Kelini Manoharan
April 25, 2024
1. Do you remember what led you to join SCHC’s Youth programs? And approximately how long ago was that?
I registered for a SCHC summer camp in 2021 and remember it being really fun. So I’ve been attending the camp years after that. From there, I noticed that the same organization runs other programs after school. In 2022, I decided to apply there as well.
2. What are your favourite programs/activities with the group?
I enjoy everything we do in all these programs, but my favourite was volunteering for a Halloween event. It was a haunted house on the lower level of the hub. As a youth lead program MSYL, it was exciting to see how we started with brainstorming and ideas floating around the room, gradually seeing the event forming into real life outside of our minds.
3. How do you feel these programs have impacted your life, especially as a youth in Scarborough? Have you had challenges over the years that these programs helped you get over in some way?
These programs impacted my life over the years, giving me opportunities to put myself out there and gain leadership and communication skills. As a youth in Scarborough, I find it very rare to have programs such as the ones SCHC offers. I’m glad this organization created these programs to help youth in many ways. I was a very shy kid, but I’m energetic and talkative once you get to know me. When I attended the summer camps, they really helped me step out of my comfort zone. I got more comfortable talking to newer people. I wasn’t as shy as I was before that camp. This really helped me because I was going into high school later that year. The skills I gained through that summer camp helped me make many friends I’m grateful for every day.
4. Any special memories you would like to share?
My favourite memory is when I attended this girl’s program called GLTR. We did a lot of fun activities during our sessions. My favourite one is where we baked cookies. I got to have fun with my friends while eating the delicious treats we made.
5. Any words you would like to share with potential donors/bidders at our fundraising event?
Over the years, SCHC has supported Scarborough’s youth in countless ways, but most significantly, we’ve slowly been building a way to connect and strengthen our community. Our mission extends beyond just the youth; we aim to provide opportunities for everyone in our city to enhance themselves. Knowing that together, we can build a more secure and more connected community.