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What your acne is telling you

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Everyone has had acne or a pimple at some point, no matter how hard we try to keep our skin clear. If you clicked on this article, I’m assuming that you get acne (like most of us). Have you ever considered that your body is trying to tell you something? Everything that goes on inside of us is connected; a problem in your stomach can affect your heart, which can affect your brain, which can affect… you get the idea. Getting acne or pimples in certain areas on your face can be attributed to imbalance in another part of your body. If you haven’t been getting enough sleep, exercise, or eating healthily, then it can show through on your face.

There are some people who have naturally sensitive skin, in which case these indicators might not be so for you. Nonetheless, this video will tell you exactly what your face is saying and how you can deal with it, and hopefully one day you will have clear skin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z139_OHNuLE

Now, I’m going to share some of my favourite products that have really helped me to keep a clear complexion and fight that acne when it pops up.

Image taken from: http://www.allure.com/images/beauty-products/skin/2013/neutrogena-naturals-acne-spot-treatment.jpg

Neutrogena® Acne Spot Treatment

This is a cream that I really love, partially because it contains natural ingredients so it’s perfect for sensitive skin. It comes in a tiny bottle, although you don’t need very much. I use it twice a day, just taking a little dollop on my finger and massaging into the areas of my face where I get acne most frequently (usually around my nose and in between by eyebrows). It does leave a bit of a sticky feeling when it dries, so I like to use this before I moisturize, and then my lotion takes away the sticky feeling.
It is salicylic acid based, so if you know that salicylic acid doesn’t work for you, then this product might not be as effective, but it does help me contain my breakouts.

 

 

Clean & Clear® Advantage® Plus Popped Pimple Drying Paste

Image taken from:http://img.makeupalley.com/3/9/0/6/2310908.JPG

Although the name is a bit of a mouthful, this product comes in a very small package. As the name states, it’s for use after you’ve popped a pimple to make sure that the wound doesn’t get infected and it heals with minimal acne scars.

If your parents or someone has told you not to pop your pimples, then I won’t be the one to tell you otherwise, but I do it because an unpopped pimple hurts and quite frankly does not look very attractive.

I use this at night, and it only takes a teardrop-sized amount to cover your wound, and then you just let it dry. The paste will turn from blue to white when it’s fully dried, and then you can just wash it off. This being said, it will not get rid of your pimple right away. You will still see a bump afterwards and there will still be redness, this paste is only to protect and soothe your skin.

Girls have a slight advantage here because if you use this at night or in the morning, you can then apply some concealer over the area(s) and the blemish will not be as visible if you’re going to be taking pictures or going somewhere special.

Again, this product is salicylic acid based, so it may or may not work for you.

 

Image taken from: http://www.sephora.com/images/sku/s1421262-main-hero.jpg?country_switch=ca&lang=en

Sephora® Dark Spot Minimizing Serum 

This last product is by Sephora, so the price is a bit higher compared to the other two, but it does yield very nice results.

I have some dark spots, whether from acne scars or just random blemishes, and using this gel really helps. All you do is squeeze a little bit out into the applicator head, and then massage it into the areas of your skin where you need it.

There are a lot of other products out there that are for targeting dark spots, but in my experience this one is the least costly for its effects. It does come in a really small packaging as well, but as with all these products, a little goes a long way.

With the exception of the last product, you can find acne-fighting agents in your regular drug or grocery store. It doesn’t take some miracle product or super expensive brand names to solve your acne problem. Looking for products that have more natural-based ingredients will yield longer-lasting results, although not as immediate. The road to clear skin takes patience and self-confidence, but armed with this newfound knowledge, the journey should be easier.

Quote of The Day: Weirdness by Dr. Seuss

dr-seuss

Dr. Seuss is a genius. I grew up reading his stories and until recently, I don’t ever recall ever reading this. I’m a considerably odd person, but then again, it is impossible to create a standard for “normal.” It’s so interesting to think that in relationships, whether they be between friends, family or significant others, understanding, respect and ultimately the quality of said relationship is dependent on how people interpret and react to others’ quirks. Not being something that we normally think of in out day to day interactions, the ways that other people react to certain situations defines to us who they are and what we think of them.

