Youth Coalition
"This world demands the qualities of youth: not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the life of ease." - Robert Kennedy
Today, more than ever before, the definition of youth is extremely varied. In some cases, youth are defined those age 12 - 17; sometimes 13 - 30; and even up to 35. While different programs have their own reasons for limiting their specific definition, youth can be generally defined as the time between childhood and adulthood. And with the increasing struggle to be well-prepared for adulthood, with a post-secondary education or trade and gainfully employed, it is no surprise that this age range is broadening.
Many Golden & Area A youth have a wide-range of wonderful opportunities to grow into productive individuals. But there are always improvements that can be made to ensure every youth feels engaged and become creative, active, healthy, happy and productive members of the community.
This section is an attempt to summarize and share some basic details about our complex efforts to engage and support youth in Golden & Area A.
It is hoped that with a future Community Team in Golden & Area A, there would be a Youth-Focused representative.
Many Golden & Area A youth have a wide-range of wonderful opportunities to grow into productive individuals. But there are always improvements that can be made to ensure every youth feels engaged and become creative, active, healthy, happy and productive members of the community.
This section is an attempt to summarize and share some basic details about our complex efforts to engage and support youth in Golden & Area A.
It is hoped that with a future Community Team in Golden & Area A, there would be a Youth-Focused representative.
Youth Network
There is some inertia with moving youth-focused organizations toward improved connectivity and collaboration. This network could one day form representation on a broad, community decision-making body, like a Community Team.
Figure: Youth Network from a Community Team Perspective
Youth Possibilities
An informal, youth-focused network is forming. It's not especially new. Youth-focused staff and volunteers have been networking for years to learn from each other, share programming ideas and resources. But now, groups are starting to look at the big-picture: How can working together do more with the same resources? The answer is collaboration.
How can youth-focused organizations collaborate with respect to youth services, support, programming, and facilities? There are many possibilities. Let's start talking priorities!
Stay tuned for a Youth-Focused Coalition meeting in May.
How can youth-focused organizations collaborate with respect to youth services, support, programming, and facilities? There are many possibilities. Let's start talking priorities!
Stay tuned for a Youth-Focused Coalition meeting in May.
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Youth Support
There are currently many sources of support for youth-focused, youth-serving and youth-led initiatives in BC.
One youth-serving, youth-led program that is only available in Ontario is Innoweave's Youth Collective Impact (YouthCI). This program could help pull together the many groups in Golden, once it is offered in BC.
- Canadian Tire's JumpStart
- Canada Sport For Life
- Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Youth-Directed Program
- Golden & District Community Foundation
- Royal Canadian Legion (Track & Field)
- Local service clubs (Rotary, Lions, Masons)
One youth-serving, youth-led program that is only available in Ontario is Innoweave's Youth Collective Impact (YouthCI). This program could help pull together the many groups in Golden, once it is offered in BC.
Youth Initiatives
Like Golden & Area A's plentiful number of non profit organizations, there are many youth-focused organizations and initiatives. Here are just a few:
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL)
CBAL, through the Community Literacy Coordinator, Monica De, offers many literacy-promoting programs and workshops, including drop in access for the following services: computer and internet access, adult tutoring for basic reading, writing, math, help with essential skills and more.
Rotary Youth Exchange
This program has been running for over 75 years, providing international exchange opportunities for youth to learn about different countries and cultures. If a Club sends an exchange student out, it must accept another student coming in.
In Golden, Chris Hambruch is the Youth Exchange Officer. In any given year, the Club will send out and receive one exchange student for an entire school year. The exchange youth usually rotate through 4 families, and it is hoped that the exchanging family will take in a youth for a portion of the entire stay. The students may receive up to $75/month from the Rotary Club.
"The change between their arrival and departure is phenomenal," explained Chris. "I find it very rewarding."
Since 9/11, the exchange programs have suffered due to increasing security and training requirements. There are a number of other Rotary-led youth opportunities, although not all are offered in Golden:
Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA)
- 1 week leadership training program; hosted through Selkirk College; for 18-25 year old (but can be as wide as 14-30 year old.
