It’s a busy week coming up for the Rossland Youth Action Network.
“We’re really excited,” says Kristen Renn, the program facilitator at YAN. “We plan pretty much all spring for this.”
The planning is for the fifth annual Rossland Youth Week, being held from April 27-May 2nd. The week of events will see activities and celebrations involving and for youth in the community, something Renn says fills a real gap.
“There’s lots of programming for adults, and for little kids, but the teens are an important part of the community and they do a lot, but they’re actually a little less visible sometimes,” says Renn. “We just think the youth deserve it, they are awesome and have good ideas and we are happy to celebrate them.”
The event opens on the weekend, with ‘Red Talks’ at the seven Summits Centre for Learning.
“It’s like a “Ted Talk”, but Red, you know,” says Renn. “The youth chose the topic of ‘Outside’, and youths co-ordinated the event, and chose the speakers. It’s always a really good event, with good speakers.”
Next up is the Artwalk, on Sunday, where citizens will be handed a plastic glass and ballots, and will wander various businesses downtown to view artwork created by youths 12-18 years of age. Artists can win prizes of up to $100 if they win the balloting. And the reason for the plastic cup?
“Adult Art Walks often have wine and cheese,” says Renn. “But since these are youths, we’re having lemonade at the various venues, and people can go around with their cups, have lemonade, and vote on their favourite art.
A highlight of the week for Renn is the grand opening of the new YANSpace, with Mayor Kathy Moore cutting the ribbon to officially open the facility on Monday. The building renovation, when completed, will cost about $200,000. It’s been paid for with $130,000 in funding, and the rest in in-kind labour and materials from local businesses and trades. An open house will follow the event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“The kids are excited too,” said Renn. “They’ve been sweeping and shovelling, picking up trash buried in the snow, getting ready for the event.”
On Tuesday, the nerd contingent takes over for a day,with a Magic: The Gathering tournament at the YANSpace. YAN has been holding Dungeons and Dragons adventures for quite some time, but this is the first time for the similar card-and-roleplaying game.
Renn says responding to youth desires is the focus of YAN.
“It’s a youth-driven organization, and we try to do what they want,” she says.
Wrapping the Youth Week is a Gala at the Miner’s Union Hall on May 2.
“It’s the grand finale,” says Renn, with Teen Choice awards being handed out for things like Best Volunteer, Best Business, Youth of the Year, and Most Awesome Adult. Between the awards local art and sports groups will perform for the audience.
“It’s a bit of a showcase, with performances by the Brazillian Jiu Jitsu studio, the Kootenay Dance Works,” says Renn. “It’s going to be a fun event, and we’re just happy to give out awards and provide some recognition to those who deserve it.”
Everyone is welcome to this celebration of youth in Rossland, says Renn. For more information on the events, visit http://www.rosslandyan.ca/