Human interaction and attraction are subjective to those they involve, so in a very real way, Dr. Seuss has is right. When we find people who’s ways complement our own, we have a special connection that cannot be replicated, as we are all individuals with different perspectives, outlooks, ideas and habits.

So be proud of your weirdness! Because, you know, there’s always someone out there who loves you for it, whether you can see it or not.

Image Source

Five foods that ease pain

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CINNAMON

If I could pick a spice I love it had to be cinnamon. It is anti-inflammatory. It also helps with reducing pain whenever you have a headache or a heartburn.

TURMERIC

Turmeric has so many amazing benefits. It is tough to combat cancers, how great is that? It has some great anti-inflammatory properties as well having you feel yourself again in no time. Something easy you can add turmeric to is lemon tea or honey tea.

CELERY

Anything green is supposed to be great for your health, as we are told. Celery contains apigenin, which helps with swelling and discomfort that is caused by pain. Celery is mostly water so when people workout they often munch on this because it doesn’t increase weight. Make a soup or put it through a juicer, and enjoy!

WALNUTS

They are a super food shaped like your brain they help with memory. However, they can also reduce swelling associated with any sporting injury due to the large amounts of omega 3s. In addition they help heal your body as soon as possible.

OLIVE OIL

If you cook make sure that you use olive oil. The smell is quite pungent. The colour and flavour are magnificent as well. It helps fight pain! Something you can do is fry an egg in it, dip chunks of bread in it then add some vegetables and mix it in a pan. It helps make people feel better and aid in preventing stokes and cancers.

The possibilities are endless so make sure you add these amazing foods into your diet.

Need a break from life? Come here.

Welcome.

Hey, life is tough sometimes – I understand how it feels.

Sometimes you just need to take a break from it all and remember the beauty of your existence.

Click here

the quiet place

 

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If you enjoyed this, please share with other people you know.

The creator of The Quiet Place Project is Amitay Tweeto. It’s a project of only one man who wants to change the world.

He also created similar projects like The Thought Room , The Dawn Room and The Comfort Spot .

If you’re not in need of help, there is someone out there who does. Go to The Comfort Spot and remind them that someone cares about them in this vast world.

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If you’re just in search of relaxation and reconnecting with the simplistic beauty of life, these links are good:

http://www.rainymood.com/ (The ambience of a  gentle thunderstorm)

http://soundrown.com/ (Listen to the sounds of rain, fire, waves, etc.)

http://coffitivity.com/ (Bringing you the casual sounds of coffee-shop chatter)180996_135904683249049_388728970_n

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Youth Night at Southland Leisure Centre

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The Southland Leisure Centre is a recreational center in SW Calgary that offers a wide variety of activities, programs and equipment. It provides a swimming area with slides and wave pools, two skating rinks (for both the public and shinny hockey), fitness rooms, weight rooms, gyms, racquet and squash courts climbing wall, children/babysitting rooms, and rooms to host birthday parties. This center also provides an AfterSchool Program for junior high students, day camps, and space for large group gatherings.

The Fitness Studio
The Fitness Studio
The Gymnastics Room
The Gymnastics Room
The Babysitting Room
The Babysitting Room

One of its many events is Youth Night every Friday for teens. From 8 to 11 pm, teens ages 12 – 17 are invited to join in with the Youth Night fun. For that Friday, the sports hall is youth only; so bring your friends and go enjoy the wonderful opportunity! The pool will also be open for any youth that night.

The Waterpark
The Waterpark
The Climbing Wall
The Climbing Wall

 

Check out the City of Calgary’s website on the Southland Leisure Centre.

Joel Agarwal: Exploring nature in Calgary

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Joel Agarwal
Joel Agarwal

One may usually perceive Calgary as being the last place for a nature filled experience with all city lights that light up the sky, but youth photographer Joel Agarwal proves that Calgary is a nature-oriented city that is not solely run on the basis of technology. Last week I was able to catch up with Joel to ask him for what his inspiration was.

