P4 Youth Centre celebrates 15 years

The P4 Youth Centre has been a haven for the area's youth for the past 15 years, and has been celebrating their anniversary with activities all week long.

The P4 Youth Centre's mission is to "provide social, recreational, educational activities to children and youth as an alternative to crime while encouraging proper use of leisure time" for youth from Ship Harbour to Point Verde.

They do this by offering a wide range of activities for the youth of the area, including sports, dances, movies, computer usage, movies, games and much more.

Teri Hoben has worked with the youth centre for 13 years and is an integral part of the operation's smooth running. She does a little bit of everything, as she puts it, and absolutely loves working there.

"I chaperone the youth, some maintenance, cleaning, a little bit of everything. I run a seniors and youth group here. I can't think of everything I do but I do a lot," laughed Ms. Hoben.

"I love it. If I didn't, I wouldn't be here. You got to have the time and the patience to put into it. I must say it's one job I really enjoy. It's not just sitting behind a desk. It's getting involved with the youth themselves as well as trying to run the programs."

She said the number of kids who participate in P4 activities changes all the time but they usually have a good number.

"Some weeks only a few kids come in and another week you might have as many as 60. Right now every weekend, there's anywhere between 40 to 60 kids that come in through our doors. That is really good. Now it used to be anywhere from 100 to 150 but see there's not that many kids around here any more," stated Ms. Hoben.

Brad Whelan is one youth who has been going to the P4 Youth Centre for years.

"I've been hanging there since I was in Grade 7," he said. "It's something to do, something to be at. There is always something on the go down here, all the time. If there was no P4 I probably would just be playing video games."

She said kids from Grade 6 to Grade 12 use the centre and participate in its running as well.

"The kids themselves meet and do the actual decision-making. The adult board is there for guidance and to keep the funding to the building and all that," she explained, but noted programs and offerings are youth-driven.

P4 Youth Centre began in 1994 when Veronica King organized a meeting with parents in the area to discuss the possibility of opening a youth centre. That group elected a board of directors and a youth executive was

P4 Youth Centre celebrates 15 years

Two youth cut the cake during the celebration.

The Balloon Darts booth had a line-up.

There was lots of fun with some face-painting, as well.

Bernard Penney makes cotton candy at the P4 Youth Centre's 15-year celebration.

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