Maker Space
If you really want to get an idea of how many kids show up at the Altona Youth for Christ’s new drop-in centre every week, you only need to read the mechanical counter on their recently acquired vintage pinball machine.
Director Sheridan Sawatzky says the counter revealed that the machine had been played 12,000 times from the time it was made in 1973 until they bought it last June.
“This summer alone, it’s been played another 4,000 times.”
Since the new building opened for business in 2022, Sawatzky says they’ve seen a lot of growth.
“The kids are always excited to come to this space, and that’s the goal. We wanted to provide a place where kids are excited to come to, even if it’s just to hang out, or play video games or board games with their friends. That’s great. If it’s here to work in the Maker Space to learn a new skill, and develop that skill, that’s also great. If they’re coming here for guidance, ultimately that’s what we’re here for. All these other things are just a means of connecting with kids in a deeper and more meaningful way.”
The Altona YFC – Youth Unlimited drop-in centre is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings, and after school on Thursdays.
“So that is really a great day for a lot of kids who have a hard time getting rides to our programs because they can come here right after school, and their parents can pick them up at the end of the night,” Sawatzky said. “And we provide supper and all that. Everything we do here, there is no cost for any of the teens. We want to make sure there are no barriers for any of the kids.”
Directors at the facility include Sawatzky alongside Marty Falk, Peter Serger, who directs the Maker Spaces, and Kendra Fehr, who works with the girls who also enjoy all that Altona YFC offers.
Last year, Serger initiated a partnership with École Parkside School.
“We’ve been doing projects with three classes at Parkside School during their school day, so just over 90 students from Grades 7 and 8 come to the building,” shares Sawatzky
This growth for the organization is exciting to see, he says.
“We used to have just the older crowd from Grade 10 and up, who were the majority of our drop-in attendees, and now it’s getting younger and younger as they get more exposure to our programs, especially partnering with the schools, which has been a real benefit.”
Serger is teaching them all about 3D technology and recently added vector graphics to their toolbox.
“It’s distinctly different from 3D modelling, but both processes are skills that are beneficial in any kind of creative digital industry and are beneficial for the students to know. Kids make these things and it’s something that can prepare them for their own futures in finding a career path” he says.
“There’s an entry level component to what we do, even the laser and the computer numeric coding is something that Elmer’s Manufacturing has. The concepts and the actual process are very similar. Even just going over health and safety stuff is part of working in a workplace. We want the kids to have as much exposure to different things that can turn to a creative outlet or future employment. It boosts confidence and gives them an area where they can relate to others.”
The airplane under construction in the woodwork shop is just one example.
Supplied Photos
YFC participants have been working with volunteer instructor Warren Klippenstein to build an airplane in the facility’s woodworking shop
“That’s a big thing for us. We want to develop those community partnerships with industry but also with individuals. As far as I know, most kids have never made an airplane before. And it’s not a project any of us here on staff would take on. But we have a skilled volunteer named Warren Klippenstein who wanted to do it and see how kids would react to it, and it’s pretty cool to see.”
A process of periodic certification to the Piper R120 ensures that it will be ready when it becomes airborne in a year or so.
“We’re always trying to find more and more ways for the kids to experience different things,” Sawatzky says. “We want skilled volunteers who are passionate about things they are teaching the kids. Warren is very meticulous and has been a pilot for a long time. We’ve had quite a few drawn to the plane. Popping rivets through sheet metal is fun for like 10 minutes and they find it boring but we’re trying to get them to see the long-term benefit of sticking with something. What kid wouldn’t want to say they built an airplane?”
He adds, “While they’re having fun and developing new skills, they’re also developing a work ethic and possibly adding to a future resume.”
Other maker spaces at the drop-in centre include an art studio, music room with a podcast studio, and a technology lab, where the biggest growth has been on 3D design.
“We partner with local industry in a meaningful way. They can see the value in the equipment, and they see potential future employees. Local businesses are taking an interest in what the kids are learning here. It is a creative outlet, but it is also a space where kids develop a hometown connection where they want to work here. They want to have opportunities that they can pursue. When businesses see the value, they want to support what we’re doing.”
At the end of the day, Sawatzky says it all still comes down to making youth feel loved and valued.
“Every kid who comes through here is an image bearer of God, and we’re gonna treat them that way. Sometimes that means working side by side with them on a project and through that we develop a relationship and lead them through tough things in life and spiritual questions they may have. We’re glad to be that person for them. And sometimes it means sitting in silence with them. Young kids connect quickly when their hands and eyes are busy, and you can have meaningful conversations. All these things are awesome but they’re a means of connecting in a deeper way and really caring for them.”
