City able to help with registration fees if necessary, says Locke
By Mark Squibb / June 23, 2023
Councillor Bill Antle notified council this week of the City’s intention to host a youth leadership camp this summer.
“Our Youth Leadership Program, and this is a great program, runs through July and August, and the registration starts on June 20 for residents and June 22 for non-residents,” explained councillor Bill Antle. “The City will offer a four week Youth Leadership Program for the month of July and August. The Youth Leadership program will provide the opportunity for participants to work as a team member to develop their leadership and community engagement skills. Throughout the program, youth will work as a team to accomplish the three program tiers. As the youth work through the tiers, they will be developing their leadership skills, putting these developed skills into action, and in the final tier completing their community service project. “
The three tiers include skill development in a classwork setting, work as a Junior Day Camp counsellor, and a commitment to action, in which students demonstrate what they have learned during the leadership camp.
Antle added the cost of the program is $200, but that it would be “$200 well spent.”
Councillor Isabelle Fry said she thought the camp was a wonderful idea, but asked for clarification on the age group it is intended for.
Director of Recreation and Community Safety Jason Collins said the camp is aimed at youth aged 12 to 15.
“So, it’s for children that are kind of a little bit too old for day camp but not quite old enough for summer positions,” explained Collins.
Along with Fry, councillor Jim Locke applauded the motion.
Locke also noted that though there is a cost associated with the camp, youth should not view that cost as a barrier to registering, as the City may be able to help with registration fees.
“Should youth be interested in this, but think money might be an issue, we do have some programs in place,” said Locke. “If money is an issue, or if affordability is an issue, please don’t think you can’t attend. Reach out to our City staff. There are programs and funding in place. We do everything in our power to accommodate anybody who wants to join this youth leadership camp but may not be able to afford it. Again, the skills you’ll get from this will serve you the rest of your days. So, I just wanted to remind folks that we do have multiple programs here in the city to help people who may not be able to afford the registration.”
