Teen Centre re-opens

By Rechell McDonald
The Whitecourt Teen Centre, run by the Boys and Girls Club, saw a brief shut down period late in 2015 as they lost their management team to relocation and permanent maternity leave. It took a little while, but the centre was able to secure new management under Mark Belbin who is thrilled to be on board.

“The centre gives kids a safe environment to be in after school where they are engaged with their peers. In doing so we hope the youth can develop confidence and life skills while learning to build positive relationships among their peers. We have a great staff of workers who serve as mentors and give the teens an ear to talk to. They are always willing to talk and encourage the youth to make good decisions while guiding them in our programs. We want the youth of our town to be proud and to learn to be productive citizens of our community.

“I hope to bring back the success of the past groups, and partner with local organizations to have more outings that are fun and involve physical activities, volunteering in our community, and so on. The Teen Centre is here to serve the local youth so we are always open to suggestions and evolving programs based on what the kids find successful and fun.”

Some of the most successful and popular programs amongst the teens at the centre include the female-centric Be-You-tiful Campaign, and groups geared specifically to the young men which are designed to build confidence, self-esteem, and independence. The activities within these groups, and as part of the general offering of the centre, have included field trips to Jasper, the West Edmonton Waterpark, and have involved activities such as yoga, cooking classes, and dances.

Mark expresses his appreciation for the way the community has helped the centre and says that as a non-profit organization, they are always happy to receive donations of any kind. From used video games and movies to food donations or anything else that can be passed on to the kids to enhance their experience.

To donate, get your child involved, or find out how you can help the Teen Centre, contact Mark at teenwhitecourtbgc@gmail.com.