He said:

“I’m so inspired by how beautiful the world is. All you have to do is take the time to stop and realize the splendor and the amazing paint strokes all around us. Often we get so caught up in our everyday busy lives and we forget to notice the little things around us. Photography has been a hobby that really allows me to capture moments, special unique moments that will never ever be the same again. I hope my photography inspires others to see the world through different lenses and to realize just how fortunate we are to live in such a gorgeous world and not to take it for granted.”

Joel was the main photographer at the “Speaking for the Future,” hosted by the Calgary Youth Advisory Council presented by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and had his autumn photos featured at the Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest in Australia. Through Joel’s photos, I have a deeper connection with Calgary’s natural side and as a result his photos produce emotions in me that entail a greater appreciation for natural environmental beauty. But of course the pictures that you see here are just of the tip of the iceberg and only reveal a small taste of Calgary’s natural side.

 1959350_216578965206607_889311899_n IMG_6365

For more pictures visit and like: https://www.facebook.com/joelaphotography

Pinspired: The 11th Doctor

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Welcome to my new attempt at trying to create structure in my life through a blog series.

Pinspired is a blog series I’m starting where I scour Pinterest for DIYs and inspirations, then show you my take here. So as some of you may know, the Calgary Comic Expo is coming to Calgary, and I had the privilege of meeting Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, who play the Eleventh Doctor and companion Amy Pond (respectively) on British TV show Doctor Who.

The Comic Expo is a place filled with creative and beautiful cosplays and inspired outfits – something I never had the nerve to do. If you don’t know what a cosplay is, it’s simply dressing up as a character from a book, TV show, video game, etc. Originally stemming from Japanese anime and manga, cosplay is now an umbrella term for people who like to pay homage to their favourite characters a la Comic Con.

This year, I’m actually doing two inspired outfits: one inspired by the eleventh doctor, and another by Dean Winchester from hit TV show Supernatural (synopsis: hot angels, guys in leather jackets, moose, crying).

I actually have yet to find my pieces and put it together, but below I’ve listed a couple of pins that I’m currently drawing ideas from for the eleventh doctor.

As this is just an introduction to Pinspired, the following posts will be about finding the pieces, putting it together, cosplay hacks, and also a small segue into my own Comic Con Survival Guide.

Stay tuned – you won’t regret watching me slowly deteriorate from stress of trying to find proper clothing articles (I’m funny when I’m stressed*).

So below are two I found on Pinterest – my next blog will focus more on Eleven’s attire and drawing ideas from that. For now this introduction is just to get my feelers out – what do you think about Pinspired?

 

*I’m funny all the time.

Inspired outfit from: accidentallysyd on Polyvore
Inspired outfit from: accidentallysyd on Polyvore

 

Outfit board put together by: Amy on Pinterest
Outfit board put together by: Amy on Pinterest

 

A Cosplay a day: Finn the (zombie) human

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Since the Calgary Expo is right around the corner (April 24-27), I thought I would show you some different characters I am going as and how to make the perfect Cosplay! First up is Finn the Human from Adventure Time, but with a little twist; he’s a zombie.

1. Outfit:

DSC_2894

Finn’s outfit is very basic and super easy to make, all you need is a light blue t shirt, navy blue shorts, white socks and a pair of black converse or other high top sneakers!  The harder part is trying to find his signature hat and bag, in this case I had purchased Finn’s hat from a novelty store for $20 and was fortunate enough to borrow the backpack from my friend who already had it, although you can easily make one yourself or buy one for a reasonable price online. To “zombify” your outfit, dirty up your shirt by cutting holes in it, let it get wrinkled and throw dirt and black makeup on it; try to make it look as dirty and gross as possible!

