank.
For more information contact the centre at 604-892-2207.
