They've got teen spirit

Six young women swing into action

Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Nov 15/02) - There's a long-held stereotype that teens tend to be apathetic and expect everything to be handed to them. Half a dozen young women from Fort Simpson are out to change that perception. The Swinging Teens committee was formed last month to raise funds for adolescent activities.

The six committee members, all in Grades 10 or 11, have big plans. They are planning for a teen Christmas dinner and dance. It's a big job, but so was getting five of them to Edmonton for the Dreamcatcher's conference. By means of a bottle drive, a penny drive a bake sale and catering duties, they collected enough money to make the trip.

"We raised $8,000 in three weeks," said Swinging Teens vice-president Krista Okrainec.

From catering to babysitting to cleaning, the teens are willing to work, according to Okrainec.

"You name it, we'll do it," she said, adding that volunteer work isn't out of the question either.

Although the teens are the heart and soul of the group, it was adults Doris Erasmus and Connie Villeneuve who brought them together.

The two advertised, asking motivated youth to meet for their own sake. The turnout was small, but it was a start.

"They feel really good about their own committee now because they're empowered," Erasmus said.

Okrainec added, "A lot of people want to join now."

The Swinging Teens are considering membership cards, which would entitle members to discounts at functions.

The committee members also talk eagerly about getting involved in youth exchange programs, hopefully taking them to Australia or other foreign countries.

They're also planning to tour some universities and colleges next year, they said. They want to host teen conferences and they're playing a role in running the new youth centre set to open in Fort Simpson.

"I just feel older and more responsible," Okrainec said. "In just (a few) weeks we have accomplished a lot."