LLI GOLINE/NORMAN WELLS
Myles Erb has found a way to bring youth and elders in his community together - give them both something they love.
Myles Erb is the recreation programmer in Norman Wells. - photo courtesy of Myles Erb |
That's the idea behind the Wii and Tea program, which Erb organizes as the community's recreation programmer.
Every few weeks, youth and elders gather to play Wii games and drink tea at the Norman Wells Youth and Elders Centre. The program's structure is simple, yet effective, Erb said.
Bowling is the most popular game so far.
"We've done it three times and every time we do bowling," Erb said. "Bowling is a big one."
About 15 youths and elders participate in the event, though Erb said more youth are coming out than elders.
"We always get way more youth than we do elders," he said.
The Get Active program, organized through the NWT Recreation and Parks Association, helps sponsor the program. In addition to Wii and Tea, Erb organizes many other activities to keep the community busy.
Erb coaches the youth curling team, helps with the speedskating team and organizes after-school sports programs. Friday night dodgeball games are also well-liked.
"I get to help out with youth sports," he said. "That's a big part of my job."
It's also one of the reasons Erb enjoys his career. Teaching sports gives him a chance to participate in activities he loves.
"I don't have so much time to play sports with adults, but I get my fix with the kids," he said. "It's awesome."
He also helps promote other activities such as guitar lessons, after school fitness programs and traditional games.
Erb, who is originally from Norman Wells, has been the recreation programmer for almost a year. He said he's taken a variety of courses through the Recreation Leadership Program offered by the territory's department of Municipal and Community Affairs.
Many of the courses, such as the Northern recreational leadership program, aboriginal coaching and traditional games, and coaching programs, have helped him develop the skills he needs to work with youth and members of the community. Other courses, such as the ice resurfacers' operations course, a program that teaches how to drive an ice cleaner, have taught him how to take care of the community's recreational facilities.
Erb said the job helps keep him "in the moment."
Being involved in recreation also helps connect community members, he added. Volunteers are always on hand to help out.
"When I get youth stepping up to volunteer and be young leaders ... I love seeing that stuff happen," he said.
Most of all, Erb said staying active is vital to maintaining good health and happiness.
"It's medication to me," he said.
