The Drayton Youth Centre (DYC) is planning an information session for prospective volunteers and community members interested in learning more about the centre and volunteer opportunities.
The volunteer event will be held on April 29 from 7 to 9pm. Anyone who would like to register or find out more about volunteering, is urged to contact board member and volunteer coordinator Brian Kamm at brian.kamm@gmail.com or 519-638-3875 for more details.
“It can take time to build positive relationships, regardless of how old you are,” states Kamm in a press release announcing the volunteer event. “More so when you are a young person discovering who you are, what you’re good at, and what direction you want to take in life. Having a safe space to build these relationships, and participate in positive activities is an important part of fostering these opportunities.
“The absence of these things can lead to ambivalence, boredom, and less-than-positive choices when you are looking for something to do on a weeknight or weekend evening. The occasional mischievous act is what ends up standing out, when youth energy can be better directed to more productive uses.”
Organizers note the DYC was born out of a desire to provide a secure, wholesome and Christian-based environment for the youth of Drayton and the surrounding area, where they can be encouraged to “excel socially, personally and spiritually.”
Regardless of religious beliefs, the DYC provides an “open, accepting environment.”
Local churches, businesses and individuals have embraced the youth centre through support of fundraisers, including the annual hockey tournament and mud run, as well as providing other financial and in-kind supports.
“Quite simply, this support keeps the doors open, and the opportunities available for local youth,” says Kamm.
Planning is currently underway for summer activities and required painting and flooring work.
DYC volunteers are key to offering the drop-in three nights a week: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
“The importance of developing relationships is something that the volunteers recognize when they meet a youth for the first time, and as the youth begins to build a sense of trust and safety with the volunteers,” says Kamm.
“It starts as chit chat over a game of pool, or taking part in a game of basketball during gym night. Later it’s talking about how school is going or relationship issues.
“All of these things build trust and a sense of safety. These relationships provide youth with healthy role models and needed encouragement. Over the years, the youth centre has seen drop-in attendees’ move into volunteer roles, something which fits well with the centre’s intention to foster youth personal growth.”
Prospective volunteers are asked to submit an application form, police records check and participate in an interview. Volunteers are asked to commit to one shift per month.
Mud run coming up
The 2014 Drayton Youth Centre Mud Run will be taking place on June 7. This will be the second year for the fundraising event.
Registration information is available via Eventbrite, or on the Facebook page Drayton Youth Centre Mud Run. Anyone with questions or who would like to sponsor the event can contact mud run chair Dahl Atin (dahlatin@hotmail.com 519-638-3651).
Information on the DYC can be found at draytonyouthcentre.ca, @DYCentre on Twitter; and Drayton Youth Centre on Facebook.