Interact
- Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 12-18 year old. This group has been meeting every Wednesday at 3:30pm at GSS and is working toward their first ever "Interact Talk" on June 13th, 2015.
Rotaract
- "Begin at the local, grassroots level, with members addressing their communities’ physical and social needs while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service"; 18-30 year old.
Rocky Mountain International Exchange Program
This is a "student centered program with a balanced focus on academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and English-language acquisition. In addition to taking core classes, students can select from a variety of special interest courses, and get involved in a wide variety of activities including skiing, hiking, and rafting in the Canadian Rockies."
While this is intended for non-local youth, it provides an idea of other exchange programs that are available to them. The costs range from $11,000/school year, plus homestay and fees.
Youth Action Group (YAG)
The YAG was created in 2011 in order to access CBT's Youth-Directed Funds Program. With these funds of $25,000/year for 4 years, YAG created the Golden Youth Centre (the 4th reincarnation of a youth centre in recent memory).
Supported by Golden Community Resources Society (GCRS) & Golden Family Centre Society (GFCS), Mike Symons is the Coordinator at the Youth Centre.
Golden & District Lions Club
The Lions Youth Exchange is administered by the Lions Club; a shorter program then the Rotary Exchange (~6 weeks long). As the Club is part of an international zone (with Idaho and Washington), they try to bring kids in over the Christmas holidays for 3 weeks. And then the Canadian participants head out on exchanges during the summer months. Being at the end of the zone, and over Christmas, the Golden area does not receive many exchange participants.
Leo/Omega Club: 12 - 18 years old. A service club for young people; raising funds for scholarships; and other groups in need.
Beta Club: 19 - 27 years old. Not active in Golden. Anyone 19 years and older would go into the Lions Club.
Contact: Orlando & Wendy Pecora.
Rocky Mountain Alliance Church Youth Ministry
The youth ministry is delivered by Jair and Mel, as youth ministry coordinators, and supported the congregation.
And youth-focused programing does not stop there. The following programs are very nicely summarized and published on the Town of Golden's website, here are the recreation-focused youth programs:
Golden Basketball Association
GBA provides after school basketball instruction to students up to grade seven. Through the sport of basketball students will learn and develop skills in movement, balance, team work, fair play, and cooperation. The seasonal play generally runs from late September to January and hosted in the Mount 7 Rec Plex Gym. Contact – Peter Mentz: [email protected] Website - www.goldenbasketballassociation.com
Golden District Minor Hockey
GDMH offers programs up to and including midget (ages 16-17) for males & females, that includes training camps, tournaments, league play and regular practice. The program operates under the rules and regulations of the East Kootenay Minor Hockey Association, BC Minor Hockey Association and Hockey Canada. Contact – Brad Cable: [email protected] Website – www.goldenhockey.com Registration Form: 2013/14 Minor Hockey Registration
Golden Dolphins Summer Swim Club
A not-for-profit organization that coaches, promotes, and encourages the development of athletes and volunteers through participation in speed swimming. The club provides a safe, fun, supportive environment where swimmers can improve their overall swimming techniques and racing abilities together with providing the opportunity to compete at our home and away races. The Dolphins promote and develop a healthy athletic lifestyle to all our members. Contact - [email protected] Website - www.goldendolphinsswimclub.org/index.html
Facebook - Like the Dolphins
Golden Girl Guides – Designed for girls up to 18 years of age. Consistent with Girls Guides Canada the program includes the following levels, Sparks, Brownies, Girl Guides, Pathfinders and Rangers. The participates in various activities such as supporting the community and volunteering, outdoor learning, developing self-image and learning about the world. Contact – Margo Reinders [email protected]
Golden Kicking Horse Alpine Team (GKHAT)
A not-for-profit ski club that coaches and implements the Nancy Greene program at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, run by volunteers and parents dedicated to helping young skiers learn the fun essentials of ski racing and safe skiing. GKHAT provides a safe, fun, supportive environment where skiers can improve their overall skiing techniques and racing abilities together with their knowledge of safe skiing habits and healthy athletic lifestyle. Contact – Mark Baxendale: [email protected] Website - www.gkhat.ca/ Registration Form: 2013/14 GKHAT Registration Facebook - Like GKHAT
Golden Army Cadets 3066
Army Cadets is a free program that is partially funded by the DND (department of national defense) designed for youth between the ages of 12-19. The cadets participate in various activities such as; field training exercises, drills, marksmanship, map and compass work, orienteering, community service, sports and more. Though the program is funded by DND does not mean that the cadets are in the military. Contact - Navneet Rondeau [email protected]
Scouts Canada
Including the national programs: Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts.
