SWAT takes aim at youth wellness
By Gwen Snell
Freelance Journalist
Hanna’s JC Charyk Student Wellness Action Team (SWAT) is gearing up to embrace February with their Wellness Retreat during the day for students of JC Charyk - followed up with a Youth Wellness Evening open to all students across Prairie Land School Division.
The event features international motivation speaker Chris Koch (If I can), educational sessions focusing upon self-care and positive communication dealing with stress, entertainment with Hanna’s own Garrett Gregory and concluding with line dancing lessons and a dance with DJ Dally Up & Dance.
The idea started as a spark with two committee members who were part of a youth leadership retreat and has taken fire from there. Natalie Karg and Kalli Cooper felt that it would be a wonderful experience for other students and an opportunity to educate others on mental health at the same time. Members of the Action Team agreed with them, and together, the group has been working to ensure that the day runs smoothly.
It’s been a learning opportunity for both Karg and Cooper as well. Cooper indicated: “From planning this event, I have learned problem-solving skills, as our subcommittee is responsible for planning all aspects of the day, including the location within the school, meal options, ticket sales and funding for the event. Also, communication is key when having meetings and writing emails and requests for funding and volunteers! Planning the wellness retreat has been a large leadership role for me as I have been responding to emails, answering questions, attending meetings and preparing for the event, as well as keeping our team updated on the outline of the day! I have been quite busy planning and preparing for the event as it quickly approaches. I enjoy volunteering in my school and community and hope that I can make a difference, especially when it comes to mental health! Natalie and I are both very passionate about this event and hope it will be well attended.”
JC Charyk SWAT team membership includes representation from grades 7 to 12, staff members, and a community member. Staff members Lorrenda Southern and Audra Limpert are the lead mentors within the committee. Student representatives include Elijah Jamieson, Jessa Reyes, Jennifer Riverea, Natalie Karg, Kalli Cooper (Student Lead), Joezef Capuz, Dan Cleto, Aira Punay, Anna Raugust, Riley Biscarra, Ava Gallagher and Emma Renaud. Additional representation and support include Anna Yarbrough (finances), Jennifer Palmer and Andrea Olsen (Project REACH) and Alysha Richards-Jacobsen (Family Facilitator for Mcman).
Student Wellness Action Teams (SWAT) are not unique to schools within Prairie Land School Division. JC Charyk’s team was very active in the past from 2013 to 2019. The original team was pivotal in securing funding for the outdoor workout equipment on the southwest corner of the schoolyard, promoting healthy eating through the concession and elimination of soda dispensers and mental health initiatives. Hanna’s SWAT also worked with administration to create a Safe and Caring Schools Administrative Procedure that promoted inclusion. Interest waned following 2019 but has gained new life with its present members and upcoming projects.
The team recognized the importance of taking a lead in promoting social skills and mental health as a direct result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, they view their purpose or goals to “provide an opportunity to improve youth’s socializing skills, attributed mainly to the lock-down where socialization was not available to them at a critical time in their development. Improve mental health to help students better be able to manage life’s highs and lows.” They plan to do this through training, education, challenges, and fun with the aim that students will be better equipped to handle stress, realize their own abilities and allow students the confidence to contribute within the community.
Members indicated that “Mental Health stigma can lead to discrimination, whereby adolescents with mental health issues are treated differently or poorly because of their condition – SWAT team hopes to provide positive leadership by demonstrating that it is good to be aware of one’s mental health, how to improve it, and have compassion to help others.”
These are high-level goals for this team. Goals they are prepared to tackle and feel confident they will reach. In addition to the upcoming Youth Wellness Retreat/ Wellness Evening planned for Friday, February 1, the team has indicated they have several other projects lined up. This includes mental health signage in the school, an after-school cooking program, a Gaga ball pit, and a zip line for the playground.
Pre-registration is required for the Youth Wellness Evening as it will include activities in the south gym, crafts, a catered supper, Garrett Gregory Mini-concert, Chris Koch presentation, line dancing lessons, and a DJ’d dance with Dally Up & Dance. Tickets can be purchased online or at any Prairie Land School.