Houston resident Maggie Kenzle, 15, says the Youth Excellence Society (YES) camp has helped boost her self-confidence.
Kenzle was chosen by the Bulkley Valley Credit Union’s Houston branch to participate in this year’s YES camp, which was recently held in Vancouver Island’s Lake Cowichan.
During the week long program, 14 to 18 year-olds were offered skills training in the areas of self-awareness, co-operation, communication, global awareness, environmental sustainability and leadership.
“I feel way more independent than I felt before going to the camp,” said Kenzle.
The Houston Secondary School student said she highly recommends this camp to students who are shy or may have somes difficulties making new friends.
“It’s nice to know that you can go out into a completely new community and make new friends,” said Kenzle. “Now I feel fine going out and meeting new people.”
During the week long program, Kenzle challenged herself in activities including swimming, hiking, canoeing, field games, talent shows and several workshop sessions.
“From now on I’ll have an open mind going into things, and I’ll be more confident,” she said.
Although participants were not allowed to use cellphones during the camp, Kenzle said she didn’t find this part particularly difficult.
“There’s people around you all the time,” she said. “You wake up and there’s people there, so it was not that bad.”
This was Kenzle’s second year at the YES camp, which is intended to challenge youth to bring about positive change in their lives and in the community.
“The first year was really scary because I didn’t know anyone,” she said. “This year was still a bit of a challenge, but this time I knew what I was walking into and I found it easier to make new friends.”
She said that what motivated her the most to participate again this year was to stay in contact with the friends that she made during the first camp.
For the past five years, the Bulkley Valley Credit Union has sponsored up to four youth a year - between Houston, Smithers, Burns Lake, and Hazleton - to attend the YES camp.
The Youth Excellence Society has worked to build the skill-set and resiliency of youth across British Columbia for over 45 years.