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Kids burn off energy at rec complex
Friday night fun includes activities and snacks Samantha Stokell Northern News Services Published Thursday, November 24, 2011
The Boys and Girls Nights run on alternate Friday evenings – one night for the girls, the next for the boys – in the winter. They offer youth ages seven to 12 a chance to go swimming, have a healthy snack and partake in an activity.
"It's fun. We get to play games and do crafts, have snacks and just have fun," said Kylie Traer, who often attends the Girls Nights events. "It's fun just to be with girls."
Traer comes with three of her girlfriends. Her favourite activities include playing the video game, Dance Dance Revolution, and using the belly bouncers – big innertubes that allow players to, well, bounce bellies.
"It's a safe place on a Friday night to have fun, but it gives parents a bit of a break, too," said Rose Constantineau, recreation co-ordinator for the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex. "It's getting them physical. They're in school all week, but on Friday they're extra full of energy and they get that energy out."
The nights begin with an hour swim, followed by a healthy snack and then an activity that varies each week. It could be a movie, crafts, board games, video games, physical games, sports or anything the kids say they want.
"We're constantly asking them, did you have fun tonight? What do you want to see next time?" Constantineau said. "It's an extra avenue for them to experience new skills, and socialize with their peers on a Friday night. There's lots going on in this community, but not usually on a Friday night so this is our opportunity to give back to the community."
Although Constantineau didn't start the program, she's continued to keep the boys and girls separate. It gives the youth an opportunity to express themselves with children of the same gender, and it also makes it easier to plan for programming.
"Girls really like the craft nights, but boys don't like it so much," she said. "We're also trying to bring in male role models for them and would really like to see teen volunteers."
Having role models closer in age is a positive experience for the seven to 12 year olds, Constantineau said.
Activities youth have enjoyed include dodgeball, tag, Dance Dance Revolution and floor hockey, as well as the belly bouncers. The program also may include a nine-hole mini putt course that went over well at the summer camp, and some new sporting equipment.
Information about the nights can be found on the Town of Inuvik Community Services Facebook page and posters around town. There is a $10 charge to attend, which covers swimming, snacks and all activities.
The next Boys Nights will be Nov. 25 and Dec. 9, while the Girls Night will be Dec. 2. The program runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
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