Nakusp youth centre re-opens

After three months, the Nakusp Youth Centre has once again opened its doors.

To celebrate, a party was held on Dec. 18, and youth ages 12-18 were invited.

Along with a new location, the building next to the post office, the centre also has a new youth coordinator, Stephanie Roger.

Roger has been interested in being more involved in the community, and moving back to Nakusp. She saw this as a goodopportunity.

“I actually didn’t realize that Nakusp had such a great centre and program until I saw the job posting for youth coordinator,”she said. “I was excited that there was a job that matched my skills and was also involved in the community.”

Roger grew up here, and thought there would be some good opportunities to get different activities and things going for theteenagers here.

“I think there’s possibly a lack of things going on, especially in the winter,” she said. “It might be difficult too, if they’re notinto winter sports.”

The youth centre is located at the back of the building. Outdoor shoes must be taken off before entering the main area. Kidsalso have to sign in.

At the party, when they signed in, their name was entered for a draw to win prizes.

Christmas lights were hanging on every wall, and there was a hot chocolate bar. You could put whipped cream, marshmallow,candy, sprinkles, and much more into your drink.

A pool table stands in the middle of the room, and part of the far wall has been turned into a huge chalk board. At the top arethe words “Respect your space, yourself, and each other.”

Couches and chairs line one wall, and a booth, like the kind you’d find in a restaurant, is on the other wall.

One thing is for certain, the youth of Nakusp are happy they have somewhere to go.

“It’s a fun place to come play games with your friends, and everyone comes to hang out.” said Noah Fizzard.

Fizzard doesn’t think there’s a lot happening in the village for people his age, something he would like to see change.

“There was nothing to do until they had this.”

Other teens agree.

“It’s a good place to come if you’re upset, because you know it’s a safe place.” said Darian Smith.

There are rules for hanging out at the youth centre. Teens have to respect themselves, and each other. Foul language notwelcomed. Teens have to clean up after themselves, which means putting away their garbage, and leaving things the way theywere when they came in. The final rule is if they need something, they should ask for it, and not just assume they can use ortake something.

The youth centre is having its annual general meeting on Jan. 10 at 1 p.m. and invites anyone interested to join them at theYouth Centre for a BBQ.