INUVIK
After a two-month hiatus Lights On, a program that provides teens with a safe place to hang out on Saturdays, is ready to run again this January.
Lights On is expected to startup again Jan. 12. The program has been on hiatus since losing its two gym coordinators. Playing board games, from left, are Richard Stewart, Nicole Collison, Kyla Hvatum, Jeremy Cockney and Liam Laroque. - NNSL file photo
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The program was put on hold after losing its two gym co-ordinators. Lights On organizer Lexi Winchester said it's been hard to find teens to fill the positions, which are offered only to students.
"The gym component of Lights On is the largest component, the biggest draw. The kids want a place to come and play sports. So without gym co-coordinators the program couldn't run," said Winchester, adding the co-ordinators are responsible for setting up the equipment, reffing the games and cleaning the gym afterwards.
Lights On is stationed in East 3 School and is open to students in grades 7 to 12. In addition to sports, teens can play boardgames and Wii as well as watch movies.
The program is intended to keep kids busy and out of trouble. Its slogan is "Lights on, drugs and alcohol off."
"It's just a place for them to be with their friends where everyone can be in one spot. They know it's safe and they also know it's not structured like school," said Winchester, adding the program is quite popular.
When Lights On is running it draws between 40 and 70 students per night. Winchester said she has been asked numerous times when it will be starting up again.
Thirteen-year-old Jackson Christie said he is excited for it to begin once more.
"I don't really like how it's not been going on," he said. "I like that they have games and you can watch movies. It's just a place to go on a Saturday night."
Danny Kaye, 13, echoed Christie's comments. Saturday's, he said, have been pretty boring since the program shutdown. Also, he added, it's nice to have a safe place to go and hangout without there being any drugs or alcohol.
"It's going to be fun," Kaye said about the group starting up.
Seventeen-year-old Chris Church is one of the new gym coordinators. He said he is ready to begin working with his peers.
"I like having fun with kids and I like the smile on their face when they come out," Church said. "It's a good opportunity for these kids to come out and have fun with all the different sports we play, like floor hockey, soccer, basketball, badminton, volleyball."
If any youth don't know how to play or feel they need to work on their skills, Church said he would be happy to help. The teen has experience playing on basketball, floor hockey and volleyball teams.
Students shouldn't feel nervous to join in, he added.
"Come out, have fun."
Lights On is expected to start again on Jan. 12.
