New Fenelon Falls After-School Youth Centre Now Open

William McGinn, BGC Kawarthas

KAWARTHA LAKES: Fenelon Falls officially has a brand new youth after-school centre, at 30 Colborne St., called The Loft. It's operated by BGC Kawarthas (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes), where teens aged 12-17 will be able to meet after school. There is no cost for attending drop-in, and youth can register for the after-school program on their first visit.

The new centre had its opening on Tuesday, October 7th.

I’m really excited about the new place,” said Lily McAulay-Hunter, Main Supervisor of the new Fenelon program. “I think we’re gonna grow a lot more than we did, now that we’re on the main strip, which will give kids a lot more opportunities.” Ms. McAulay-Hunter thought the first day of programming went “wonderfully”.

A youth who just joined, Wylder Loube, said, he liked his first day there and is excited to come back. “This place is a great place for teens to chill out and talk to people, if they feel lonely.”

BGC Kawarthas originally opened the program in February, in a temporary location, at Fenelon Falls United Church, operating twice a week until the end of the school year.

Now, in its new location, The Loft will be operating three days a week, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, from 2:30 to 6 p.m. There will also be special events every day, such as: Cook Together Tuesdays, Creative Wednesdays, and Game On Thursdays.

“The church provided us with a great start, and now we’re thrilled to move into a space we can dedicate to young people,” said Amy Terrill, Executive Director of BGC Kawarthas. “This beautiful space is so welcoming, visible to the community and closer to the schools. It’s a great combination, to allow us to expand our hours, develop more programming, and attract more support and partners.”

The community will have an opportunity to come to see the new space, at the official Open House, on Tuesday, November 4th, from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. Watch for more details, at www.bgckawarthas.com.