1st Golden Cub Scouts: For 8 to 10 year old boys and girls. Challenging hikes, weekend camps, and an introduction to water activities like canoeing or kayaking are just a few of the fun outdoor adventures that Cub Scouts enjoy. Along the way, Cub Scouts learn how to take care of themselves and work as a team – and most importantly have a lot of fun! Contact - [email protected]
1st Golden Scouts: For 11 to 14 year old boys and girls. The program is about having fun while gaining value leadership skills and self-confidence. Scouts enjoy outdoor adventures like mountain biking, rock climbing and lots of camping while working together with other young people to accomplish thrilling challenges. Contact - [email protected]
Golden Youth Opportunities Council (GYOC)
Very active in the late 2000s, but now dormant, the Council provides an avenue for youth, aged 21 years or younger, and organizations who work on behalf of youth, to be involved in worthwhile projects at a local level that improves the quality of life for youth. The goals and objectives of the GYOC are to work to foster the growth of the YAC Fund, to make granting recommendations to the GDCF for worthwhile youth projects in the Golden area, and to promote awareness and recognition of GYOC and the GDCF in the community. The GYOC grant program is to be consistent with GDCF granting principles and policies, and run parallel to the GDCF granting cycle.
GYOC Mission Statement:
The Golden Youth Opportunity Council believes in providing resources to involve youth in community culture. We strive to establish team building, equal opportunity and empower young people with a voice in our community.
Many of these programs try to support all youth learn and develop into healthy and happy adults. But, do many of these youth programs have a theme of attracting the same high-achieving individuals? Is the Golden community leaving anyone else behind?
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL)
CBAL, through the Community Literacy Coordinator, Monica De, offers many literacy-promoting programs and workshops, including drop in access for the following services: computer and internet access, adult tutoring for basic reading, writing, math, help with essential skills and more.
Rotary Youth Exchange
This program has been running for over 75 years, providing international exchange opportunities for youth to learn about different countries and cultures. If a Club sends an exchange student out, it must accept another student coming in.
In Golden, Chris Hambruch is the Youth Exchange Officer. In any given year, the Club will send out and receive one exchange student for an entire school year. The exchange youth usually rotate through 4 families, and it is hoped that the exchanging family will take in a youth for a portion of the entire stay. The students may receive up to $75/month from the Rotary Club.
"The change between their arrival and departure is phenomenal," explained Chris. "I find it very rewarding."
Since 9/11, the exchange programs have suffered due to increasing security and training requirements. There are a number of other Rotary-led youth opportunities, although not all are offered in Golden:
Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA)
- 1 week leadership training program; hosted through Selkirk College; for 18-25 year old (but can be as wide as 14-30 year old.
Interact
- Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 12-18 year old. This group has been meeting every Wednesday at 3:30pm at GSS and is working toward their first ever "Interact Talk" on June 13th, 2015.
Rotaract
- "Begin at the local, grassroots level, with members addressing their communities’ physical and social needs while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service"; 18-30 year old.
Rocky Mountain International Exchange Program
This is a "student centered program with a balanced focus on academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and English-language acquisition. In addition to taking core classes, students can select from a variety of special interest courses, and get involved in a wide variety of activities including skiing, hiking, and rafting in the Canadian Rockies."
While this is intended for non-local youth, it provides an idea of other exchange programs that are available to them. The costs range from $11,000/school year, plus homestay and fees.
Youth Action Group (YAG)
The YAG was created in 2011 in order to access CBT's Youth-Directed Funds Program. With these funds of $25,000/year for 4 years, YAG created the Golden Youth Centre (the 4th reincarnation of a youth centre in recent memory).
Supported by Golden Community Resources Society (GCRS) & Golden Family Centre Society (GFCS), Mike Symons is the Coordinator at the Youth Centre.
