In came four finalists vying for the big prize, but only one could emerge victorious.
The Squamish Youth Council’s 2024 Bear’s Den event, which awards a local non-profit $10,000 for programming aimed at youth, took place at Howe Sound Secondary on Wednesday, April 24. Four finalists came into the evening, which included:
- Between Shifts Theatre Society, for its Theatre Mentorship Initiative;
- Second Chance Cheekye Ranch, for its Into the Woods: An Equine-guided Journey Reconnecting Youth with Nature program;
- Squamish Volleyball Club, for its SVC Youth Leadership Program;
- Foundry, Pride Squamish and Sea to Sky Allies, for its Youth Social Dance/Event.
After each group presented their pitch, with very thorough budgets and enthusiasm, the youth council and audience got to vote for the winner by casting their ballots. Ultimately, Between Shifts Theatre Society won the hearts of the crowd and youth council.
The society’s pitch was to host a theatre training program for youth of all experience levels, with on- and off-stage practice. Participants would engage with trained staff, learn the ins and outs of theatre, and put on a full-blown show.
The youth council had one more trick up its sleeve: It awarded the other three groups $1,000 to kickstart their events or programs.
This is the youth council's second year taking on this initiative. Last year, Howe Sound Secondary School won the prize for its Courtyard Connections Project.
The Squamish Youth Council is a District of Squamish initiative that seeks to engage youth with local government and community leaders. The council meets approximately once per month throughout the school year, and youth can apply to be on it at the start of each school year.
For more information about the youth council, visit squamish.ca/rec/syc-hub/youth-council.