2. Makeup:

Because I decided on making Finn the Human a zombie, the makeup is a bit more complex than it usually would be. With that said, it is still fairly simple to do. Make sure your foundation is somewhat grey by using a grey face paint or use a lot of white-colored DSC_2897powder. To get the dead look, use black and purple eye shadow on your lids and under your eye, and remember, the darker, the better. To make your face more defined and zombie like, try shadowing your nose by taking some black eye shadow or eye liner and drawing just around the crevices of your nose. Do not use blush for this look, because it will make you look more alive, instead try to use a contour or bronzer to really define your features, therefore making you look more creepy. For a special touch, take some red food dye or just some lipstick around your mouth and add some gross gashes and bruises by using purple and black eye shadow. Use some lipstick as well, where ever you’d like; get creative!

Cosplay is all about having fun and really capturing what YOU think the character is all about. Get creative and let your mind run wild to create some cool Cosplay outfits! If you have made one that you are going to be sporting at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo, I’d love to see them! You can tweet a picture of your Cosplay to me @audrey_niksic or  use the hashtag #yaacosplay

Youth Week’s importance from the Froyo table

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TF1

TF2

What comes up in your mind when you hear “Youth Week“?

Sunday was of course the kick-off day. I was at the Tutti Frutti kick-off event, which is the start of it all. If you missed out on the $4 youth cup fun, I suggest you to also check out Rebecca’s post on this day and most importantly the wrap-up event for the same good deal.

I was brainstorming ideas on my way there when I came to my corny realization that the diverse amount of froyo options metaphorically describe us. The different yummy toppings and flavours can be thought of as that celebrated diversity amongst us. Sounds simplified, I know, but it’s food for thought – a thought that guided me to ask a pivotal question to some of the customers I came across (all while they are enjoying their froyo cup):

TF3

 “Youth Week is about raising awareness and to get them into issues.”

“Youth Week is about functions that aren’t just limited to adults but involve child and youth.”

“Children. Social media.”

“A ton of teenagers.”

“Youth Week could be expanded into different languages and cultures.”

TF4

“Activities for youth, outdoors, sports, moving, movies, and so forth.”

“Youth. Kids. A chance to look at our relationship with that next generation.”

“I was a old volunteer with Youth Central and didn’t even know about Youth Week until I walked in to have froyo today.”

That, I’m sure, is what likely came up on a lot of you guys’ minds too.

I feel that even though we are the most direct beneficiaries, there is a lot of adults and such that value such a week as well. With the participation of Virgin Radio Calgary and Funny 1060 AM at the event in addition to Tutti Frutti’s Calgary locations, there’s growth. Not to mention it’s all thanks to that participation.

In the meantime, I’ll leave you with some frozen yogurt pictures and TF’s promotion for the upcoming week you now know a little about. Drop me your answer below to the question if you’d like, and go check out all the YAA coverage. =)

TF5
I’ll admit that the leftmost one is mine.

TF6

Let’s all go for fro yo; Youth Week’s kick-off event at Tutti Frutti

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This past Sunday, Tutti Frutti helped celebrate Youth Week by offering $4 youth cups.
This past Sunday, Tutti Frutti helped celebrate Youth Week by offering $4 youth cups.

Easter Sunday, younglings all over the city hunted for eggs beneath the sunny rays procuring an appetite for one thing, frozen yogurt. This year, Youth Week was fortunate enough to partner up with Tutti Frutti and held its kick-off event at Tutti Frutti’s 17th Avenue location. Just like the $4 flat rate frozen yogurt cups Tutti Frutti offered for youth, the day was filled with delicious conversation and sweet tunes.

Not only were youth treated to vast amounts of frozen yogurt, Virgin Radio and Funny 1060AM delivered some awesome music and entertainment. The food, the entertainment and the people, including Youth Central’s wonderful ambassadors from the Mayor’s Youth Council, helped procure some great conversation relating to Youth Week.

MYC member, Sarah is among the ambassadors that came out in support of Youth Central and Youth Week.
MYC member, Sarah is among the ambassadors that came out in support of Youth Central and Youth Week.

