Editor’s note: The following is one of the letters from Jennifer Mansour’s class at Learning Connections.
Squamish is a beautiful town with magical views and places. Such places are at their best when the weather is equally magical outside. When thinking about Squamish, what this little town is known for, like the beautiful Stawamus Chief, the amazing Sea to Sky Gondola, where you can glide through clouds and see all the mountain angles of Squamish will come to mind. Squamish is known for being “The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada,” but what if you aren’t necessarily the outdoorsy type?
There are not a lot of activities in Squamish when you are lacking money. For a good portion of Squamish’s year, it’s gross and wet since it has a coastal climate. Which means we get a good portion of rain and snow, but mostly rain. That is very unappealing for those who don’t enjoy going outside when it’s rainy and/or snowing.
When it’s raining, those who don’t enjoy being outside are usually inside enjoying a hot beverage and watching a movie. If only we had something for youth to do that was fun for all types of weather. I was thinking a movie theatre or bowling alley so that you could have something fun to do with any type of weather. I am aware that youth should be outside and enjoying fresh air, but we need something to do when the weather is not nice.
We have an awesome youth centre beside the downtown skate park and Howe Sound Secondary. It has so many things for youth and even ages 19 to 24 to enjoy, including musical instruments, games, healthy snacks, movies, planned group activities and much more. Having the ability to have music instruments whenever is so cool. Even learning an instrument is such an amazing opportunity.
Youth can reap the benefits of learning an instrument.
Music has been shown to reduce stress, increase productivity, develop creativity, and build confidence. Which could help youth and everyone involved, it would help certain youth who enjoy music to do something and get out of their house. That could help youth find something to do.
Sammy Badger