Golden & District Lions Club
The Lions Youth Exchange is administered by the Lions Club; a shorter program then the Rotary Exchange (~6 weeks long). As the Club is part of an international zone (with Idaho and Washington), they try to bring kids in over the Christmas holidays for 3 weeks. And then the Canadian participants head out on exchanges during the summer months. Being at the end of the zone, and over Christmas, the Golden area does not receive many exchange participants.
Leo/Omega Club: 12 - 18 years old. A service club for young people; raising funds for scholarships; and other groups in need.
Beta Club: 19 - 27 years old. Not active in Golden. Anyone 19 years and older would go into the Lions Club.
Contact: Orlando & Wendy Pecora.
Rocky Mountain Alliance Church Youth Ministry
The youth ministry is delivered by Jair and Mel, as youth ministry coordinators, and supported the congregation.
And youth-focused programing does not stop there. The following programs are very nicely summarized and published on the Town of Golden's website, here are the recreation-focused youth programs:
Golden Basketball Association
GBA provides after school basketball instruction to students up to grade seven. Through the sport of basketball students will learn and develop skills in movement, balance, team work, fair play, and cooperation. The seasonal play generally runs from late September to January and hosted in the Mount 7 Rec Plex Gym. Contact – Peter Mentz: [email protected] Website - www.goldenbasketballassociation.com
Golden District Minor Hockey
GDMH offers programs up to and including midget (ages 16-17) for males & females, that includes training camps, tournaments, league play and regular practice. The program operates under the rules and regulations of the East Kootenay Minor Hockey Association, BC Minor Hockey Association and Hockey Canada. Contact – Brad Cable: [email protected] Website – www.goldenhockey.com Registration Form: 2013/14 Minor Hockey Registration
Golden Dolphins Summer Swim Club
A not-for-profit organization that coaches, promotes, and encourages the development of athletes and volunteers through participation in speed swimming. The club provides a safe, fun, supportive environment where swimmers can improve their overall swimming techniques and racing abilities together with providing the opportunity to compete at our home and away races. The Dolphins promote and develop a healthy athletic lifestyle to all our members. Contact - [email protected] Website - www.goldendolphinsswimclub.org/index.html
Facebook - Like the Dolphins
Golden Girl Guides – Designed for girls up to 18 years of age. Consistent with Girls Guides Canada the program includes the following levels, Sparks, Brownies, Girl Guides, Pathfinders and Rangers. The participates in various activities such as supporting the community and volunteering, outdoor learning, developing self-image and learning about the world. Contact – Margo Reinders [email protected]
Golden Kicking Horse Alpine Team (GKHAT)
A not-for-profit ski club that coaches and implements the Nancy Greene program at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, run by volunteers and parents dedicated to helping young skiers learn the fun essentials of ski racing and safe skiing. GKHAT provides a safe, fun, supportive environment where skiers can improve their overall skiing techniques and racing abilities together with their knowledge of safe skiing habits and healthy athletic lifestyle. Contact – Mark Baxendale: [email protected] Website - www.gkhat.ca/ Registration Form: 2013/14 GKHAT Registration Facebook - Like GKHAT
Golden Army Cadets 3066
Army Cadets is a free program that is partially funded by the DND (department of national defense) designed for youth between the ages of 12-19. The cadets participate in various activities such as; field training exercises, drills, marksmanship, map and compass work, orienteering, community service, sports and more. Though the program is funded by DND does not mean that the cadets are in the military. Contact - Navneet Rondeau [email protected]
Scouts Canada
Including the national programs: Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts.
