The Shockwave Youth group held a supper on Nov. 12, to celebrate the second anniversary of the youth centre. The event featured a pulled pork supper with salad, beverages, and dessert for only five dollars.
The supper ran from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and along with the great food, a slideshow was presented which showcased past events.
The Shockwave Youth Centre is a non-profit organization that was formed to provide something entertaining and useful for the youth of Carlyle. "The Carlyle Pentecostal Assembly had this extra building that they weren't really using and realized there wasn't really anything for the youth so they brought me in and said here's an empty building, turn into something the youth will want to come to," explains Pastor Matt on how Shockwave Youth Group was started.
On Thursday nights the group meets for Bible study from 7:30 p.m. to 9, where they talk about life and deal with some of the issues the youth face. Friday night Shockwave opens at 7 p.m. and hosts some sort of activity such as town-wide scavenger hunts, improv nights, and dodge ball until 9 p.m. After that the building remains open for the youth who wish to stay. The building also opens at 7 p.m. on Saturday and remains open for as long as there are members who wish to stay. On Sunday morning at 10 a.m. Sunday school is held. The Shockwave Youth Group also goes on road trips. They are planning on attending a youth conference in Winnipeg and were recently at a Toby Mac concert in Saskatoon.
"It's really been growing since we started it," exclaimed Pastor Matt, which was evident by the many faces present at the supper. ""It's hard to run a non-profit without any help, but we're thrilled, we've got lots of youth coming in, and great support from the church and the parents of all the youth," though the group is always looking for more support.
The Shockwave Youth Group currently has about 40 youth between the ages of 12 and 18 coming in and participating in the group.
To help with all the youth, Kimberly Schneider volunteers her time at the Centre. Wanting to do more with her time, and a fan of the youth, Kimberly became involved with the group. "I love it," she exclaims, "it's fun games, not just sitting around, and the kids love coming here."
The Shockwave Youth Group is positive and productive organization, which is both fun, educational, and supportive of the youth. More youth are always welcome and encouraged to join. To get involved, show up at the Shockwave Youth Centre during open hours, or contact the Pentecostal Assembly.