What makes frozen yogurt such a great resource for youth to bond over? Firstly, most youth have a common denominator when it comes to any event that relates to food; youth love food, especially in the frozen, swirled variation. But as we got to speak to fellow customers (read in-depth interviews of the event’s participants with YAA blogger Wentao Li here), most were not aware of Youth Week. Despite that fact, we discovered another commonality: the idea that a stronger relationship needed to be affirmed between youth and their community.

Aside from the discounts, the food and the entertainment aspect that Youth Week  provides, Youth Week has always been about engaging youth within Calgary to participate in their community and build relationships with local businesses, organizations and their fellow peers and neighbours. As Youth Week continues to grow with over 100 events taking place this year, the message of Youth Week must never be obscured. On Sunday, youth devoured their distinct cups of frozen yogurt. But beneath that delectable taste, there lies a desire for youth to be recognized in the community as a group dedicated to the betterment of society.

A family gathers to enjoy their frozen yogurt, all the while noting the necessity of the relationship between youth and their city.
A family gathers to enjoy their frozen yogurt, all the while noting the necessity of the relationship between youth and their city.

One cup of frozen yogurt may not change the face of how the community views youth or how youth interact within their community. But multiple cups of frozen yogurt combined with youth volunteering projects, a volunteering fair, a conversation about future in the arts at the EPCOR Centre, and a plethora of other events week-long, is how youth will fulfill the mission of Youth Week. So let’s all go for fro yo.

Special thanks to Funny 1060AM and Virgin Radio for providing fantastic energy at the event. Sincere thanks to Tutti Frutti for providing youth with flat rate cups as well as a 20% youth discount all week long. Check out youthcentral.com/youthweek for more details and other events.

Three ways youth can prepare for the Calgary Zoo

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Courtesy The Calgary Zoo Facebook
Courtesy The Calgary Zoo Facebook

 

From the Penguin Plunge to the Transalta Rainforest, the Calgary Zoo is full of places to see, learn and discover. For youth, one of the most amazing experiences visiting the zoo is to take be in such close contact with exotic animals. Here are a few tips to make your experience at the Calgary Zoo a wonderful one.

Courtesy Calgary Site
Courtesy Calgary Site

1. Make sure you know your animals. The Calgary Zoo has hundreds of animals, and before your visit make sure you know some of the basic facts on the animals you will meet. The zoo is split up into six main Destinations: Canadian Wilds, Conservatory & Gardens, Destination Africa, Eurasia, Penguin Plunge, and Prehistoric Park, with each Destination having its own theme. Knowing how animals may react will definitely enhance your experience at the zoo.

2. Check out the Visitor Programs. Each day is different at the zoo, so make sure you check out their Daily Visitor Calendar to see some of the feature programs, such as the Penguin Plunge Interpreter and the Keeper Talk. You might be able to meet a zookeeper and learn about the stories behind each and everyone of the zoo’s amazing animals!

3. Be prepared! For a great experience at the zoo, everyone should be dressed for the weather. Also do not forget a water bottle and sunscreen when it gets hot. Have questions on Zoo policies? Make sure you check out some of the zoo rules before you visit to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Youth Week Calgary is going on right now, and Youth Central has some free passes to the Calgary Zoo.

 

Courtesy The Calgary Zoo Facebook
Courtesy The Calgary Zoo Facebook

 

Youth Week 2014 is HERE!

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Youth Week 2014 is FINALLY here! In order to celebrate this truly momentous occasion, I will be breaking down every event for this year’s Youth Week! Please check out last week’s post for the breakdown of the early bird events, weeklong events, and opening day events. I will repost weeklong events here, just as a reminder! Without further ado, this is what Youth Week 2014 has to offer:

WHAT IS YOUTH WEEK?

–          Calgary’s youth of today are able to live in such a fantastic city because the previous generation of youth built and strengthened Calgary with leadership, dedication, hard-work, and everything in between. Today’s youth have maintained that tradition, and have even risen above the past generation of youth in order to continue the work they have started.

