The Borden Youth Centre has officially opened for the summer
The Borden Youth Centre was officially opened on 6 July by Base Commander Colonel Jonathan Michaud, equipped wall to wall with the latest generation gaming consoles, flatscreen televisions and retro arcade machines.
Created as an inviting safe space for youth to come and be themselves, the Youth Centre is free to attend all summer from Tuesdays to Thursdays between 1300 and 1700 hrs. Healthy snacks are also provided at no extra cost.
From floor to ceiling the Borden Youth Centre is vibrant and filled with colour. Greenery can be seen within the hallway connecting both the Games room and Zen room, with both spaces having been designed for creativity and relaxation in their own unique ways.
“We wanted it to be a youth focused space where youth felt comfortable,” said PSP Community Recreation Manager, Cheryl-Lynn. “We wanted to have many options of activities and games to choose from as well as different seating options with moveable furniture that youth can move around to make themselves comfortable.”
The Zen room welcomes youth with colour changing light fixtures and synthetic grass ottomans, creating a comforting environment to help inspire creativity. Whiteboard tables, Cricut design machines and a sensory pod are all available for youth to use as avenues of expression.
After opening the Youth Centre, Base Commander Col Michaud and Chief Petty Officer, 1st Class Robert Wilcox faced off in an air hockey match, with the Base Commander scoring the first point.
“You know, I think [the Youth Centre] is going to be catering to the needs of our military family members in a way that will appeal to them,” said Base Commander Col Michaud. “It’s an enjoyable, inviting space and I really hope that it’d be used in large numbers.”
The Games room comes equipped with an air hockey table, foosball table, three arcade machines, four large screen TVs with Nintendo Switch, PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles. There are even Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headsets available to use.
The Youth Centre also plans on forming dedicated activities and workshops including how to use a Cricut machine, canvas painting, beading workshop, healthy living and money sense for youth.
Any youth can join the Youth Center by simply having their parent/guardian complete the Borden Youth Center Agreement Waiver on the first day they attend or by bringing the completed form with them.
