Surrey Finds New Ways to Connect with Youth During COVID-19

Surrey, BC – The City of Surrey is launching a series of free online programs for youth during BC Youth Week. In response to the COVID-19 provincial health orders limiting gatherings, Surrey’s Youth Services Team pivoted quickly to maintain vital engagement with over 100 Surrey youth virtually and by phone. The new program, designed in collaboration with the youth themselves, aims to maintain and strengthen connections during the pandemic by offering free weekly online activities, youth nights, virtual games, DIY projects, cooking demonstrations, and more. 

“Ensuring that our youth have opportunities to make positive connections within the community was a key priority for us before the pandemic.  But now, more than ever, it is essential that we encourage activities that support both the physical and mental health of our youth,” said Mayor Doug McCallum.  “I congratulate the young leaders in our community who have stepped up to create this online program for BC Youth Week.  It is a great way to stay active, involved and engaged in our community.” 

On Thursday, May 7, the series kicked off with a virtual basketball experience, with help from Surrey Fire Service and Safer Schools Together. Staff shared basketball drills, tips and activities youth can do at home. Participants also enjoyed an interactive Q & A, where they could ask questions and share how they are staying active and keeping up their skills, while helping Surrey flatten the curve. 

Upcoming programming:

Thursday, May 14 | 7pm Create Mug Cakes with Youth Events Squad   
Grab a mug, put on your creative hat and get ready to explore your microwave with the Youth Events Squad (YES). Follow YES members through a step-by-step tutorial to make your own delicious mug cake. 
 
Thursday, May 21 | 7pm Practice Self-Care with Youth Helping Youth  
Join us to talk about how you are feeling and share what has changed for you during social distancing. Explore different ways to practice self-care at home as youth share personal tips and tricks. 

Thursday, May 28 | 7pm DIY Live with Surrey Leadership Youth Council  
If you have ever wondered how to make your own reusable snack bag, braid a plant hanger, or build a bird feeder, you are not alone. The Surrey Leadership Youth Council will lead a live workshop tutorial on how to make these environmentally friendly items.  

Thursday, June 4 | 7pm Learn Skate Tricks with Andy Anderson  
The skate parks are closed, but you can keep skateboarding. Find space in the driveway or garage and learn a new trick with Andy Anderson – one of the top 10 skateboarders in the world, who lives in White Rock, BC.

Thursday, June 11 | 7pm Abandoned Story Art Show - Youth Curator Tour 
Abbie Dube will take us on a tour of Abandoned Story—an exhibition of youth artwork that reveals a broken narrative between old and new. Abbie, a Surrey high school student, curated this exhibition which is on display at the Cloverdale Recreation Centre. During this virtual tour, Abbie will take you inside the exhibition and share insights from her peers’ artwork. 

Thursday, June 18 | 7pm Youth Dance Party with DJ Freshleecut  
If you are missing pre-teen dances, get your song requests ready and turn up your speakers, because the dance is coming to you with DJ Freshleecut.