News Leader News for May 27, 2008
ROCKRIDGE: GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD, GOOD MESSAGE
Young Life's RockRidge Canyon hosted a Dessert/Information Night May 20th where many Princeton area residents were treated to delicious desserts and were introduced to the work being done at the facility.
In addition to ongoing construction to meet the demand for expansion of the RockRidge Canyon site, there is a lot of other work being done on a more personal level.
Scott Musgrove hosted the evening and explained a need to clear up confusion between Young Life and RockRidge Canyon. The simple explanation is that Young Life is a Christian Youth Ministry Program and RockRidge Canyon is the Princeton facility used as part of that Ministry.
Musgrove told the News Leader Young Life is "a Christian Ministry dedicated to loving teenagers in their world" and that RockRidge Canyon was "one of the facilities we use to take kids away from the problems in their lives and have fun and have an opportunity to grow in their faith."
Regardless of how you look at it, RockRidge Canyon is a big part of Young Life and Musgrove told those in attendance last Wednesday night "youth is what this Ministry is all about."
Young Life Canada President Don Crompton explained the tools used by Young Life to achieve its goals. Think of the program as the four C's Contact, Club, Campaigners and Camp.
Young Life started in 1946 in Texas based on the concept that young people the future decision makers and leaders need a firm foundation developed within their character early in their lives. This is where the Contact part fits in adults go to where youth congregate and develop friendships.
"Because youth are important," Crompton said.
"Not only to us, but to God as well."
The Club element is next where youth are invited to participate in the Young Life Club. There is currently a weekly Club group of about 25 participants in Princeton.
"It's a wild and crazy party that takes place once a week."
Crompton says the activities range from socializing and singing to dancing, sports and includes a Leader sharing a Christian message.
The third part is the Campaigners.
This is a group that gets together and examines various issues through lively debate and discussion.
Then there's Camp. Basically a week-long celebration of life where young people can get away, play, make friends and learn who Jesus Christ is and what they can achieve by forming a personal relationship with Him.
Musgrove spoke more about the RockRidge way of doing things, which is nothing short of spectacular. Many in attendance had never been to the site and one look reveals a first class presentation in everything from the dormitories to the study rooms, from the kitchen to the food, from the quality construction of all buildings to the stunning views from every vantage point. RockRidge Canyon is quite simply the crowning jewel in the Young Life Canada program.
Property Manager Peter Van Genne described the desire and requirement of having a 'top notch' facility with a single statement.
"Because we believe the one we serve is worthy of that."
Van Genne reviewed the history of RockRidge Canyon, which opened July 2004 on property bought in 2000 (formerly the Willis Ranch) with ongoing development on site from the addition of new dorm buildings to the Oflooding' of the valley to the construction of a new Club room which will seat 450 - apparently the project is far from completion.
"We're about two-thirds of the way to being finished," Van Genne said.
RockRidge Canyon has also reached out to the community by renting facilities for a variety of activities outside of normal Young Life Programs including PSS Grad Dinners, Dry Grad, local school activity days, Minor Hockey and Junior Hockey Banquets in addition to other banquets.
"We also contribute to the local economy by purchasing supplies here."
The facility currently employs 12 full-time equivalents and will host no less than 2,000 young people over a two-month summer season. During the other ten months of the year the facility is rented out to various groups and organizations.
"We've felt very welcome here," says Van Genne.
"We want to be a good corporate citizen. We feel we enhance the community just as the community enhances us. For us to do what we do, we have to impact the community in a positive way."
But what do young people who have participated have to say about their experience?
Ben Brama said it best with just six words.
"Good friends, good food, good message."
Think you may want to get involved? RockRidge Canyon provides volunteer opportunities through their WorkCrew Program a valuable lesson in giving back. There's also the Young Life Club, which meets weekly. To find out more about how you can become part of this exciting youth ministry program contact Scott Musgrove at (250) 295-7945 or visit their website at http://princeton.younglife.ca.
