A Summer of Successes – Mississippi Mills Youth Centre Summer Day Camp
The MMYC summer program was full of exciting activities focusing on recreation, arts, healthy living and community involvement. Youth took part in sports, outdoor games, crafts projects, healthy cooking and eating, gardening at Almonte District High School, volunteering in the community and much more. Fieldtrips included nature hikes and survival skills, canoeing and kayaking, Monte Cascades Water Park, Wolfe Island beach and Brockville Aquatarium.
In addition to all the fun activities, youth were provided a safe space to meet new peers, have exciting new experiences, and seeing their ideas grow. There was one youth that was new to the community who was able to gain confidence and make new friends, while some older youth developed teaching skills and shared their experiences with others. Many other great stories came out of having this space available to community youth.
Youth shared their feedback with us:
“I really liked playing games in Gemmill Park and kayaking in Perth.” (age 11)
“My favourite times were disc golf and anything outside.” (age 10)
“I had lots of fun here on the field trips, watching movies, playing board games and playing games outdoors.” (age 14)
“I really liked all the crafts, and the healthy food is good too!” (age 11)
“This camp has lots of cool games, art, great food and awesome counselors!” (age 10)
We would like to thank the many community partners that made the summer program a success: the Hub, the Municipality of Mississippi Mills, the Recreation Department staff, The Almonte Curling Club, The Neighborhood Tomato Community Gardens, Puppets Up, the Almonte Tennis Club, the Almonte Disc Golf Club, the Almonte Lawn Bowling Club, the Almonte Potters Guild, Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust, our guest speakers, our volunteers as well as both YAK and Lanark Highlands youth centers.
The next adventure for MMYC and community youth is to open the doors on a permanent drop-in youth centre in October. Stay tuned for discussion sessions in September to talk about what you want the new youth centre to be. To become involved, share ideas or volunteer please contact either Les (director.mmyc@gmail.com) or Sarah (coordinator.mmyc@gmail.com).
Thanks for a great summer!
Sarah Lickley
Program Coordinator
Mississippi Mills Youth Centre
