There are many ways that a community can react to a crisis amongst its youth and how it does so says much about that community's character.
Some will focus on the symptoms, calling for shows of legal force and incarceration, claiming that this will be a deterrent. Others will search out the cause and work towards creating a social environment that will foster a culture of peace and order.The best way to do that is through teaching children how to use their youthful energy to create positive experiences and view their community as their home.An example of this is the Broadview Community Youth Group (BCYG), which provides constructive programs for those aged four to 12. The group came into being during the early part of the decade in the Broadview Housing Co-operative in East York.It was founded by Craig Logue, who has extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector and who is supported on BCYG's executive team by entrepreneur and business consultant Mary Fragedakis (vice-president) and IBM executive Greg Coughlin (treasurer).A lack of amenities for youth was leading many into anti-social and destructive behaviour that comes out of boredom and lack of direction.A small but successful program of summer activities was created under a summer jobs grant in 2003 solely for the youth of the co-op.By 2006, it became apparent that there was a need for such a program within the communities of East York and Riverdale.According to the 2006 federal census, there are approximately 6,000 youth between the ages of five and 14 within the area the BCYG serves. The sad part is that there is a serious lack of youth-oriented programs within this area despite its large size.To overcome this problem, the BCYG offers day camps during the summer and school breaks, as well as clubs and classes during the school year.These programs encourage children to create things that are artistic, develop a love for the positive activities that they do, and explore their world in a friendly and socially conscious way.The program is operated out of Danforth Baptist Church, located at 60 Bowden St., which includes a gymnasium, activities room, kitchen, cafe and large hall. An example of what good things come from the youth involved in the BCYG's programs can be seen in the Magic Garden mural located in the Logan Greenfield on Logan Avenue just north of Danforth.Thirty young people in the program painted four large panel murals that were used to cover a graffiti-painted fence and bring back a sense of community pride to this public area.While the summer camp program is now winding down, there are excellent evening and weekend programs coming this fall, as well as winter and March Break day camps. These programs are open to all youth aged five to 12 and there are subsidized spots available. For more information, visit bcyg.ca or call 416-907-8002.