Expose, educate, and inspire youth
Annual Youth Expo heading to Brookfield
The second annual Youth Expo aims to bring learning to life.
Women That Hunt is the nonprofit organization hosting the event. Kelly Lemay, one of the event co-ordinators, says their goal is to get kids to try new things.
“This isn’t your average trade show with booths and vendors. Every booth is interactive because that’s how most kids learn, by doing it.”
The Expo takes place April 22 in Brookfield, at the Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
It is free for youth and $5 for adults.
They have over 80 interactive exhibits in the works, partnering with local businesses to teach youth about activities they may not have previously had the opportunity to experience, said Lemay.
“It’s our effort to inspire a better health and wellness lifestyle in youth.”
Lemay says there will be activities and learning experiences for everyone. Events range from raising a chicken egg to chainsaw art.
“Kids may never have these opportunities again and we want to give them that kickstart to try it out, and who knows maybe they’ll love it.”
When youth see stars on TV or hear them on the radio, they figure they can never be like them.
That’s why the youth expo is trying to give them these opportunities, said Lemay.
“It puts kids in a perspective to say ‘I can do this too.’”
The event hopes to get some Maritime success-story examples, to show youth they can succeed in whatever they choose to do, said Lemay.
“Once upon a time they were just kids from a small community, too, and they followed their dreams and that can show the kids that it is possible.”
Last year’s event focused on mostly physical activities.
They had over 1,100 youth participants, with 56 vendors. This year, with more vendors and a broadened activity list, they are preparing for a higher turnout.
“Why would we want to exclude anyone? So after last year we added more of everything.”