Local Teens Venture To The Rockies

A group of ten local teens is set to venture off to the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. Members of YMCA Project North will visit provincial parks, world heritage sites, and First Nation communities during their 10-day trek beginning August 19. Project Leader Joe Cebulski says the group has been working for the past six months to hit their fundraising goal. "One of the pillars for our project is philanthropy and fundraising, so the group raised $25,000 to be able to make this happen," he says. "They volunteered their time and took part in community events such as the Bridge Race, Artwalk, and the Nova Park Cleanup." Nova Chemicals donated another $25,000 towards the trip. Cebulski says the group is made up of Indigenous members, newcomers to Canada, and other youth throughout Sarnia aged 14 to 18. "It's exciting for young people to be able to be able to challenge themselves to do things that they never thought they'd be able to do. Things like climbing in the Rocky Mountains, or horseback riding in Banff National Park, and checking out glaciers." The ten members were chosen in February, and met for three hours every week for leadership development. YMCA Project North, currently in its second year, will cap off later this month with presentations from group members about their experiences in the program.