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Youth Week in Trail

As part of BC Youth Week, YCDC is inviting the community to drop in.
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As part of a province-wide initiative from May 1 to May 7, the Columbia Youth Community Development Centre in East Trail is hosting extra activities as part of Youth Week. An art show on Tuesday was accompanied with a live demonstration of spray painting canvas chairs, Wednesday was an open house and today (Thursday) the group is playing outdoor hockey and hosting a barbeque. (From left: Chaselyn Robillard, Jewele Ickringill and Connor Robertson create one-of-a-kind designs)

There’s always something creative and entertaining going on at the East Trail centre for teens.

As part of Youth Week, a province-wide celebration of youth, extra activities are underway from 3:30-8:30 p.m. at the site known as YCDC, or the Columbia Youth Community Development Centre.

Earlier this week, coordinators hosted an art show by its members, while the group “live” demonstrated their skills with unique spray painting designs on canvas chairs. Wednesday was an open house with appetizers and today (Thursday) the group is back outside playing street hockey and hosting a barbecue.

Coleman Webb, an accomplished local artist, has shared his time and talents with the teens since the YCDC moved from downtown to the East Trail locale almost two years ago.

He’s been a coordinator at the centre since last fall.

“At YCDC our goal is to listen to what the youth are asking for,” says Webb. “And respond by offering programming, activities, workshops, and training to meet their needs where possible.”

A Youth Advisory Committee brings a voice to the direction of the centre.

“We work hard to try and ensure YCDC can be everyone’s youth centre,” Webb said. “A place they can call their own and learn to discover themselves.”

YCDC prides itself in being a safe and supportive environment for those going through the teen-aged years.

“Adolescence comes with challenges for youth in general, and our goal is to be a place youth can find opportunity for healthy activities, support, and guidance as they move through this time of life,” he added. “It is important for youth to be aware of their value and importance and we join the rest of the community in this endeavor.”

Youth week provides a time that the younger generation can be identified as a focus.

“The youth currently attending YCDC are amazing individuals and beautiful as a group,” Webb shared.

“Trail is a thriving community with lots of resources to pull from. We receive encouragement and support from many different streams, which allows us to be part of their journey and a part of the communities continued movement to ensure youth have as many opportunities as possible for growth and well being.”



Sheri Regnier

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