Youth Week 2022 – Celebrating Members

| Youth

May 1-7 is Youth Week! We’re taking this opportunity to celebrate the many ways that our BCCA members contribute to projects and initiatives that empower youth. Stay tuned to this page for daily updates!

May 1

CCEC Scholarships Supports Youth

CCEC Credit Union supports The YES Summer Camp, which offers cooperative leadership programs for 14-18 year old youth. During the one week camp, youth expand their leadership skills while connecting with youth from around the province. COVID-19 and other associated social issues have impacted our youth in many different ways, and the YES provides community spaces that focus on building leadership, resiliency, connection, mental wellness, and more. Youth who want to attend camp can apply for a scholarship to cover the registration fee. The CCEC Scholarship Fund is 100% member-supported. What a great way to contribute to more empowered, resilient young people!

 

May 2

Mid-Island Co-op Donates to ‘Take a Hike’ Foundation

Take a Hike empowers youth who experience vulnerability to change the trajectory of their lives with a full-time mental health and emotional well-being program embedded in an alternate education classroom. Starting in 2019, Take a Hike introduced its life-changing program to youth in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith community starting with one program but quickly pivoting to offer an additional pilot program in Duncan in response to community demand. In November, Mid-Island Co-op donated $5,000 to the organization, which will allow Take a Hike to continue supporting youth in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith and Cowichan communities and will make it possible for the pilot program in Duncan to become a full-time offering in the community. This funding will provide crucial mental health and well-being support to youth within the Duncan community and will ensure Take a Hike’s impacts can make a difference in the lives of Island youth.

 

May 3

The Yes Camp Challenges Youth to Better Themselves and Create Positive Change

For over 45 years, the YES (Youth Excellence Society) has worked to build the skill-set and resiliency of youth all across British Columbia through in-school and out-of-school programming. Our largest program is our week-long summer camps. At these leadership retreats, skills training is offered to 14-18 year-olds in the areas of self-awareness, co-operation, communication, global awareness, environmental sustainability and leadership. Participants have the opportunity to plan parts of their week and we have everything from Capture the Flag to amazing talent shows. There are many options outdoors to play field games like ultimate or soccer, swim in the lake, go on a forest walk, or take a break in the shade.

May 4

Vancity supports First Call Child and Youth Advocacy Society

Through the Vancity Community Foundation, Vancity supports a number of worthy initiatives including the First Call Child and Youth Advocacy Society. First Call Child and Youth Advocacy Society works in partnership with a non-partisan, cross-sectoral network of provincial and regional organizations, individuals and local communities who share the belief that children and youth should have “first call” on our province’s resources and conducts research and analysis on child and youth rights and well-being, offers education and training events and makes policy recommendations to promote, strengthen and defend the rights of children and youth in BC.

May 5

Nelson & District Credit Union (NDCU) Financial Literacy Curriculum

NDCU is devoted to the future of the organization and our communities by making a recognized commitment to youth. They  recognize youth as a vital component of our communities, as evident through their Financial Literacy Curriculum  – education tailored to local elementary, secondary and post-secondary students and presented in a classroom environment by an NDCU employee. With relevant information pertaining to their current life stage, the curriculum options cover topics such as saving, budgeting, spending, smart credit goals, investing and other financial-planning issues that are certain to keep youth engaged.

May 6

Kootenay Employment Services SWITCH Program connects youth to technology

Kootenay Employment Services is deeply committed to regional economic health and vitality. This commitment is expressed through SWITCH a program  that prepares youth for employment in a career in technology. Over the week week program youth  training in web development skills, basic coding, and 3D printing. This is followed by a 12-week paid work experience to allow participants a chance to apply what they have learned and make contacts in the industry.

May 7

The Co-operators supports Kids Help Phone

The Co-operators is a founding partner of the Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone, which provides youth with enhanced support via a confidential, 24/7 texting service, ensuring they receive the help they need, when they need it, in the way they prefer. By texting CONNECT to 686868, youth can access a trained, volunteer Crisis Responder for support on any issue. This partnership supports the psychological well-being of youth, which helps to build stronger communities.