–          Youth Week is a week-long celebration of youth in which agencies, businesses, and communities within the Calgary area host events, projects and offer free or discounted services in honor and celebration of youth.

–          Youth Week 2014 runs from April 20-27. Throughout the week, events will be held at places like Market Mall, the YMCA, Trico Centre, Calgary Public Libraries, Recreation Centers (Westside Rec, Beltline Aquatic) and many more.

EVENTS

*Denotes a week-long event

EVENT: *Calgary Zoo Discounts

WHAT: Enjoy a free visit to the Calgary Zoo! (Limited quantities available, contact youthweek@youthcentral.com for your pass!)

FOR: Anybody who likes animals, especially elephant enthusiasts! Our elephants will spend approximately two more weeks here in the Calgary Zoo before departing for the capital of the United States of America.

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Calgary Zoo (1300 Zoo Rd NE)

WHEN: April 20, 2014 – April 27, 2014

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EVENT: * Capture the Flag Discounts

WHAT: Head on over to Cochrane to play some paintball, laser trek, or airsoft! Youth Central is offering coupons so you and your buddies can have a good time without busting the wallet! (Contact Youth Central at youthweek@youthcentral.com to get coupons)

FOR: Paintball, laser trek, and airsoft fans! Also for anybody who wants to try something new (at a discounted rate!)

PRICE: Varies

WHERE: Cochrane, AB T4C 1A5

WHEN: April 20, 2014 – April 27, 2014

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 EVENT: *Color Me Mine Pottery Painting and Glass Fusion

WHAT: Go on over to Color Me Mine and participate in some “paint it yourself pottery,” or glass fusing (among many other things!)

FOR: Anybody with an arty limb!

PRICE: 15% Discount off normal prices

WHERE: 3 Locations (334 14 St NW, 333 Aspen Glen Landing SW #115, 41 High St SE)

WHEN: April 20, 2014 – April 27, 2014

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EVENT: * Talisman Centre Youth Week 50% Off

WHAT: Gym Space, Weight/Fitness Centers, Tracks, Olympic sized pools, all for half the cost!

FOR: Anybody who wants to have a good time and take a breather from school!

PRICE: 50% off all youth and child drop-in admissions

WHERE: 2225 Macleod Trail S

WHEN: April 20, 2014 – April 27, 2014

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EVENT: * Trico Centre for Family Wellness Youth Week Discount

WHAT: Swim, Skate, Play, all at a discounted rate!

FOR: Anybody who wants to have a good time and take a breather from school!

PRICE: 2 for 1 admission for youth and Trico Centre members bring a friend for 50% off

WHERE: Trico Centre for Family Wellness (11150 Bonaventure Drive Southeast)

WHEN: April 20, 2014 – April 27, 2014

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EVENT: *Tutti Frutti Youth Discount

WHAT: 20% off Froyo! Tutti Frutti is a very popular “self serve” frozen yogurt joint within Calgary. During Youth Week, April 20-27, all five Tutti Frutti locations will offer 20% off for any youth who reference Youth Week Calgary (an additional 20% does not apply to kick-off or wrap-up youth cups).

FOR: Anybody who has taste buds and a mouth!

PRICE: 20% off froyo!

WHERE: All five Tutti Frutti locations (858 16 Ave SW, Unit 23: 4307 – 130th Avenue SE, Unit #100, 3800 Memorial Dr. NE, #Unit 232 390 Baseline Road, Unit #244, 2 Hebert Road)

WHEN: April 20, 2014 – April 27, 2014

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EVENT: * Youth Week at Market Mall

WHAT: “To show their support for the young people that have been an important asset to the Calgary community, participating Market Mall retailers are providing a “special deal” or discount for Youth with a valid student ID during Youth Week 2014.” Come shopping and get special discounts and deals for being an awesome member of Calgary’s community of outstanding youth!

FOR: Anybody who likes to shop, and save!

