Independent Editor
The Woolwich Youth Centre is gearing up for a fun summer.
The youth centre, which operates out of the Woolwich Memorial Centre, offers a variety of field trips this summer, including several to Bingemans, fun activities, and simply a place for youth from Grade 6 to 19 years old a place to hang out.
“For a lot of (the youth), this is their living room away from home,” said Catherine Soehner, youth centre coordinator.
Soehner, along with summer youth worker Brynna Wasylycia, say that a regular core of 10 to 15 youth come by on a daily basis, using the youth centre as a meeting place of sorts. Many will come by to see who is there, and drop by at various times during the day.
“It’s pretty much the regular crowd every day,” said Wasylycia.
The low-pressure atmosphere of the youth centre seems to be just what they want — they are free to participate in any of the organized activities, but they can also choose not to, depending on their mood.
And if they are struggling with something, or simply want to have a listening ear, they can find that as well.
“I think a lot of them like to come in and talk,” said Soehner. “Because the staff are older than them, we can give a bit of perspective.”
Both Wasylycia and Soehner are hoping to encourage more youth come out on a regular basis, particular some of the younger students who are just old enough to participate. The current age range of most of the participants is 14 to 17 years of age.
The youth centre is equipped with all the amenities – a pool table, air hockey, Wii games, comfortable couches, computers – and, most importantly during the current heat wave, air conditioning and cold pop.
The centre is open from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
The calendar for July is offering everything from a rock-climbing trip to three excursions to Bingemans, including an upcoming trip on July 19. Members can also go to the Guelph Arboretum later this month, or take in music and movie night in Waterloo Park.
An Olympic theme will also be part of the summer fun, with individuals and teams competing for gold, silver and bronze stickers in athletic events, ultimately earning prizes along the way.
membership
Youth may visit the youth centre a few times without joining, to check it out, and then pay a membership fee of $30 for the calendar year, which allows them to use any part of the youth centre facilities, although some activities require an extra fee.
Staff is there to supervise the youth at all times, whether on a field trip or in the youth centre itself.
To find out more about the youth centre, visit the Woolwich Youthcentre Facebook page, or blog, at www.woolwichyouthcentre.blogspot.com, drop by during hours of operation, or call 519-669-3539.
