Glacier View Lodge is home to 101 seniors who love to visit with youth.
It is a special bond, the one between seniors and youth; one contributes experience and wisdom, and the other enthusiasm and a thirst for learning.
Glacier View Lodge welcomes youth, grades 9 to 12 to volunteer and complete their work experience hours at the lodge. Most students visit one afternoon a week from 4 to 5:30 p.m. throughout the school year.
Each volunteer develops their own job duties with the lodge staff, depending upon their interests. Some enjoy helping residents connect via the computer, some play games, others offer manicures, share music or art or help with preparations for special events at the lodge.
“I connected to an art project at the lodge through my school, Mark R. Isfeld Secondary,” said volunteer Jenna Gill.
“I heard about it through announcements and thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to show my artistic skills. Plus, my great-grandmother lives at the lodge, and I loved the thought of bringing joy to her and the other residents.
“The residents had decided to name each of the room wings to help others find their way around more easily. They were looking for students to create the art that would depict the theme for each wing,” she explained.
“After months of planning, I started on my mural - ‘Steller’s Jay Way’. Eventually, I realized that painting a mural was a big job to be doing by myself, so I asked my grandmother, Clare McLellan, to help me out and teach me different techniques. The project would not have been the same without her. It has been fun to do together.”
Gill noted she would recommend the project to future artists who want to explore their creativity.
“I loved painting and getting to know the residents. They always have a kind word to offer and sometimes maybe a suggestion for the painting.”
Youth interested in Volunteering with Glacier View Lodge for the 2018-2019 school year, can pick up an application form from the secondary school work experience offices in September, or request one by email at Liz.Friis@cvviews.ca