St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Humboldt is welcoming young people from all backgrounds to participate in a new youth program. 

The program operates on Wednesday's and Friday's at the St. Andrew's Anglican Church. It's an opportunity for young people in the area to hang out in a safe and welcome environment and to try out new skills and interests.

Reverend Matteo Carboni says that the program began for youth 8 to 16 years of age on Friday nights from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. 

He explains, "Some of the older kids were wondering if we could open up on a second night, and so we decided to go on Wednesdays from four to seven. It gives youth who may have nothing else to do some activities." The group has been in operation for only a week or so. On the first gathering, students wanted to head to the Humboldt Museum to learn about the development of the community. 

As well, some were asking about how to get jobs for the summer, so volunteers did some work with the students around work searches.

This week, some of the students interested in extending their photography skills from their involvement in the yearbook at high school work with digital photography aided by volunteer Becky Zimmer. Youth participants Hailie Bourgette and Darron Sommer were on hand working with the camera equipment. Bourgette is no stranger to digital photography, "At the school, we have really nice cameras there. I'm in the photography class, so it's not my first time with a camera."

For his part, Sommer has been part of previous groups and enjoys the social aspect of having a place to gather.

Zimmer says a new aspect for this incarnation of the youth group is the planning of specific activities. The activities are adapted by being friendly to a church space, but the group also ventures out into the community. 

Youth are welcome to drop by to the church on Wednesday afternoons from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.