The Community Hall has an array of opportunities available for youth:
- Across the Ages – Fostering Intergenerational Connections for 12 – 19 years
- Book Club – Monthly youth run club for 13 – 19 years
- Internship Program – work skills training for 12 – 17 years
- Leaders in Training – Summer Camps & Day Programs for 14 – 24
- Volunteering – mentored & supported training for 10 – 24 years
- Youth Leadership For the Earth & Adventure Earth for 13 – 24 years
Youth Leadership Programs
Cafe Host & Hall Helper – Youth Leadership Program
(A paid internship for youth ages 12 – 17)
Started in 2014, the Community Hall Youth Internship Program offers youth ages 12 – 17 opportunities to build workplace skills and experience. Potential interns start their experience by submitting a resume and cover letter to apply, they will then be invited to interview. If they are selected, they will receive an honorarium based on skills acquired.
Most interns start in the Community Café as a server, as they gain confidence, knowledge, and maturity they go on to assist with maintenance, landscaping, simple office jobs, assist with activities and events and other jobs. Some interns have gone on to coordinate large events, organize and lead recreational activities, assist with Community Hall administration and management, create advertising and marketing material, and help with larger scale maintenance jobs… if the Hall is doing something of interest to interns or volunteers, we are happy to mentor and train! We highly encourage youth to start their exploration of all the possibilities first as volunteers.
What is an internship?
An internship is an agreement between a student and an organization in which the student provides services to the organization and the organization provides work experience, training and work opportunities for the student. Students often use an internship to decide if they have an interest in a particular career, create a network of contacts or gain school credit. Internships can be either paid or unpaid.
Initial Duties
Community Café Server, assist with maintenance, landscaping, simple office jobs, assist with activities and events and other jobs as discussed and mutually agreed upon.
Duties progression
As the intern gains experience, and subject to age, abilities and interests, there will be further opportunities for training and growth. This can include event and activity coordination, administrative skills, advertising and marketing, maintenance, landscaping, program leadership…
To apply, send in a resume (parents can help but applicants need to be fully involved in this) to bookings@penderislands.org The resume should include: your name, phone number, what jobs you do around the house, at school, as a volunteer or in other places. You should also include any hobbies, special skills or interests you have. You are encouraged to include a cover letter. You will also need to include two references 1) a parent 2) your teacher; please provide email addresses for both of your references.
The honorarium (like a wage) will start at $5 hour for a three month initial orientation. Incremental increases will be based on experience, ability and independence. Training will be offered as needed and by request. Interns can receive up to $500 per year.
Interviews will be held. Hours are scheduled on non-school Friday and Saturdays, and are generally limited to 6 to 8 hours per month.
How to write a resume
How to prepare for an interview
Learn about employment standards
Applications are accepted yearly in September, to get a head start on your application VOLUNTEER!
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Volunteering
(Volunteer experience for youth ages 10 – 24)
Want to build your skills and get work experience ? Become a volunteer! There are two ways for youth to volunteer at the Community Hall: Casual and Formal.
To become a Casual Volunteer, just drop into the Community Hall on a Friday or Saturday between 10:00 – 1:00 and see if there are any tasks you can help out with; tasks will mostly be as a cafe helper.
To become a Formal Volunteer, you will fill need to fill out a volunteer application, meet with the Hall Coordinator to discuss what skills you are interested in learning and decide on specific days that you are available to volunteer.
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Across the Ages – Fostering Intergenerational Connections for 12 – 19 years
Created in 2020, Across the Ages is a program to foster intergenerational connection on the Southern Gulf Islands, run collaboratively between the SGI Community Resource Centre and the Pender Community Hall. We are recruiting youth (19 and under) and senior members (55+) from across Southern Gulf Island communities to participate in a virtual buddy program.
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Book Club – Monthly youth run club for 13 – 24 years
Created in 2020, The Youth Book Club is a free monthly book club for teens ages 13-19. Our goal is to create a space for book-loving teens to gather, read and discuss new books, and socialize. We have been meeting over Zoom and are completing our second book, and anyone who wishes to join is very welcome! Our next meeting will be on March 26 from 3:00 – 4:00pm, online via Zoom unless regulations change.
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Leaders in Training – for 14 – 24 years
Created in 2018, Our Leaders in Training Program (LIT) is designed for participants who are ready to take on new responsibilities and challenges. Our LIT participants have the chance to hone their leadership skills, practice a variety of teaching/facilitation techniques and navigate their position as a role model for children. These skills are further enhanced through direct interaction with program participants.
LIT’s assist with and, when comfortable, lead short activities, day programs and day camps. Training supports in personal goals and growth for each LIT.
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Youth Leadership For the Earth and Adventure Earth for 13 – 24 years
Created in 2020, We host in-person, at-a-distance, outdoor and environmental leadership activities for youth, including outdoor living skills, environmental awareness, and food and farming skills. We also offer virtual and remote resources through a monthly newsletter.