Volunteers in North Bay, ON, are offering free skill development courses to high-school-aged youth. These courses follow a curriculum and reward successful participants with a badge and eligibility for future, more challenging versions of the course. Youth may join at any time and full attendance is not mandatory. Only two courses are currently being offered, though the project may expand to other age groups and subjects given enough interest.

This program is part of Phase II of the Young Community Leaders project (YCL). It was formed based on the needs outlined in YCL's Community Consultation report, which was produced over a period of 12 months in 2008-09.

The YCL and its sister project in Sudbury were created by the Canadian Institute of Cultural Affairs and are hosted by their respective local YMCAs.

For more information, contact Brian Finner at (705) 471-1719 or by email at brian_finner@ymcanorthbay.com.

Courses Offered:

This fun course will meet once weekly and include day- and overnight trips on weekends. Guest speakers and videos will complement instruction on and practice using equipment, building shelters, performing first aid and planning meals. Starts Jan 6th, 2010. 4:30-6 p.m. every Wednesday downstairs at the YMCA (map) Backwoods on Facebook

Listen to music, watch amusing videos like Hell's Kitchen and hang out with friends while you learn some tricks in the kitchen. Music, videos and groceries are included each week; bring your own friends. Good food or your money back. Starts Jan 7th, 2010. 4:30 - 6 p.m. every Thursday at the Caldwell-Ellam Community Centre (map) Champ on Facebook