1st Golden Cub Scouts: For 8 to 10 year old boys and girls. Challenging hikes, weekend camps, and an introduction to water activities like canoeing or kayaking are just a few of the fun outdoor adventures that Cub Scouts enjoy. Along the way, Cub Scouts learn how to take care of themselves and work as a team – and most importantly have a lot of fun! Contact - [email protected]
1st Golden Scouts: For 11 to 14 year old boys and girls. The program is about having fun while gaining value leadership skills and self-confidence. Scouts enjoy outdoor adventures like mountain biking, rock climbing and lots of camping while working together with other young people to accomplish thrilling challenges. Contact - [email protected]
Golden Youth Opportunities Council (GYOC)
Very active in the late 2000s, but now dormant, the Council provides an avenue for youth, aged 21 years or younger, and organizations who work on behalf of youth, to be involved in worthwhile projects at a local level that improves the quality of life for youth. The goals and objectives of the GYOC are to work to foster the growth of the YAC Fund, to make granting recommendations to the GDCF for worthwhile youth projects in the Golden area, and to promote awareness and recognition of GYOC and the GDCF in the community. The GYOC grant program is to be consistent with GDCF granting principles and policies, and run parallel to the GDCF granting cycle.
GYOC Mission Statement:
The Golden Youth Opportunity Council believes in providing resources to involve youth in community culture. We strive to establish team building, equal opportunity and empower young people with a voice in our community.
Many of these programs try to support all youth learn and develop into healthy and happy adults. But, do many of these youth programs have a theme of attracting the same high-achieving individuals? Is the Golden community leaving anyone else behind?
Participant Support
Participating in one or more of these youth-focused programs can be quite expensive. Many programs have ways of supporting youth that couldn't otherwise afford to register and access the necessary gear.
The following program is one example of how this works.
Whitetooth Affordable Ski Program (WASP)
This program, managed by the Golden & District Community Foundation, is supported by the Whitetooth Ski Society Fund (WSSF), which was started with the proceeds from the sale of Whitetooth to Ballast-Nedam. This fund is invested in the Columbia Valley Credit Union, where the interest is used to provide seasons passes, lessons and rentals (and in the past, transportation) to local children and youth with limited family incomes.
Recently, we adapted the WASP to include Golden Kicking Horse Alpine Team’s programs and offered CSIA/CASI Instructor Courses for those more advanced participants – in the hopes that they will stay connected to the ski industry and eventually give back to the next generation of skiers/boarders.
If you are involved in a youth-focused program, how do you ensure that your service is available to all youth?
The following program is one example of how this works.
Whitetooth Affordable Ski Program (WASP)
This program, managed by the Golden & District Community Foundation, is supported by the Whitetooth Ski Society Fund (WSSF), which was started with the proceeds from the sale of Whitetooth to Ballast-Nedam. This fund is invested in the Columbia Valley Credit Union, where the interest is used to provide seasons passes, lessons and rentals (and in the past, transportation) to local children and youth with limited family incomes.
Recently, we adapted the WASP to include Golden Kicking Horse Alpine Team’s programs and offered CSIA/CASI Instructor Courses for those more advanced participants – in the hopes that they will stay connected to the ski industry and eventually give back to the next generation of skiers/boarders.
If you are involved in a youth-focused program, how do you ensure that your service is available to all youth?
Resources
XYBOOM: To facilitate intergenerational understanding and collaboration through shared dialogue, mentorship and research opportunities.
"The XYBOOM team has been working hard at compiling all the great information, stories and wisdom that was shared by all the attendees, panelists, live case study storytellers etc. at the 2013 XYBOOM conference. In this document you will find key themes and highlights from the day, links to video (the panel sessions and interviews with each storyteller), the graphic recordings done by Yolanda Liman, a 'How-to' guide for recreating the Live Case Study storytelling process and much more.
Whether you attended the conference or not, we hope you will take the time to look through this document and be inspired to find more opportunities to work collaboratively with all generations and create change in your own workplaces and beyond.
Click below for the XYBOOM 2013 Conference Interactive Takeaway."
While XYBOOM is based in Vancouver, efforts have been made to broaden their reach, but it may take some time before they come to Golden. In the meantime, feel free to follow their activities and learning online.
Next Up BC: a leadership program for young adults committed to social and environmental justice.
"Do you wonder what the future holds for our world? Are you concerned about things like climate change, poverty, public health and education, housing and government policy? Do you believe that global and local issues are connected? Do you feel that our economic system is focused on profit at the expense of people and the planet? Do you believe it is possible for us, as communities, to do things differently at home and abroad, to eradicate poverty, to deal with conflict peacefully, to rise to the climate challenge fairly, and to ensure everyone has access to good
public health and education services?
