September 15, 2008
So, I was wondering if I would ever figure out how to lay guitar hero. Played only once before but got boo’d off stage. Last Friday night one of the youth showed me how. I now feel that I am addicted. It’s lots of fun.
The best part of THe Bridge is the core group that attends after school. They love to be there and hang out with friends. And, the later shift has seen 2 new youth call it home as well. It great to love what you do and that’s me…
September 5, 2008
It was a buzz of excitement at The Bridge Youth Centre tonight. Youth we hadn’t seen all summer; some we saw often, and several new faces. Laughter and Games to be played. After school, 26 youth came out and the later shift saw almost a dozen. Guitar Hero was belting out tunes all night and Super Smash Brothers on the Wii. I got to play lots of pool with several youth, and got to chatting about their summer and life. Air Hockey was a great connecting spot with one youth in particular.
I appreciate the great team of volunteers that surrounds me. The Bridge exists to bring HOPE to a generation of youth that need it so desperately. That is why we are there each Friday night.
August 24, 2008
A week away is so good. Spent lots of time with family this week. We went the Zoo with Samuel and Benjamin on Monday which was a blast. At the end of the week, we went tent camping at Silent Lake Provincial Park. So good and relaxing. We have a great system now. Just got a new family 3-room tent which was the best. Samuel loved the water and playing at the beach. It was relaxing.
Today was Benjamin’s dedication at church which was a special time. ALso, a time to recognize the work of Youth Unlimited and our new staff person, Mary Cannon. We are looking forward to an exciting Fall.
I am on a First Aid Course for the next few days.
August 15, 2008
When the rotary carnival was coming to town, we decided to put a float together for the parade. With lots of planning, we pulled it off and won first prize for non-profits. There was about a dozen youth on the float and several volunteers. Two of our Freestyle Art times were painting banners hat encompasses the trailer. Guitar hero and a pool table were on it; two staples of The Bridge Youth Centre. Then add an olympic medal podium, weight lifters, and two kayak’s made it the winner.
Lot of time laughing, painting, constructing, and planning went into the float. The day of was spent with several youth getting it ready. Many thanks to Jason Raey Construction for pulling and loaning the trailer. Until next summer… as far as rotary parades go..
August 15, 2008
One of the programs offered to youth this summer was wake boarding and it was incredible. We had three nights on the water. The first night saw two youth get up for the first time. The second night saw three get up for the first time. The third night saw six get up for the first time. The looks were priceless and the majority of these youth would not of otherwise had opportunity.
I got to ride and connect with the youth in the boat as we cruised around the lake. Many thanks to Ski-Mazing Water Sports and the other sponsors for making this happen. It will be a memory that will be in the mind of the eleven youth.
August 13, 2008
Where to begin. Last time I wrote was the graduation at AETC and so much is happening and continues to here at The Bridge Youth Centre. I will try to write each day this week. We are coming to an end of our summer programs this week.
But first, I travelled to Saskatoon for our National Youth Unlimited Conference. It was incredible. Staff from all over Canada and a few from Latin America attended this year. It was held at Odeon Place (where the Juno’s were in 2007). The theme was Urgency and we saw and heard stories of youth being impacted by the work that we do. For me, it was extra special. It was my credentialling year. A word that we use in Youth Unlimited to recognize the leadership of staff who have gone through a 2 year internship and training period. It is very exciting! We had a formal Gala that began with dinner and then the ceremony.
I also got to spend a couple of days in Calgary where I was doing some research. Spent time with a project called Worth Unlimited. It is a garage that provides mentoring and job skills to youth through fixing and selling cars. They have 3 staff and 5 youth who are all employed through Worth. Then I spent the afternoon inside of Streetlight. Streetlight is a mobile youth centre that sits on a 48′ trailer with a kitchen, lots of booths to eat and chat, and a upper mezzanine to hang out. Up there, there is a large TV for gaming systems. It is incredible. This is the model we are looking at in creating one for Haliburton Highlands.
Until next time soon.
June 25, 2008
Last night was the grad night for the students of the Adult Education and Training Centre. I was awestruck of the dedication of each of the grads. Their journey in life has not been easy by no means and have overcome obstacles based on choices they have made. In the midst of it was life and accomplishment.
Seeing youth ‘make it’ in the educational sense is incredible.
June 25, 2008
Toward the end of May and then into June saw upwards of 22 youth coming out for the after school program for ages 10-14. The volunteers saw many new people and relationships grew deeper with all those who call The Bridge home each Friday night.
During this time, the Freestyle Arts Space emerged. We now have a place for creative arts, a lounge to relax in and a stage. This summer will see a fully stocked art cabinet of lots of art supplies. Many youth are already loving to paint. Later this fall, we are planning to add a musical component. Guitars, hand drums are karoke are on their way.
We also played a few games of street hockey and a little basketball. It is good to be active.
June 25, 2008
May 23rd was the Fast Forward Dinner which attracted over 60 people to the Haliburton Curling Club. Dana and I were unable to be there but I got to connect with everyone on my cell phone from the hospital room. The Haliburton Steering Team did a wonderful job and created a great atmosphere for the dinner. Our program involved video of youth from The Bridge and then focussed on 3 dreams for the future. Dream 1 is hiring a Community Outreach Worker Dream 2 is creating a mobile youth centre. Dream 3 is creating POD’s
I was told that the food was outstanding and the program was well done. People responded to the financial challenge at the end of the night and gave to work of Youth Unlimited and The Bridge Youth Centre.
June 25, 2008
So, lots is happening since my last post. I am now the proud Dad of Benjamin James born on May 22nd. He is a bundle of joy and is doing very well. Dana is doing great too. Samuel is beginning to love being a big brother. Life is good!
More to come…
