The Minto Youth Action Council (MYAC) is planning to host dances, an outdoor movie night, an “Amazing Race” event and a variety of workshops over the course of the coming year.
MYAC was formed last fall to increase youth engagement in the community through a variety of youth-led events and activities.
The council is made up of residents aged 13 to 19 who work in conjunction with a number of adult allies and various agencies, including the Town of Minto.
A new year dance in January was the first community event organized by the group, which is planning a neon-themed dance for students in Grades 7 to 10 on May 5 at the Harriston Community Centre.
This summer the group plans to host a Movie in the Park Night in Clifford in July and an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt to coincide with the annual Harriston street party in August.
A series of workshops on topics such as the arts, sewing, mental health and high school preparation is also planned.
The workshops will be led by community members specializing in various areas and held at local libraries and schools.
The group also plans to get involved with trail clean-up and restoration work in Harriston, Palmerston and Clifford, possibly in conjunction with a community trails event.
Deputy mayor Ron Faulkner, who chairs the town’s trails committee, invited the group to coordinate clean up efforts through the committee.
“We can coordinate that with town staff and we can do it all at once,” said Faulkner.
“That will assist you with equipment that you need to do that and will speed up the process.”
Councillor Ron Elliott said he was pleased to see MYAC coming up with new activities for local youths.
“What I’m excited about is you guys are putting together events for people your age to be involved in, because other than hockey and ball and stuff like that, we really don’t have anything you guys can do,” he stated.
“I think it’s great that you’re starting some things like that.”
‘Ground breakers’
Councillor Dave Turton said, “Behind every good group is a leader and you guys are all leaders, and to come with a plan, that’s wonderful.”
Mayor George Bridge said, “This is a project I think that is getting off the ground and you’re the ground breakers and I’m certainly going to look for your voice when we talk about things we could do in this community.”