If you answered yes to many of the questions above, this program may be for you. Application deadline is September 9th."
"The XYBOOM team has been working hard at compiling all the great information, stories and wisdom that was shared by all the attendees, panelists, live case study storytellers etc. at the 2013 XYBOOM conference. In this document you will find key themes and highlights from the day, links to video (the panel sessions and interviews with each storyteller), the graphic recordings done by Yolanda Liman, a 'How-to' guide for recreating the Live Case Study storytelling process and much more.
Whether you attended the conference or not, we hope you will take the time to look through this document and be inspired to find more opportunities to work collaboratively with all generations and create change in your own workplaces and beyond.
Click below for the XYBOOM 2013 Conference Interactive Takeaway."
While XYBOOM is based in Vancouver, efforts have been made to broaden their reach, but it may take some time before they come to Golden. In the meantime, feel free to follow their activities and learning online.
Next Up BC: a leadership program for young adults committed to social and environmental justice.
"Do you wonder what the future holds for our world? Are you concerned about things like climate change, poverty, public health and education, housing and government policy? Do you believe that global and local issues are connected? Do you feel that our economic system is focused on profit at the expense of people and the planet? Do you believe it is possible for us, as communities, to do things differently at home and abroad, to eradicate poverty, to deal with conflict peacefully, to rise to the climate challenge fairly, and to ensure everyone has access to good
public health and education services?
If you answered yes to many of the questions above, this program may be for you. Application deadline is September 9th."
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Stakeholder Organizations
Learning:
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL)
College of the Rockies - Golden Campus
Rocky Mountain School District #6
Golden Secondary School
Golden Secondary School PAC
Golden Teachers Association
Recreation:
Golden Cycling Club
Golden District Minor Hockey
Golden Dolphins Summer Swim Club
Golden Kicking Horse Alpine Team (GKHAT)
Golden Nordic Ski Club
Golden Youth Basketball Association
Kicking Horse Gymnastics Club
Whitetooth Affordable Ski Program (WASP)
Service Clubs:
Golden Army Cadets
Golden Boy Scouts
Golden Girl Guides
Golden Youth Action Group/Youth Centre
Golden Youth Opportunities Council (dormant; hosted by GDCF)
Gentlemen's Club of Golden
Golden Rotary - Youth Exchange Officer
Golden Lions Club
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #122
Health & Social Services:
Golden Community Resource Society (GCRS)
Golden Family Centre Society (GFCS)
Golden & District Community Foundation (GDCF)
Golden Women's Resource Centre Society (GWRC)
Ministry of Children & Family Development (MCFD)
Arts, Culture & Heritage:
Golden Museum (Golden & District Historical Society)
Kicking Horse Culture
Purcell Mountain Orchestra
Faith-Based Organizations:
Please see the Faith-Based Organizations page
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL)
College of the Rockies - Golden Campus
Rocky Mountain School District #6
Golden Secondary School
Golden Secondary School PAC
Golden Teachers Association
Recreation:
Golden Cycling Club
Golden District Minor Hockey
Golden Dolphins Summer Swim Club
Golden Kicking Horse Alpine Team (GKHAT)
Golden Nordic Ski Club
Golden Youth Basketball Association
Kicking Horse Gymnastics Club
Whitetooth Affordable Ski Program (WASP)
Service Clubs:
Golden Army Cadets
Golden Boy Scouts
Golden Girl Guides
Golden Youth Action Group/Youth Centre
Golden Youth Opportunities Council (dormant; hosted by GDCF)
Gentlemen's Club of Golden
Golden Rotary - Youth Exchange Officer
Golden Lions Club
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #122
Health & Social Services:
Golden Community Resource Society (GCRS)
Golden Family Centre Society (GFCS)
Golden & District Community Foundation (GDCF)
Golden Women's Resource Centre Society (GWRC)
Ministry of Children & Family Development (MCFD)
Arts, Culture & Heritage:
Golden Museum (Golden & District Historical Society)
Kicking Horse Culture
Purcell Mountain Orchestra
Faith-Based Organizations:
Please see the Faith-Based Organizations page
