BGC Wolf Creek - Rimbey is launching a new means of helping to shape young leaders - the Torch Junior Leadership Program.
"Torch runs on Mondays from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and it's for youth ages 10 to 13," said Ria Lartec, the organization's program director.
"It's about having fun while learning how to help others as a positive role model," she said of the program, which runs in the Church of the Nazarene.
"They get to participate in organizing activities, along with planning events and projects. We will also be doing service projects within the community, and hopefully at the school, too.
"We hope that they will become leaders while making new friends and having an impact," she said.
BGC Wolf Creek - Rimbey is a satellite location to BGC Wolf Creek Ponoka which has been in existence since 2001.
The Rimbey club expansion was launched in 2014. BGC of Wolf Creek also serves Ponoka, Lacombe, and Bentley.
Meanwhile, other club programs include the after-school program, which serves kindergarten through to Grade 6. They also provide full days of activities when students are off due to professional development days at school, she said.
"Those run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m."
And most recently, the organization ran a successful, action-packed summer camp.
Programming ran for full days, and included loads of activities and special events. "We went on fun field trips, and we invited guests to come in."
Lartec said 30 kids took part in summer camp activities.
"We also have our mentoring program. This happens in the schools, and basically, a grown-up friend would go and spend time - one hour per week - with a child," she said, adding mentors are of course vetted as well. Looking ahead, there is also a need for more volunteer mentors, she said.
"What I really love about it all the most is the impact that these programs have," she said. "If they can become good members of society, that's good for me!"
Feedback is encouraging, too - from both parents and the kids themselves.
That's particularly seen when some kids don't want to leave the club when it's time to head home. "I was in my office thinking, okay! They like it here," she added with a laugh.
For more about BGC Wolf Creek Rimbey and all the programming offered, call 403-704-6641 or head to rimbey.bgcwolfcreek.com.
