LAC LA BICHE - A group of Lac La Biche-area youth enjoyed an evening of socialization and snacks while getting in touch with their creative sides by painting and doing artwork.
The event, which was put on through the Lac La Biche County FCSS Teen Chillzone program, took place at the Bold Center on Jan. 10.
The Teen Chillzone program provides opportunities for youth aged 13-18 to engage in a variety of fun, social activities that take place twice a month.
Each year, kids in the Teen Chillzone program participate in a murder-mystery production that also includes a dinner. On Dec. 13, 32 youth got into the festive spirit in a comical way by taking part in a murder-mystery event called ‘Crime at Christmastime,’ which took place at McArthur Place in Lac La Biche.
Christine Martin, a community outreach worker with Lac La Biche County FCSS, said the arts and crafts night was a way for the kids to get back into the Teen Chillzone program after being away over the holiday break.
“We’re just starting off slow with a nice easygoing evening,” she told Lakeland This Week.
Teen Chillzone has been going well lately, with the sessions always drawing a large attendance.
“We kind of hit on the different interests of the different teens or provide them something maybe they haven’t done before as well.”
Over the winter months, events will focus on outdoor pursuits, such as sledding and snowshoeing. Youth will also get to go on a skiing trip in February to Tawatinaw, which is near Athabasca.
Martin explained that when coming up with ideas for events and activities, FCSS staff never plan too far in advance as the interests of teens are continually evolving and changing. The kids also provide input and suggestions.
The Teen Chillzone program, Martin said, is beneficial as it provides an outlet for young people to have fun and socialize and chat with their peers while taking a break from screens.
“We hear a lot of people saying, oh kids don’t know how to socialize like they used to, but we have to provide them with those opportunities to do that - and they really are open to it.”
Some youth, such as June Crooker, who participated in the most recent Teen Chillzone, attend many of the sessions. For Crooker, being involved with the program means she can make new friends and have different experiences.
Her favourite activities include going ziplining and participating in arts and crafts nights.
“Those ones are the ones I really love,” she said.