PRICE: “Special Deals” and Discounts in participating retailers

WHERE: Market Mall (3625 Shaganappi Trail Northwest)

WHEN: April 20, 2014 – April 27, 2014

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EVENT: Our Nature Foundation Youth Council

WHAT: Come be a part of an insightful conversation about the future! Our Nature Foundation is an organization run by kids, for kids, and this first meeting will be all about the pilot project! This project will look to create awareness “through fun interactive mediums like video, music, art and experiential education.” Those who attend will have a chance to be a part of a once in a lifetime opportunity and meet youth who are similar in mindset, motivation, and personality!

FOR: Creative youth who want to have a voice and assume a leadership role by shaping the direction of this foundation. Any youth who are driven and want an opportunity to have a voice, should attend this event.

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: The Hangar (731 13 Avenue Northeast)

WHEN: April 22, 2014 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

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EVENT: My Family and Other Endangered Species (A Downstage Theatre Production)

WHAT: A moving piece of theatre that has been 3.5 years in the making, Downstage Theatre is ecstatic to present the world premier of “My Family and Other Endangered Species.” Written and performed by Ellen Close and Braden Griffiths, this dramatic, gripping piece is sure to make anybody fall in love with theatre. Featuring moving set pieces, puppets, and everything in between, this event is definitely one that you cannot miss.

Plot: Nine-year-old Phineas William Walsh has an encyclopedic knowledge of the natural world. What he doesn’t understand, though, is why his parents won’t live together – after all, when other mate-for-life animals have a fight, it’s not like one of them just packs his bags and leaves the country. To make things to-infinity worse, Phin is worried sick about what humans are doing to the planet, and his mother is worried sick about him. So, when a White’s tree frog ends up in an aquarium in his fourth-grade classroom, it’s the last straw, and he stages an elaborate rescue.

FOR: Everybody and anybody (in particular, those who like theatre, film, entertainment, thoughtful storytelling, and Oscar worthy performances).

PRICE: Tickets range from $12.50-$20!

WHERE: Big Secret Theatre, EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts (205 8 Avenue Southeast)

WHEN: April 23-26 & April 29-May 3: 8 pm nightly (A 2PM Matinee is offered on closing night, May 3rd)   _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EVENT: Mini Photo Sessions

WHAT: Come in for a 15 or 30 minute photo session at a special price! $10 for a fifteen minute session; $20 for a 30 minute session! Come and show off your spring style, your end of the year poses, or anything that your heart desires! Any type of photo can be taken – fashion, portrait, friends family, etc.

*NOTE: You must register (by contacting 403-862-1896) to book a spot. Those under the age of 18 must also have a waiver form signed.

FOR: Anybody (especially selfie takers, photogenic people, or photogenic selfie takers).

PRICE: $10 for a 15 minute session; $20 for a 30 minute session

WHERE: The Ranche at Fish Creek Park (Bow Bottom Trail Southeast)

WHEN: April 23, 2014 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm   _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EVENT: Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

WHAT: Come to Forest Lawn Library to answer Mortal Instruments trivia, train like a Shadowhunter, or design and make your own temporary Runes! Become a part of this event to enter the world of Mortal Instruments: City of Bones!

FOR: Mortal Instruments fans! Also for those who want to have a fun Wednesday night meeting new people and falling in love with a new book (series).

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Forest Lawn Public Library (4807 8 Avenue Southeast)

WHEN: April 23, 2014 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

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EVENT: Art in the City

WHAT: Come see a collaborative urban art project and hear a guest speaker! This event is a part of the YMCA’s “Youth Mind, Body and Spirit Events: ‘Mind.’”

FOR: Art fans between the ages of 12-17! Those who have a creative side of the brain must not miss this FREE event.

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: YMCA Eau Claire (101 3 Street Southwest)

WHEN: April 23, 2014 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

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EVENT: Come Play 4 Youth Week – It’s Your Right!

WHAT: Come on down to Beltline Aquatic Center to enjoy a free night of fun! From swimming, to gym activities, to music and art, recharge yourself to prepare for the latter half of the school week! Snacks will be provided. Hosted by the Calgary Action Committee on Housing and Homelessness (CACHH) – Youth Sector Committee, community organizations will be present offering information regarding the access of support for vulnerable, disconnected youth.

