Do you know what the Summerland Youth Centre Association is or where the Harold Simpson Memorial Youth Centre is located?
Well, the Youth Centre Association has a mandate to operate the Harold Simpson Memorial Youth Centre for the benefit of Summerland residents, but for youth in particular.
The Summerland Youth Centre Association is a not-for-profit organization of dedicated volunteers.
The executive board consists of two members of the Lions Club, two members of the Kinsmen Club, one District of Summerland staff and four directors, members at large.
Each year a president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary are elected from the youth centre membership.
The building, at 9111 Peach Orchard Rd., was opened in 1994.
The original building on Giant’s Head Road became too small for our growing community and funding for the new building was provided by Kinsmen, Lions, the Vancouver Foundation and the Summerland and District Credit Union.
In December 1992 the breakdown of funding for the new Youth Centre building was: $25,000 from the Kinsmen, $25,000 from the Lions, $15,000 from the Youth Centre Society, $150,000 projected sale of the current Youth Centre on Giant’s Head Road and $50,000 from the Summerland and District Credit Union.
The land west of the arena is municipal land and the municipality agreed to let the building be built there.
The fundraising goal was $335,000 and the building committee was able to meet these goals.
The centre makes space available for youth groups such as the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club, Cadets, Scouts and Guides.
Adult groups also use the facility for quilting and volleyball and the Lions and Kinsmen call the Youth Centre home.
The Centre became the Harold Simpson Memorial Centre named after Harold Simpson who was a member of the Lions Club.
He worked extensively for building and maintaining the existing building.
The months of July and August are busy with the Daycamp program sponsored by the Youth Centre Association.
I have worked closely with this program and watched many children (six to 12 years old) participate in the week long summer programs.
Many children return year after year.
Registration forms for the Daycamp are available at the Parks and Recreation office.
Call 250-494-0447 for information.
If meeting friends, playing games, going to the beach, swimming at the pool, visiting the museum, and much more sound like fun, sign up for Daycamp.
Brenda Ingram is the Programs and Facility Manager for the District of Summerland and proud to be a long-time resident of this great community.