Published May 11, 2019 06:00
Name: Adam
Age: 17
BGC Club Location: West End Hub
BGC Member Since: Grade 7
What is your favourite activity at the Boys and Girls Club?
Police Athletic League
How does coming to the Boys and Girls Club make you feel?
Like I belong - sometimes I don't feel I can talk to people and I feel isolated, but at the Club, I
feel like I belong, and there are people to talk to.
What is your favourite memory of the Boys and Girls Club?
Attending the last National Youth Conference in Ottawa and representing Kingston - there
were workshops with so much to learn, and we had the opportunity to teach other Clubs what
we do in Kingston as well.
Today, six members of the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston & Area’s Youth Program have packed their bags and are loading on the club bus to attend the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada's National Youth Conference in Montreal. The goal of the forum is to bring youth together from across the country to explore and develop an understanding of the different social issues affecting youth in Canada.
These six leaders, who range in age from 14 to 18, consistently make positive impacts in our local Club and Community- staff are looking forward to seeing the impact their ideas and energy can have on a National Level.
Cody Boyington, who will be attending the conference as a staff member, says "Each youth has been an active participant in the Boys and Girls Club Youth Leadership Programs. They have volunteered to facilitate workshops and events for their peers, and are excellent role models and ambassadors for what young people in Kingston can accomplish."
The conference is the result of nearly two years of hard work. The agenda, which focuses on topics including Youth Mental Health, Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation, and issues facing youth at local Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada has been designed by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada's National Youth Council comprised of youth aged 16-21. Kingston's own, Jahmaal Branker, a current Boys and Girls Club staff member and former youth participant, is an active member on Canada's Youth Council and is looking forward to hosting youth from Kingston & across the country in Montreal next week.
"I am fortunate to have been able to travel to meet other youth from across the country, and I know the powerful ideas and action that can come out of experiences like this. I am excited to see our Kingston group come to Montreal and make a big impact."
Jahmaal will be facilitating his own workshop in Montreal which will focus on encouraging youth to create an action plan to encourage positive change in communities across Canada.
This conference is an excellent opportunity for youth to continue to develop their skills and grow as young people. At Boys and Girls Clubs, youth often begin as participants in leadership and recreational programming- here they are able to develop the skills to facilitate their own programs, take on leadership roles, volunteer and even work their first jobs. This conference is a great opportunity to take a step even further and show others across the Nation what they can do.
Every Monday-Friday between 2:30pm and 7:00pm, youth are invited to join in the drop-in youth programming available at both the West End Hub and the Rideau Heights Community Centre. The Boys and Girls Club of Kingston & Area Youth leadership programs serve ages 13-18, with over 20 hours a week of completely free programming that address topics such as career preparation and planning, physical activity (including a weekly Police Athletic League), leadership development, special clubs such as recording in the music studio, resume writing, and academic support. This free programming is made possible thanks to the support of the Kinsmen Club of Kingston, United Way of KFL&A, City of Kingston, Government of Ontario, Homestead Land Holdings, RBC Raise the Grade, MLSE Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, and of course generous community donors. You can help support our youth through The Kingston Whig Standard campaign – thank you for investing in our future through the youth of today!
Thank you to our donors!
Stephanie Aubertin
Janet Mitchell $1000
Anonymous $300
Anonymous $200
Larry & Evelyn Wilson $50
David & Rosemarie Kingsley $50
Anonymous $100
William & Nancy Ann Patterson
Robert Bell $500
Anonymous $150 S.
Abramsky $500
Anonymous $500
Peter & Carole Tett $50
Charles & Heather Corrigan
$100 Anonymous $300
Anonymous $50
Anonymous $300
Melanie S. Wilson $20
Anonymous $100
Total Raised to Date: $11,070
Donate Now
Whig-Standard/Boys and Girls Club Campaign How to Donate By cheque:
To the address below and indicate if you would like to keep your donation anonymous.
By credit card (Visa, MasterCard): Call 613-507-3306, ext. 110
By cash: At the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston and Area West End Hub, 1300 Bath Rd., Kingston, ON, K7M 4X4
Online: At www.bgckingston.ca , click on the secure “Donate Now” button on the top right side of the website.
Tax Receipt: A tax receipt will be mailed to you within four weeks.
Questions: Heather Hayhow, heatherh@bgckingston.ca
Thank you for supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston & Area!