The Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs have some exciting activities and events happening this summer in Oliver. Through the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Summer Student Program, the Club has hired a university student to provide activities for youth ages 10-14 in Oliver and Osoyoos. Oliver activities are happening on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 3pm at various locations around the community. Activities include baking, swimming, outdoor games and tie-dying. Calendars with more details are available at the Club or the Community Centre.
The Oliver Youth Program is open this summer, and operates from the Cadet Hangar on Friday nights and from the Community Centre on Saturday nights. Due to the loss of the grant in aid from the Town of Oliver, the Boys and Girls Club has worked with the community to creatively find ways to keep the program open on a shoestring budget. The Oliver Youth Program is currently funded through the United Way, provincial government, grants, fundraising events and community donations from groups and businesses, including the Kiwanis Club of Oliver, Canadian Tire, Oliver Super Valu and Tinhorn Creek Winery.
“We continue to look for ways to keep the Youth Program open. We’re very grateful to Oliver Parks and Recreation for offering free space for Saturday nights,” says Centre Director Lindsay Slobodzian. Ideally, the Club would like to operate from the Hangar both Friday and Saturday nights, but due to financial constraints it is not possible at this time. The Hangar offers a space that allows for a wide range of activities such as skateboarding, sports, games and lounging. The Club is very grateful to the community for all of their support and is hoping for continued support from service groups and businesses.
If you’re looking for an adventure this summer outside of Oliver, Camp Arrowflight is located just north of Armstrong and is offering camps all summer long for youth ages 7-17. Drop by the Club to get a brochure or visit their web site for details about this exciting camp experience.
This summer, in partnership with Interior Savings, the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs is hosting Moonlight Movie Nights all over the Okanagan valley. The Oliver movie night will be held on August 21 at Oliver Community Park. The family event will start off at 7pm with activities for kids including a bouncy castle, and at dark they will feature the animated movie “Wreck It Ralph” on a giant inflatable movie screen. There will also be a concession stand, BBQ and popcorn. Entry to this fundraising event is by donation with a suggested donation of $10/family. Everyone is welcome, bring your lawn chairs or blankets! For more information about this event, or any of the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs programs and services, please visit the Oliver office at 475 School Avenue, call 250-498-8844.
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