They are our future leaders and play a big role in our community and starting May 1 attention will be focussed on our youth.
Across Canada National Youth Week has been providing minors a chance to shine the spotlight on the issues, accomplishments, and diversity of young people.
Whether it is recreation, drama, sport, dance, civic engagement, art, volunteerism or leadership, every day young people are involved in meaningful activities.
Youth Week is aimed at honouring and celebrating their diversity and their philanthropy.
In District 69 events running from May 1 to 8 will be dedicated to the young men and women who make a difference in our community.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has been involved in youth week since 2006 with the goal of building a strong connection between young people and their communities.
RDN Recreation Programmer Kelly Valade said because kids contribute so much in the community they will be acknowledged for all that they do with a lot of fun activities created by youth for youth.
Valade said the RDN believes that collaborative community partnerships with the common goal of enhancing youth recreation opportunities result in infinite possibilities for our young people.
“It is important that young people are valued, recognized and included within their communities,” she said.
She said leadership students from Ballenas and Kwalikum Senior Secondary Schools have come up with a lot of great ideas for the occasion and she is impressed with their input.
“They always come up with creative ideas and think outside the box.”
She said this year is different from previous years because they are trying to highlight the youth programs that take place in our community year round.
“We want people to know there are things for youth to do all year.”
A youth variety show and Circus Terrifico at the Errington War Memorial Hall will kick off the week of activities.
The culmination of the Youth Engagement Project (YEP) takes place Friday, May 1 at 7:15 p.m. and will feature a video production and musical performances by local youth, followed by Ontario’s Motus O Dance Theatre in Circus Terrifico. 18 and under get in free and kids ages 5 to 10 are free if accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are $10 at the door.
On May 2 young entertainers will participate in the tenth annual Mosaic Youth Talent Showcase.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Parksville, the event will include a wide range of local talent on the stage at Knox United Church in Parksville.
Local country singer Beth Marie Anderson is producing the show which offers scholarships to those who are selected to perform.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students with a student card. Tickets are available at the Parksville Visitor Centre, Pacific Brimm and Smithfords.
PYM and Younglife will present another “Killball” dodgeball on May 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Parksville Baptist Church gym. It’s open to all students grades 6-12. Teams must register prior to the event. $5 for team registration. Spectators welcome. For more info visit www.pym.ca.
SOS Teen Nite welcomes Grades 10, 11 and 12 for a games, craft and dance night on May 7 from 3:30-7:30 p.m. Call 250-248-2093.
A Youth Ultimate Frisbee event is being held at the Ballenas Secondary School fields on May 7 from 6-7:30 p.m. The free drop-in activity is a partnership between the Family Resource Association and Parksville Ultimate Frisbee. For more information call Donna at 250-752-6766 ex. 119.
The finale on May 8 is a free BBQ and DJ Teen Swim for 11-18 year olds at the Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Come early for the BBQ and Minute to Win It challenges with great prizes starting at 5:30 p.m. A wild and wet free swim courtesy of the Youth Recreation Services Plan goes from 7 to 9 p.m.
Phone RDN, Recreation and Parks 250-752-5014 or go to www.rdnyouth.ca for more information.
