Squamish Youth Council Hub

Welcome to the online Youth Council hub! Here you will find resources and information on all things youth related in Squamish.

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ABOUT THE SQUAMISH YOUTH COUNCIL

FOUNDRY BC

YOUTH HUB

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES

CUB'S DEN

BEAR'S DEN

YOUTH STRATEGY

About the Squamish Youth Council

The Squamish Youth council is the town’s “by youth for youth” council. Part of and alongside the District of Squamish, our job is to advocate on behalf of youth on topics and issues in the town, as well as create, join, or expand ideas and initiatives for local youth. The Youth Council is made up of 14 youth, chosen every September by the application process, who meet monthly with members of the Squamish Council and discuss topics that affect everyone in Squamish, especially those between the ages of 12-18, whose needs aren’t usually advocated for, or whose voices aren’t heard.

Together, we are trying to make Squamish a better, more accessible place for everyone, and we are working on many projects in many different topics such as youth entrepreneurship, youth engagement, environmental initiatives including youth, youth and elder integration activities, and much more!

The goals of the Squamish Youth Council are:

To amplify the voice of Squamish youth in matters and projects that directly impact them.
To create a pipeline of youth-centered projects & programming that support Squamish Youth Strategy.
To plant the seeds of civic engagement mindset and skill set in Squamish Youth.
To connect Youth with community leaders, politicians, businesses and organizations that would like input from them.
To set in motion a turn-key program for future mayor & council to implement year over year.

To learn more about the Squamish Youth Council and its members, click here.

YOUTH STRATEGY BACKGROUND

In late 2019, in collaboration and consultation with Squamish youth and partner agencies, the District adopted a Youth Strategy.

The vision of the Squamish Youth Strategy is that Squamish Youth thrive to their highest potential and are healthy, happy and engagement community members.

Programs and Events

Youth Pool Takeover

The Youth Pool Takeover happens every last Saturday of the month.
Bring a friend!

Youth Certifications

View the current certification offerings from Recreation and Culture.

Foundry Sea to Sky

Foundry Sea to Sky offers integrated health, social and recreational services to make it easier for young people and their families to access help before their concerns have a severe impact on their health and well-being. All services are free and are handled discreetly. For more information, please visit the Foundry BC website

Youth Resources

An ever evolving and expanding list of websites and phone numbers for youth in Squamish who find themselves in critical need

Vancouver Coastal Health, Youth Health Services:

Find youth services designed to meet your needs. Most services are for people between the ages of 12-24.

Kids Help Phone: 1.800.668.6868

Kids Help Phone is always there. No matter the topic, they will listen. This resource judgment free, totally private and available 24 hours a day. Free texting service also available by messaging the word CONNECT to 686868. Online chat is available is available as well.

British Columbia Crisis Centre: 1.800.784.2433

Telephone line available 24 hours a day if you are considering suicide or are concerned about someone who may be.

Youth in B.C.: Howe Sound & Sunshine Coast 1.866.661.3311

Chat with a crisis responder by phone 24 hours a day or connect through online chat from noon to 1am.

310 Mental Health: 310.6789 (no area code required)

Call the Mental Health Support Line for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.

Squamish Youth Council

In the Youth Strategy, a key value of "Speak Up and Leadership" was identified and as such, the Squamish Youth Council was created to give Youth the opportunity to engage with the Mayor, District of Squamish Council and Community Leaders.