Fuchsia Dragon聽| [email protected]
Tuesdays are about to get a whole lot more fun for Jasper鈥檚 youth, thanks to a funding boost from TD Bank.
The Jasper branch of TD has donated $1,000 to Community Outreach Services鈥� Twisted Tuesdays program, which offers activities every week during the school break.
The money comes from TD鈥檚 annual project that sees each branch awarded a budget to support kids and youth activities outdoors.
And Twisted Tuesdays have been supported for the last few years in Jasper.
Krista Gillese, manager of TD's Jasper branch, said: 鈥淭here are lots of great things to support in Jasper but it鈥檚 important to have things that get kids outside and active and socializing together when they are out of school in the summer.聽
鈥淲e are always happy to partner with Community Outreach Services but this one is especially fun.鈥�
The weekly event program, for youths in grades seven to 12, started when some teens expressed that they were having a little more trouble engaging socially in the summer.
Many aren鈥檛 old enough for a summer job yet, and not everyone takes part in the volleyball, basketball and hockey camps that come to Jasper.
In the past, teens have gone paddleboarding with Translucid Adventures, enjoyed s'mores and an outdoor movie in the backyard at COS, made sushi and enjoyed a town-wide scavenger hunt/race organized by outreach worker Anna DeClercq.聽
This year's activities may look a little different due to COVID-19 restrictions, but outdoor events planned for July are Rafting with Jasper Raft Tours on July 7, a mountain bike ride on July 14, Art in the Park on July 21, and a skatepark day with frozen treats on July 28.
DeClercq said there are usually about 15 to 20 teens at the events, with more stopping by the skatepark event, but that could be different this year.
There are also events in July for the Rec Room, Jasper鈥檚 weekly teen hangout. There is an online murder mystery on July 8, an online escape room July 15, a beach day (weather dependent) on July 22, and Quiplash online on July 29.
All programs are subject to change pending weather conditions and COVID-19 restrictions, and permission forms are required for in-person programming.
For more information or to find out what's happening for youth and teens, find Anna Cos DeClercq on Facebook or Jasper Teens on Instagram, or contact Anna at (780) 852-6543.
