OLDS — Six members of the 11-member Youth Advisory Council (YAC) came to council chambers Feb. 6 to outline what their organization has done so far and its plans for the future.
They wore hoodies with a specially designed logo.
Council was told the YAC, created in late August last year, has members ranging in age from 15 to 21.
It features youth from École Olds High School and the Olds College of Agriculture & Technology as well as the community in general. They began meeting in earnest in the fall.
Although there are 11 members now, the goal is to expand it to about 14.
Members of the YAC delegation took turns speaking about what the group had done and plans to do in the future.
Council was told activities planned for this year include a teen skating night (or roller skating in the warmer months) on the newly built outdoor rink in Centennial Park, and a fun run.
The YAC also wants to engage with seniors. That might take the form of dancing, making snow angels, or playing games at the Evergreen Centre.
The group also has some ideas for Youth Week, to be held the first week of May. Those activities include a teen swim night at the aquatic centre, a drive-in movie (if funds are available for that), and a youth bowling night.
YAC representatives also expressed a desire to help create a youth centre, a project spearheaded by the Boys & Girls Club of Olds & Area (BGCOA), which is in the works.
The group also reported on activities undertaken earlier since it was formed.
They include giving out hot chocolate and popcorn during Midnight Madness, and distributing hot chocolate and cookies during the Skate with Santa.
They also helped provide hot chocolate and cookies when the CP Holiday Train came through and assisted where needed during Olds Fashioned Christmas activities.
In addition, YAC members helped facilitate a Christmas party at the Olds Aquatic Centre.
Several town councillors, including mayor Judy Dahl and deputy mayor Darren Wilson, thanked the delegation for their presentation and their efforts on behalf of local youth.
Coun. Heather Ryan expressed hope the YAC will also be involved in other town-run activities like Canada Day celebrations.
Ryan asked if there’s a “magic number” of members the group would like to have.
“Twelve to 14 would be an ideal number, but 11 works great right now,” community facilitator Gary Gaudette said.
Dahl said she’s looking forward to meeting with the youth during Youth Week.
“The community should be very proud of you; thank you for being here,” she said.
Lead community facilitator Heather Dixon said some of the funding for the YAC comes from Family and Community Support Services grants.
"It’s a good partnership that they’re developing between themselves and the Boys and Girls Club,” Dixon said, noting BGCOA executive director Letitia Gole was in council chambers to show her support for the group.
Dixon said the YAC is a good example of a need in the community being seen and filled.
“If you ever get a chance to see these guys when they’re out doing some volunteering, chat with them – they're all very interesting and have a lot to offer to our community, so we just really appreciate them,” Dixon said.
"Yes, we do,” Dahl said, sparking applause.
Staff Sgt. Warren Wright, the commanding officer of Olds RCMP, expressed an interest in meeting with and working with the group.
“I echo all the sentiments and comments," Wilson said. “It’s a great initiative.”
He thanked the delegates and administrative staff for all their work to make the YAC a positive contribution to the community.
Wilson said in the future, if the YAC needs any help from councillors to please let them know.
“Let us know if there’s anything we can do; we’ll certainly entertain it,” he said.
