Dryden Youth Centre is hopping with fun

News — 30 November 2010

With funding provided by the City of Dryden, the Dryden Youth Centre is a thriving and happening place for the local kids aged 12 to 18.

Held at the Dryden High School every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, kids are invited to participate in many activities at no cost.

Opening in 2009 with the support of the city, Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, the Dryden Police Services, and the Rotary Club of Dryden, the centre now has two staff, and many dedicated volunteers to offer a safe form of entertainment for the kids.

Some of the options available during centre hours are a variety of different sports, X-Box, Wii and PS3 gaming, including youth organized tournaments, movie nights, computer use, and karaoke.

The kids also have an “Out and About” day once per week, with events such as horseback riding, bowling, swimming, skiing, skating, and laser tag. There is also an option for youth to attend the annual trip to Ottawa for a Town Youth Participation Strategies conference.

With numbers growing, staff now see over 100 youth make use of the centre, with a very diverse group. Some of the benefits of the centre include the ease of transition for the younger age groups, from elementary school to high school, all activities are free, kids can be kids, with no parents and the programming is safe and supervised.

The future is bright for the Youth Centre, with plans to continue “Leadership Training for Youth” with Dave Lyle, owner/operator of Hello Leadership, the development of a youth board, a facilitator training program, and expanded hours.

For more information on the Youth Centre or its activities, contact Andi Kidd, Community Projects and Program Developer at akidd@dryden.ca or the staff for the centre, Steven or Megan, at 216-5251.

By Ally Dunham

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