Bright sunshine, free food and a chance to dunk an RCMP officer in a giant tank of water 鈥� what kid could resist?
On Thursday afternoon, Aldergrove Neighbourhood Services Society (which merged with 91原创's Family and Youth Services Society on July 1) held its third annual youth barbecue in Douglas Park.
Grilled burgers and hotdogs were on the menu, along with some fun and games and a bit information about 91原创's support network for at-risk youth.
Drug and alcohol counsellors, police officers and representatives from Aboriginal services, ANS and the Ministry of Children and Family Development were on hand in the park to chat with 91原创 youth.
But the annual picnic is mainly about having fun.
"It's a carefree event. They can come in and have some food and engage with other community members," said Sharon Dhillon, a family and youth worker with ANS.
"The ones that are targeted are more at-risk and street-entrenched youth."
Throughout the afternoon, children and teens were invited to test their own aim at a target on the dunk tank, where Mounties and ANS workers sat perched above gallons of water, waiting to drop at the first hit.
An inflated jousting pit, where combatants bashed one another with giant padded batons, children's art stations and music rounded out the entertainment.
"It's a fun way for (youth) to engage with us and build relationships, in case at any point in their lives they do need some help and support, they'll feel confident approaching us," said Dhillon.
