Peace Region Family Resource Network (FRN) and Nampa/Northern Sunrise County Family and Community Support Services are hosting Adulting 101 courses throughout spring.
FRN program coordinator Lindsay Gauvreau says they’re happy to welcome back another multi-part series aiming at providing interactive programming for teens in Grades 10-12, to teach teens valuable skills and information that will help them navigate the transition from high school into adult life.
“Adulting 101 is a monthly program that has been going on since the beginning of the school year,” says Gauvreau.
“Each month we offer a different Adult Skill learning session for teens ages 14-18.”
Up on the slate this spring on April 8 is Active Bystander Training When to Step In When You See Injustice at Baytex Energy Centre. Following on May 7 will be Navigating How to Rent your First Place at St. Isidore Cultural Centre with guest speaker Byron Schamehorn. Wrapping up the spring sessions on June 4 is Everything You Need to Know about Online Gaming and Gambling at the Baytex Energy Centre hosted with Recovery Alberta Addictions Services.
“Past sessions have included car maintenance, managing savings and debt, digital literacy, small appliance cooking and now the spring session offerings,” Gauvreau says.
“We decided to run this program to give kids the hands-on opportunity to learn skills they may not be exposed to in school or home life but would benefit with knowing as they head into adult life,” she adds.
“It was also a unique program that wasn’t offered otherwise in the community.”
Each course will run from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and will feature fun door prizes and pizza dinner. Gauvreau says kids 14-18 years are welcome to attend.
“Active Bystander Training empowers individuals to safely intervene when witnessing inappropriate behaviour, harassment, or discrimination, shifting from passive observation to active support,” says Gauvreau, noting that Peace River FCSS’s Tamara Brunham will be the guest speaker.
She adds that Learning about Renting will explain what it takes to rent the first home, how much money needs to be saved, what tenant’s insurance is, and how to hook up utilities.
“Online Gambling and Gaming will help teens learn about the addiction connection to online gaming and gambling, where to get supports, how to know if you are addicted, how to talk to friends if they are showing signs of additions,” explains Gauvreau.
“(It’s important to attend) because they involve topics that kids are thinking about, planning for and looking forward to. It gives them an opportunity outside of a school setting to learn and ask questions. We also get the participants to tell us about topics they would like to explore in upcoming sessions to keep it relevant.”
All courses are free to attend but must be pre-registered for by phoning (780) 624-0770. Transportation is also available for county participants who require it.
“Sessions are hands-on and engaging,” concludes Gauvreau. “It’s a safe space for kids to ask questions and learn what they want to within each topic. Parents do not attend so it’s also a chance to be independent and do some self-guided learning.”
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter