The events went from Feb. 28 to March 4, ranging from indoor to outdoor activities for the kids to enjoy. They participated in snowshoeing, skating, cross country skiing, cider-making workshops, swimming and movies.

The non-profit organization offers four

youth houses that provide activities and support for kids and teens from the Pontiac, they are located in Isle aux Allumettes, Rapides-des-Joachims, in Mansfield and in Shawville. During the pandemic, the non-profit organization kept their doors open with limits to how many youths they can have at the centre but Desiree Tremblay-Giroux, the coordinator of all the branches in the Pontiac, told THE EQUITY that even during the lockdown the organization still held virtual events to stay connected with the kids.

“We see a lot of youth who have anxiety and just need someone to talk to or a place to just unwind, so I’m glad we’re there for the youth, ‘’ said Tremblay-Giroux.

For her, the importance of the youth organization is creating a safe space where kids can gather, be creative, and experience new adventures. “Today was the first time for some kids to snowshoe. Yesterday, we had kids who for the first time got to go cross country skiing. So it’s to give kids a different adventure.”

As a coordinator, she highlighted that her job is solely based on listening to what the youth need and want, and when she is able to provide an outlet for them to be in nature and with friends doing activities or experiencing a new adventure, she added, she was happy.

At most of the events they have what they call youth animators who help out with the kids, Tremblay-Giroux pointed out that getting the youth involved gives them a sense of responsibility, a job and a reason not to be on their cell phones all day.

“They’re kind of like big brothers and big sisters to the little ones,” she said.

Zach Giroux, one of the junior animators, was at one of the events helping the kids hook their rubber bait on the line to catch rainbow trout fish.

Since being a junior animator, he said it has helped him get along better with kids. He specifically enjoys the events Les Maisons des Jeunes organizes for the animators at the end of the year to reward the youth who help out, he said “they’re quite fun.”

“It’s thanks to our volunteers and our participants that we have awesome activities,” said Tremblay-Giroux.

For any information on upcoming events or activities visit their Facebook, or call 819-683-1044.

Desiree Tremblay-Giroux, the coordinator, says that she is happy to see all the smiles on the kids faces.

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