The Regional YMCA in Saint John is shown in this file photo.
The YMCA is offering a new program for youth to help them develop leadership skills.
Shilo Boucher, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Saint John, says they are dedicated to developing young leaders in the community.
“The Y Lead program is to help develop our youth leaderships’ potential and provide them with opportunities to learn, grow and to make contacts,” she said.
The program is open for youth aged 13 to 18, and while the deadline for applications was Tuesday, Boucher says if they receive any more they’ll take a look.
“We actually already have over 40 people interested so we’re just trying to get a bit more and this is all possible because of our community partners, Canaport LNG and Emera are making this happen. They funded the program for the next year and a half,” she said.
The program will last 40 weeks and the kids will meet once a week for two hours at the Irving Oil Field House.
“Just making sure that they have everything they need to be successful and develop their leadership skills. They’re going to have lots of fun in this giant Irving Oil Field House in terms of socializing and doing different activities that will build on their leadership skills and different projects that they’ll be working on,” she said.
Boucher said she thinks when youth get chances to work on their leadership skills it opens up their potential and will help build their network.
The hope is to keep the program going regularly past the already funded year and a half.
To apply, youth write a short 100-to-200-word description about themselves and why they are interested in the Y Lead program. They can then send their resume, cover letter and description to youthleadership@saintjohny.ca.
