The program has seen more youth attending in 2021 fall/winter the entire winter season of 2019/2020. It’s especially exciting when we see three of our highschool staff helping to organize and run the program. They are using the skills they have to serve others while developing new skills too!

When restrictions were lifted and we could come together again, we saw how intentional youth were about connecting. Perhaps the old adage you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone describes how people were feeling. After a period of mandatory isolation, there was a family vibe as people returned to the community skatepark and welcomed the chance to interact together.

Youth for Christ teamed up with Skatelife Toronto to bring together a group of youth for an overnight camp at Brockville. The two organizations joined together to build a stronger skateboard community, reconnect with peers and make new friends.

We were thrilled when a parent shared a video with us of her son teaching his younger brother how to skateboard. Vaccine mandates had prevented him from joining us at the skatepark but he took the opportunity to share his passion with someone that looks up to him. What a great example of the attributes we try to cultivate at YFC London.

Our high school staff put their construction skills to good use when they helped build obstacles for our skatepark. Not only did this employment opportunity at YFC London give them valuable work experience but it was also a chance to refine their social interaction skills, professionalism and leadership qualities.