NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF BARRIE
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The city is celebrating National Youth Week starting May 1 with free recreation and culture activities for youth, to inspire, engage and connect.
"National Youth Week is a time to recognize and celebrate youth and their positive contributions to the community," said Steve Lee-Young, manager of recreation and culture programs. “We’re offering free and accessible activities for youth to connect with their peers, learn new skills, and be inspired.”
Throughout the week, Barrie youth aged 13-19 are invited to participate in the activities offered for National Youth Week. All activities are drop-in, and available on a first come, first-served basis. Some of the activities offered include:
- A “Youth Bosses” event, where youth can work with experts from the Small Business Centre to collaborate on creating a company and forming a business plan (hosted on May 3);
- A series of workshops called “Creator’s College”, to celebrate youth content creators. Workshop themes include: Tik Tok Dance, Social Media Safety, and Content Creation (all three workshops are hosted on May 5);
- A youth “takeover” of the Peggy Hill Team Community Centre, featuring an e-sports tournament, fitness boot camp, free throw contest, Nerf battle and a swim (hosted on May 6);
- A youth drop-in night with a special theme (hosted on May 6);
- Skates/swims (hosted on various dates).
From May 2 to 8, the existing lights at the Five Points Theatre, presented by Pratt Homes & Pratt Development, and the lights above the canopy at Meridian Place will be turned green as part of the “Shine Green” campaign for Children’s Mental Health Week.
National Youth Week ends on May 7, which is also National Child and Youth Mental Health Day. To recognize this day, the city will be providing youth and family friendly activities during the Barrie Wellness Fair at Meridian Place.
For a full schedule of the activities offered during National Youth Week, visit barrie.ca/YouthPrograms.
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