The annual Young Women’s Conference was held at Luther Village in Sioux Narrows on May 28-30, 2010, and the first ever conference for young men, Challenge 2010, was held at Junior Ranger camp located on Mink Lake in the Atikokan area on May 26-28, 2010. These gatherings provide students with the opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills, and develop long-lasting memories.
The 11th annual Young Women’s Conference was planned by the Rainy River District School Board in partnership with the Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope (formerly the Atikokan Crisis Centre), Northwest Catholic District School Board, and United Native Friendship Centre. A total of 54 young women in Grades 7-12 participated in the conference, and were provided with information about the indicators of violence against young women and ways to support self and others in the future at school and in the community. In addition, the young women had the opportunity to journal, explore youth leadership and participate in workshops while learning to promote wellness, kindness and positive self-esteem. The ultimate goal of this conference is to support young women with information and a positive view for a hopeful future.
Following in the footsteps of the very successful Young Women’s Conference, Challenge 2010 was an outdoor adventure that involved young men from across the Rainy River District School Board in Grade 8, and high school students from Atikokan and Rainy River who acted as mentors and advisors for the Grade 8 students. High school young men were chosen by staff based on their leadership ability, and each elementary school principal was invited to select two young men in Grade 8 who they felt would benefit from the experience. The focus of the young men’s Challenge 2010 was on team building in an outdoor setting, and at the end of the conference, all participants demonstrated sufficient canoe skills to earn a certificate in Basic Canoeing – Level One from the Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association (ORCKA). In addition, the young men learned a number of related skills, and participated in a workshop discussing transition to high school. The young men’s response to the conference was extremely positive and organizers are already looking forward to Challenge 2011.
Community and school partnerships, and student leadership opportunities continue to provide positive educational experiences for Rainy River District students.