'Youth Inspiring Kindness': a free program for kids 10 to 13, begins next Wednesday at the CMHA Weyburn Branch
Youth Program Coordinator Heidi Vogel said while she has been running a variety of youth programs over the years, this one, in its second year, is specifically designed for summer.
The five sessions, running Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m., each have a fun activity designed to inspire acts of kindness.
"It's empowering youth through activity and community engagement, so we're just going to get together and do some crafts and some activities, and the theme is based on kindness and teaching kindness and practicing kindness."
"Participants will be dropped off at the CMHA and they'll be picked up at the CMHA," she explained.
Parents can register their kids for every session or just individual sessions, each of which has room for about 10 kids.
"There is absolutely no cost to attend. Registration is required, and to get a hold of me, you can call me at 306-842-7959, or you can shoot me an e-mail at heidi.v@cmhask.com, or even if you want to, stop by the branch at 404 Ashford Street."
Vogel said the 10 to 13 age group saw excellent engagement last year.
"With that age group, it can be hard to get involved in things, but I think just this program alone, because it is essentially just us having fun and it's really easy to do and you're just going to come and hang out and we're not really learning a whole lot, we're just hanging out and having a really good time and spreading some kindness as we go."
She said the kids loved spreading the kindness, and some even made friends with kids from other schools.
"It's Weyburn, a great community for that reason, that it's a small community. But there it's so easy to be connected in those ways, so I did see that last year and it was awesome."
Vogel shared an example of one of the activities last year.
"We made some nice little pictures and cards, and we walked them over to the Midtown Care Home next door, and we gave them to some residents there. Same with the rock painting. We made some rocks, and some go home with them, and then we'd keep some and just kind of place them around our community over there, and the gratitude jars is one that everyone really enjoys," she shared. "All of the activities involve a lot of creativity, too, so I think it is very appealing for the kids. You're coming to create something, and then the part of community engagement is to spread that with everyone."
As the Youth Program Coordinator, she said she loves being able to actively engage with the kids.
"Facilitating these groups is just a dream for me because I essentially just get to have fun and get paid for it."
Vogel noted she was able to do the same program this past winter with eight-year-olds.
"They came to the centre, and it was amazing. They were the best little group of kids because they just had the best time creating stuff, and they absolutely loved spreading it. They were making cards for their friends and their teachers, and would take them to school the next day. To see that just transpire right in front of you, these little next generations, just striving to spread that kindness, makes it really worth it for me."
Kindness doesn't cost anything, after all.
"It's as simple as something as small as a little handwritten note or picture or something to go to a friend. The one activity is geared towards them choosing a role model and giving [the card] to them, and that it really will touch your heart for sure, when you've got all these kids figuring out who that is for them and then wanting to share that kind message with them. It's really special. I love it."
Vogel said that while the negativity in the world will always be there, creating kindness-based crafts provides perspective and lifts spirits.
