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Haida Gwaii Youth Connect

Submitted article--Hit the jumps with your bike, spray paint graffiti, paddleboard or kayak the inlet, kick back for movie nights, dance the night away with your peers, or go camping. Haida Gwaii has endless opportunities for youth to engage in safe and adventurous activities, through the partnership of local organizations and private businesses, including Haida Gwaii Rec, Mount Moresby Adventure Camp, Swan Bay Rediscovery, North Beach Surf Shop, Haida Gwaii Bike Re-Psych, Kitgoro Kayaking, the list goes on!Charlotte's youth centre is joining this partnership, working with island communities to offer a safe space, provide entertainment, and plan exciting events for youth between the ages of 13 to 18 years.This column is dedicated to the youth of Haida Gwaii. We will keep you up-to-date with the latest and greatest youth-related news and events! Many individuals work with youth in the north and south. The Youth Coordinator in Queen Charlotte is Alissa MacMullin. Masset youth are very happy to have Youth Coordinator Harmony Williams. A big thank you to all the individuals volunteering with the coordinators to ensure the centres are open consistently. We ask that all youth-related events and information be forwarded to the coordinators so we can advertise! Contact information is listed below. In Queen Charlotte we are ordering filmmaking equipment and software, including Final Cut for our iMacs. Youth will be able to use the equipment any time and photography and filmmaking workshops will be offered. Study nights are also in the works for four Mondays and Wednesdays this month, from 6 to 8 pm. Need motivation or help to finish your homework? Study for provincials? University student tutors will be available for help and plenty of snacks will be provided! In Masset, upcoming events include Nights Alive every Friday from 8 pm to midnight, Tour de Prairie on June 13 ($5), Family Health Symposium from 9 am to 4:30 pm at the Haida Health Hub on June 11, and a teen dance June 20.As well, we are looking for youth volunteer listings. If your organization has opportunities for student volunteers, or would like to create positions, contact us right away. We have high hopes of making volunteer opportunities, specifically for youth, easy to discover. A monthly newsletter will be sent out over the summer, showcasing events and these volunteer opportunities that will be categorized based on interest. Shout out to the QCSS Girls' Soccer team for their great plays and awesome sportsmanship at the provincials in Vancouver! Check back in coming weeks to read about our events and stories, as told by Catherine Garrett, a grade 12 student who has volunteered to write for us. Harmony Williams, harmony.williams@haidahealth.caAlissa MacMullin, 778-349-4219, vqcyouthcentre@gmail.com