After keeping Kawartha Lakes Youth Award ceremonies small over the last two years due to COVID-19 restrictions, BGC Kawarthas (Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes) is going big this year with a week of special activities designed to celebrate youth achievement.
The fun kicks off Tuesday (June 7) with the Music Makers’ open mic night from 6 to 8 p.m. where youth can share their songs, poems, dances and spoken word performances. Snacks and good vibes will be in abundance.
In addition, the Keystone Youth Council, which is comprised of local high school students, is organizing local speakers to share their experiences with mental health.
A three-on-three basketball tournament is scheduled to take place on Wednesday (June 8) from 6 to 9 p.m. at the outdoor basketball court. Teams of six players — consisting of at least two female/two male identifying players — are being sought. Costumes or matching outfits are encouraged for bonus points but are not mandatory.
On Thursday (June 9), the Warehouse presents its Flea Market: Spring Edition showcasing the arts, crafts and food from its youth and community members. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the outdoor basketball court and features 20 local vendors, providing an excellent opportunity to support local businesses and the youth that will be creating some of their first pop-ups.
The week wraps up with the Kawartha Lakes Youth Awards presented at the club, located at 107 Lindsay St. S. in Lindsay, on June 10.
The awards were first launched to mark the 50th anniversary of BGC Kawarthas in 2020 and shine a spotlight on youth in our community between the ages of 12 and 24 in eight categories: BGC Club Spirit Award; Arts Achievement; Entrepreneurship; Green Award; Humanitarian; Leadership; Resiliency; and Physical Literacy. Two scholarships are also presented. The Ron Kennedy Scholarship is given to a youth entering post-secondary education or training within the next 12 months. The Marcie Beall Scholarship is offered to the winner of the BGC Club Spirit Award in the 18 to 24 age category.
For more information on the awards and Youth Week events visit www.bgckawarthas.com/events/youth-week-events. Updates will also be posted on the club’s social media on Instagram?@bgcwarehouse and Facebook at? BGC Kawarthas.
