LAC LA BICHE - Skills of all levels are taught at a unique program offered to teens through a Lac La Biche County FCSS program.
Teen Skillzone is a free program designed to give youth the tools they need to prepare for higher education, joining the workforce, or living away from home for the first time. But it also offers courses on more focused skills like painting, basic mechanics, first aid and cooking.
Last week, the specialized programming was showing a group of local teens not only the mental benefits of painting artwork, but practical applications that could put money in their pockets.
“Face Painters are in very high demand in Lac La Biche County, so this is a great program for everyone involved,” said Christine Martin, a community outreach worker with FCSS who lead the teens in the painting workshop.
She said the overall program and its wide variety of topics helps youth become more confident as they reach adulthood and helps them to see options they may not have thought about.
“Sessions teach everything from basic cooking and vehicle maintenance to mental health and personal finance,” Martin told Lakeland This Week.
At the recent painting session, a group of a dozen teens were guided through the techniques of painting images onto the faces and hands of other participants.
Martin said the skill will come in handy at community-hosted events and family-themed functions where face-painting booths are popular attractions.
Martin said the program is a great addition to what teens are already learning at home and at school too, or what they are curious about.
“They learn skills that they will use in life, and they can choose which classes they want to go to,” she said. “It’s not like they have to sign up for everything, which is nice because different teens have different areas they need to develop.”
In the know
Another aspect of the Teen Skillzone program is that it is an opportunity for teens to learn about different organizations and people in the community. Guest speakers or experts on topics are invited to sessions to help teens get a better understanding of the new skill.
“So, for example, if we do a Teen Skillzone on resumes and interview skills, they will get to know the staff at Employabilities North, so they will be more likely to access services from these organizations,” Martin said, adding that this experience brings more awareness to what is available for youths upon graduating from high school.
The Teen Skillzone program is for all youth aged 13-8.
Teen Skillzones take place every two months at various locations throughout Lac La Biche County. More details on the program can be found at the FCSS social media pages.