GRANTS SUPPORT LOCAL ARTS GROUPS
Princeton Community Arts Council has received a provincial grant this year that is slightly higher than previous years. Past grants were based on the population of Princeton, but Nick Mills advised BC Arts Council that Princeton's Arts Council serves Area H as well and on a per capita basis should receive a higher amount. Most of the grant money is distributed to paid-up member groups to assist them in their endeavours. In addition to these annual grants, Princeton Community Arts Council gives one-time grants for such things as equipment or special event costs.
The Town of Princeton gives an annual grant, and at the May 21 Arts Council meeting, Councillor Ray Jarvis was asked to convey to Council the appreciation of the Arts Council. Councillor Jarvis received a round of applause for the ongoing interest he has shown in the activities of the Arts Council and its member groups.
This year, Princeton's Arts Council sent two representatives to the BC Assembly of Arts Councils annual conference. President Rika Ruebsaat and Del Hall attended and gave a report to other members. They learned a great deal and came back with a number of resource books. Hall learned that Princeton is ideally situated for cultural tourism. She found some additional sources of funding for concerts, and found networking was very important.
Ruebsaat attended a grant writing workshop, and a workshop on celebrations held around BC. A guest speaker on arts in education was very informative. Garden Club
Princeton Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale this Saturday at Princeton Plaza, and is assisting in a vermiculture project at Princeton Secondary School along with Young Naturalists. Planning a community garden has been on their agenda.
Bunchgrass Quilters will be working on a quilt show project, no date set. A batty community
Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists participated in the Meadowlark Festival again this year on the May long weekend, and put up banners on lamp standards around town. Joann Gabriel reported there will be an expert on bats giving lessons in Princeton on June 10. She advised that there are 13 species of bats in BC, and Princeton area has 12 of these species, making it a "batty" community. Student show
Two Princeton Secondary School students received an art bursary last year from Vermilion Artists. Part of the bursary is an opportunity to have their own art show. On June 13/14, Hannah Donohoe and Kelsey Macdonald will be artists on show at the former Goldion Restaurant building, which the Town of Princeton has donated for arts activities until it is renovated for use as the new library.
Vermilion Artists will host their annual art show in the same location on June 27/28 to coincide with Racing Days. Traditional Music
Planning and organizing continues for the Traditional Music Festival on August 16/17. Jon Bartlett and Rika Ruebsaat are providing traditional music for the Treasures of Tulameen event on July 26 at Jacobson Lake Recreation Area.
Princeton Museum
Nick Mills reported the museum is open and receiving the same number of visitors as last year. There are many new displays. He revealed excellent news: summer staffing at the museum should be adequate this year. Future action
Princeton Community Arts Council will hold a regular meeting at 7:00 PM June 19, with the AGM on July 17. The Arts Council does not meet in August, but will resume on September 18.
President Ruebsaat requested that all member groups have a representative at the September meeting to discuss plans for the 2008-2009 year, to ensure there are no conflicting dates or activities. Local arts groups membership fees are due at the AGM and requests for grants must be submitted by September 1.
Nick Mills will have the new grants application forms available by that time.
POLICE REPORT QUIET LONG WEEKEND
Princeton RCMP report a "relatively quiet" May long weekend with two collisions occurring away from area highways.
"The first one occurred on May 17th when a male upended his ATV while riding on the KVR north of Tulameen," reports Princeton Detachment Sgt. Gary Macahonic.
The rider, a resident of Merritt suffered only minor injuries.
"The second collision, on May 18th occurred on the Coalmont Bridge, when a teenaged female motorcycle rider lost control and sustained head injuries."
The rider, a resident from the lower mainland, was transported to Kelowna General Hospital and was listed in stable condition last week.
"Traffic was heavy on Friday, with travellers headed for the Okanagan, then most returning on Monday."
Five members of the South Okanagan Traffic Section were deployed as well as local officers with many speeding tickets issued.
