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Young people of The Rock Skateboard Ministry hear words of encouragement from Brian Sumner during a special visit by the professional skateboarder in June.

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A skateboard park with no swearing, no drugs and no alcohol may seem hard to believe, but if you happened to drop by the Multiplex on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday night this summer, you would have seen just that.

With a vision to reach out to the youth in Yellowknife and the North with God's word through skateboard culture, the SideDoor Youth Centre has been hosting The Rock Skateboard Ministry for the past four years.

"The only reason we have ramps in this arena on this Tuesday night in Yellowknife is because God touched Christina and gave her this vision," ministry committee member Craig Thomas said about the fateful vision that came to his colleague Christina Jenkins eight years ago.

The Yellowknife Church of Christ is the main supporter of the program, which teaches no particular denomination's beliefs as all Christian churches in the city contribute money to cover the program's costs, including the rental of the rink.

Instead of wooden pews, sneakered youth from the ages of six to 31 congregate on wooden ramps during ministry skate nights, crowding the Multiplex from 7 to 10 p.m.

"Out of the best skateboarding weather we have in Yellowknife, we've got 40 kids per night come and skate in here," Jenkins said. "And I think that speaks a lot to what God is doing here."

While the majority of the young people that attend come strictly to skateboard, when the whistle goes off midway through the evening, they all respectfully walk to the centre, for a "box talk."

This is when they engage in opening and closing prayers and a passage is read from the Bible. They have discussions about life and sometimes watch inspirational videos.

"It's more than just a skateboard park," Jenkins said. "It's a place to learn about God."

Ricky Andrew, 20, has been attending skateboard ministry nights for the past two years, and says he does not come for the religious aspect. Andrews was raised Anglican, but no longer goes to church and attends the skate nights mostly just to hit the ramps.

"I add in the discussions when I can," said Andrews, who often assumes a mentoring role with the younger skaters.

"There's always questions that arise like 'where do I put my seat for this one?' I give some tips and hints, passing down skateboard knowledge to the youths, I guess. It's a pretty good time."

Jenkins said the hope is that all participants eventually become Christian skaters, though the organizers are happy just providing a safe place for them to enjoy the activity.

"It's keeping a lot of these skaters off the streets," she said.

"They don't want to be associated with the things going on at the outdoor skating park where there is drugs and alcohol."

The Rock Christian Ministry takes a hiatus when the ice is put into the arena usually in August, until Oct. 1, when youth are welcome to join them Tuesday and Saturday nights at the Mildred Hall School gym, from 7 to 9 p.m.

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