A new program for teenagers in Beaverlodge is focused on more than just teaching life skills.
The “Skill and Chill” Pilot program runs the second Thursday and Friday of every month and is broken into two parts. Program Coordinator for Beaverlodge FCSS Reanna Stockman says the first part happens on Thursday night when the group learns a new skill, with Friday being the ‘chill’ night.
“It is supposed to be like a fun evening of socialization of peers, and a [opportunity] to build lasting friendships within a safe and supportive environment.”
Stockman says she got the idea for “Skill and Chill” from a similar program she saw being run in Lac La Biche and thought it was a great idea, especially since there is no other scheduled programming catering directly to the 13 to 17 age group. She adds this program ideally fills that need, especially for the kids who don’t play sports.
“For this demographic, there really is not a lot going on for them if you aren’t into sports, so that is where we first initially thought of this. Then, for FCSS, it has to have some sort of preventative nature in it, so that is why we came up with the skills because it met the mandate for that and then chill because we don’t always want it to be you are coming here to learn and do work.”
The program, run by the Town of Beaverlodge and the Beaverlodge FCSS, launched in October with a special effects makeup skills lesson on Thursday and movie night on Friday.
Other “Skill and Chill” activities range from learning to change a tire and check vehicle fluids to cooking activities and a karaoke night. Stockman adds there will also be a learner’s licence prep course through the program that will be held on a Saturday instead of a Thursday.
The program is free to attend both nights, but it costs $5 to only attend the Friday chill night; pre registration is required.
