Originally from Witchekan Lake and having grown up in Onion Lake, the new youth coordinator at the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre returns to the area with her family via Spiritwood.
Sonya Bear along with youth assistant Ryan Mallett led a meet and greet with the young people who come to the after school and other programs at the centre.
Bear is two-weeks into the new role and is getting to find out the interests of the young people as she develops the activities and programs to engage youth.
She says they will build on crafts, games, movie nights and other activities as she seeks youth and parent input.
“I enjoy working with kids and helping them achieve whatever they want to achieve. I encourage, support our youth and hope that I can steer them in the right direction in their lives.”
She adds she is looking forward to making a difference in the life of at least one of the youth.
After school programs are slated Wednesdays to Saturdays and transportation is available, says Bear.
“We start from 3:30 p.m. We offer transportation. We pick up the kids (from school) and drop them off. So you come in and register, then we have all that information and we are able to make those accommodations.”
Summer camp plans are still being worked on and more details will be shared in the coming weeks.