INUVIK
More than an after-school time killer, activities at the Inuvik Youth Centre aim to teach participants new skills in a fun way.

Scarlet St. Amand plays with blocks during an after-school session at the Inuvik Youth Centre. The centre aims to provide both fun and educational activities for youth. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

"Obviously we want kids to have fun and enjoy their time and be kids and play, but I think it can be both ways," said Chloe Brogan, executive director. "We can also do fun things the kids think are interesting but are also (things they are) learning from."

One example is baking, which has had youth bringing home recipes to try with their family. In addition to the fun of creating, and treat afterward, the activity teaches lifelong cooking and kitchen skills, something often pointed to as a pillar of food security and good nutrition.

"The boys really get into it too, which is fun," said Brogan.

During the summer, the centre ran a babysitter's course, a basic carpentry course and did craft projects with recycled material.

Soon, Brogan hopes to run a bicycle mechanics workshop, showing youth how to patch their own tires and winterize their bikes.

Girls' and boys' nights have been reinstated, something youth had been asking for.

Melanie Adams, chair of the Inuvik Youth Centre board, said the centre is in an excellent position right now.

"It's been a difficult climate economically in Inuvik," she said. "A lot of non-profits are struggling. We've struggled. Our last year we had some difficulties and we're in a much better place right now. I think we're on the right track."

In terms of future priorities, the centre hopes to streamline its administrative procedures, increase its profile in the community, explore new funding opportunities and expand its range of programs.

"A lot of our focus is on making sure we're offering traditional programming," said Adams.

She wanted to thank the community for its support over the last year.

"We are dependent on the goodwill from the town and we have a lot of friends in town who support us," she said.

"They volunteer, they show up to our fundraisers, they send a lot of support and well wishes our way when things were not as good as they are now."

Brogan wants to remind people that the youth centre is open to families, parents and guardians who want to spend time with their children.

"We encourage people to bring their ideas, questions and concerns to us," she said.

"We want to be part of the community and we really value people's ideas and opinions. We're here to support families and kids."

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