As part of Westlock and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Teen Week, they hosted a Teens and Tractors night that also served as a Fathers Day event.
People were encouraged to bring their dads, grandfathers, uncles, brothers or any father figure to the Canadian Tractor Museum for yard games and a BBQ. They would wander the back hall filled with vintage tractors, each with a unique history that they could read about, then make their way to a large room where hamburgers, drinks and chips were ready.
A booth set up about Men’s Sheds Alberta, a space where men can gather to work on fun projects and get to know one another. This booth was there to encourage one for the Westlock Community. As said on their information sheet, Men’s Sheds can “... enhance social connections, mental well-being, skill development, and overall community resilience, making it a valuable addition to community life.”
One thing the FCSS prides itself on is providing affordable activities for all, Carla Nederhoof, the FCSS Program Coordinator ”we did it for free too just because some people might be like, “Oh, I really want to come to that." but they can't necessarily afford it or something. And at least if you make it free, you're hitting every demographic… You're not excluding anybody.”
This was one of the only Father’s Day events in Westlock compared to the high tea’s and activities during Mother’s Day weekend. Nederhoof says “There's a Mother's Day brunch but Father's Day isn't one of those things that get as much recognition.” That is why it was vital to include it in their Teen Week.
The FCSS’ team put on a Teen Week following the Senior’s Appreciation Week where each day anyone between the ages of 12 and 17 could engage in various activities put on by the FCSS. Each activity was partnered with some learning opportunities such as healthy versus unhealthy choices, income management and youth leadership.
Janice Tymkow, FCSS practicum student, came up with the idea of Teen Week to encourage more young people to get out and about in the community, especially after working with the school board for a time.
Tymkow may only be at the FCSS for a few months but she has already made changes that will impact the year going forward including continuing Teen Week and the Mental Health Walk that took place in May. She pointed out the importance of the FCSS in a community like Westlock, “There's a misconception that it's only for people that require support. But it's not… It's like a one stop shop for information and prevention and activities and community involvement and everything.”
The FCSS has big plans yet to be disclosed to the public for the upcoming summer months that include events for all ages.
