Central Saanich Teen Lounge
Teen Lounge Program – Central Saanich Boys & Girls Club – Kaare Norgard Club Brentwood Bay
Studies have shown that youth who participate and engage in targeted outreach programs and who are exposed to a variety of opportunities for positive engagement are less likely to engage in risky behaviours and show evidence of higher rates of successful transition into adulthood. The Central Saanich Boys & Girls Club know that vulnerable youth exist in the Central Saanich area and are always looking for ways to expand their outreach programs, including Teen Lounge, to engage more vulnerable and at-risk youth in activities and learning that tap into their interests and promote healthy life choices, life skill development, positive mental health and resiliency.
“We appreciate the assistance from the Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation in providing the funds we used in our Teen Lounge program. It truly takes a village to help our vulnerable youth grow and develop with positive healthy habits, and it also takes a village to fund the programs that help youth develop their best potential. For this we are grateful. Thank you.” Sue Hobler, Manager, Corporate Engagement.
The 2019 $3000 grant to the Central Saanich Boys & Girls Club was used for their Teen Lounge program at the Kaare Norgard Club in Brentwood Bay. The Friday night Teen Lounge offers 30 youth in grades 6-9 a diverse mix of recreation, intentional learning, skill development and positive relationship building in a structured and safe environment. Every Friday night youth are welcomed to gather together for a delicious homemade meal and a variety of social recreation activities. The program helps the participants develop support networks and positive relationships in an inclusive environment. After dinner participants are transported to Panorama Recreation Centre where they can enjoy recreational activities including swimming and skating. The grant funds supported the transportation costs associated with transporting youth to and from the club and Panorama Rec Centre.
This project successfully engaged youth who were at risk of engaging in worrisome behaviours by mitigating the risk factors through provision of healthy, constructive alternatives. The program provided participants with support, resources, advocacy, positive role modelling, learning and recreational activities that contributed to more positive mental, social and emotional health and well-being.