Youth Leadership Program-Meet the People Behind its Success

After connecting with ACCA Youth Leadership Program volunteer leaders and listening to their shared stories the pressure was on to somehow pack all the laughter, words and smiles into a manageable piece. One could write about the beautiful setting of the program nestled between Jasper and Rocky Mountain House or the delicious food both participants and volunteer staff rave about, but it’s more than that. It’s the total package. The perfect setting, well-organized, high-level fun plus experiences that help enrich the lives of teen participants and adult leaders alike.  

 If you haven’t heard about the ACCA Co-operative Youth Leadership Program, we host it annually at the Goldeye Centre. It is an experience-based program for youth, helping them gain confidence, leadership skills, and a greater understanding to lead change within themselves and their community. And it digs into the co-operative model and the unique opportunities it provides. And unlike freckles and summer tan lines the memories of the fun times, the extraordinary experiences and friendships never fade and remain forever tucked in the hearts of the participants and the staff. 

 A fully trained group of adults supervises each program. They are passionate volunteers made up of qualified employees and members of co-operatives, credit unions, other youth and agricultural organizations, and program alumni. And it is those staff, combined with the sponsors who faithfully commit to supporting the program, that make a significant impact on the lives of the campers.  

 We recently sat down with three ACCA program volunteer staff who shared their experiences and takeaways and explained why this program means so much to them. If you were looking for a cookie-cutter type, you won’t find it here. Their personalities, backgrounds and purpose for supporting the program were as diverse as Alberta’s terrain but forever connected by a bond of service, experience and willingness.  

Joanne Graff 

When meeting Joanne Graff, one is immediately drawn into her warm smile and enthusiasm. Known as J-Mello around the campfire, it’s easy to see why she’s a natural fit. She works at her local credit union and a member and volunteer at the Wetaskiwin Agricultural Society.  

Best moments?  

Do I have to pick one? “There are so many! Little wins along the way - like a well-earned smile and unexpected eye contact from one of the more reserved participants. Wait! I thought of more! The moment when the kids gel and truly become ‘a group’. You can almost see the barriers drop; they begin to open up to each other and the volunteer staff. Sometimes it’s a detectable moment that you can practically see. Like a light bulb that gets switched on in the dark.”  

Why volunteer? “It helps you get more out of life. It is literally the cliche you’ve heard over and over… you get out of life what you put in” 

Tara Baycroft  

Kind-hearted and passionate about supporting youth at risk, Tara is working to help them find their place. As a youth, Tara found her place among the participants. She is now a well-connected teacher aptly placed to connect the youth she works with to the leadership program, which she regards as a positive, life-changing experience.   

First impression. “The awkward first hour on the bus ride to the program. We were strangers when we got on, but by the time we arrive, laughter and conversation were loud and animated, and friendships had already begun. Funny story, I met my husband at the program. I can’t say it was love at first sight for either of us, but we grew on each other and eventually hosted our wedding at Goldeye Centre - the location of the program. “ 

 I am a teen…sell me on attending the program. “Do I have to pick only one thing? That would be hard to narrow it down. Here are the things that stand out but not in any particular order—the people, the food, the setting - so beautiful and peaceful. Just being surrounded by nature, even the wildlife we encounter from time to time - seems to be more surreal. Then there’s the volunteer staff. The fun and intensity of new adventures. The experience and blessing of the opportunity to get away and be surrounded by a magical setting for a short time, I could go on.”  

 Derek Skogen aka Skogey 

From the financial world to the acting stage, Derek brings a suitcase of strengths and talents one might miss if one doesn’t take the time to sit down and hear more.  

Lasting effects? “I have benefited from my time at the program and from other co-operative programs and placements. My first job was at the local co-op grocery store.  While growing up and hearing my sister talk about her time at the ACCA youth program, it seemed like an experience I shouldn’t miss.  Through ACCA, I was connected to an international youth co-op program. I travelled to Ghana to meet with local youth immersed in a co-op savings program. Eventually, as I ventured out into the working world, my employers told me, the confidence and knowledge I gained during my time at the program as a youth and a volunteer staff set me apart from other candidates.”

More about the ACCA Co-operative Youth Leadership Program 

The ACCA Co-operative Youth Leadership Program has been lovingly attended to by Liane Courchesne-Dingman, the youth program coordinator for the past twelve years. No detail is too small for Liane. Her smile which fills up a room seems to get larger when she connects with former participants and volunteer staff.  

 “I love what I do,” said Liane. “The people I have met through the program each have a spot in my heart.”  

 Disappointed by the cancellation of the in-person summer program portion due to the pandemic, Liane has found alternative ways to keep the program alive in the hearts and minds of her crew in spite of the roadblocks.  

“Our program is built on relationships and connection - we’ve just had to pivot on how it’s going to happen while COVID is our reality.” Contact continues virtually with participants and volunteers through weekly events and happenings; including discussion groups designed to provide support and break through the effects of isolation due to the pandemic.  

“Committed sponsors have helped greatly. Even though we aren’t at the program, these kids need the connection now more than ever.  Our sponsors still continued to provide the fuel necessary to keep the program running and participants connected.” 

Youth, volunteers and potential sponsors who are interested in hearing more about the program can connect with Liane at 780-991-4620  lcourchesne@acca.coop. To find out more about the program, please visit acca.coop/youth.  

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