FOR: Youth from ages 12-24 who want to learn more about accessing support, or youth who just want to have a good time and meet new people, or a combination of both!

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Beltline Aquatic Centre (221 12 Avenue Southwest)

WHEN: April 23, 2014 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

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EVENT: Free Improv at Crowfoot YMCA

WHAT: Are you a fan of “Whose Line is it Anyways?” Come on down to learn more about improv! Free workshops and demos will be provided.

FOR: Youth from ages 12-17 who like acting, and theater. You don’t have to be “good” to come! You just need to like theater!

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Crowfoot YMCA (8100 John Laurie Boulevard Northwest)

WHEN: April 23, 2014 @ 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm

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EVENT: Free Parkour at Crowfoot YMCA

WHAT: Are you a daredevil? Do you enjoy jumping over obstacles, and flying through the air? Come down for free parkour workshops and demos.

FOR: Youth from ages 12-17 who like parkour, or are interested in learning more about it!

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Crowfoot YMCA (8100 John Laurie Boulevard Northwest)

WHEN: April 23, 2014 @ 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm (Improv and parkour in one night, at one location, all for free? Sign me up!)

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EVENT: Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo 2014

WHAT: “The Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo is Canada’s largest Canadian owned pop culture event with an attendance of over 60,000 people in 2013. Featuring a myriad of special guests from film & television, comic books, sci-fi, horror, anime, cartoons & collectibles, this family friendly event caters to every fan of every genre.” This year’s guests include Sean Astin, Manu Bennett, Michael Biehn, Jennifer Blanc-Blehn, Mark Boone Junior, Barry Bostwick, Billy Boyd, Jed Brophy, Jim Byrnes, Bruce Campbell, Dan Casey, Garrett Wang, Tom Felton and many more! (For a full list of guests, please visit the official website).

FOR: Anybody who likes pop culture, which means ALL OF US! Especially for fans of this year’s guests!

PRICE: $20 Thursday, $30 Friday and Sunday, $35 Saturday, $80 Weekend (Tickets are very limited, and may be sold out by the time you are reading this post)

WHERE: Stampede Grounds (Stampede Trail SE)

WHEN: April 24, 2014 @ 4:00 pm – April 27, 2014 @ 5:00 pm

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EVENT: Youth Drop-in Shinny

WHAT: Come play some Shinny hockey at Trico center at a discounted price! Enjoy the thrill of being on the ice while knowing that you can enjoy the sun afterwards!

FOR: Hockey players!

PRICE: $5

WHERE: Trico Centre for Family Wellness (11150 Bonaventure Drive Southeast)

WHEN: April 24, 2014 @ 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm

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EVENT: Futures in the Arts: A Panel Discussion

WHAT: Join arts professionals in a discussion regarding how aspiring youth artists can start paving their own pathway in the arts. You will learn about the local theatre, programming, music and visual arts scenes, as well as what arts administrators look for and value in aspiring artists. This event is a cannot miss event for any aspiring artists, as this event will help get the ball rolling in establishing connections within the local arts industry.

FOR: Any aspiring artists!

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Arts Learning Centre, EPCOR CENTRE (205 8 Avenue Southeast)

WHEN: April 24, 2014 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

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EVENT: Video Game Competition – Mario Kart or Super Smash Brothers

WHAT: Are you a gamer? Do you take pride in always beating your family, and friends in multiplayer games? Come on down to the Nose Hill Library to participate in either a Mario Kart, or Super Smash Brothers contest! Gamers will face off to determine the undisputed champion! Prizes and snacks will be given!

FOR: Mario Kart fans, Super Smash Brothers fans, hardcore gamers, casual gamers, and anything in between.

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Nose Hill Library (1530 Northmount Drive Northwest)

WHEN: April 24, 2014 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

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EVENT: Button Making

WHAT: Do you collect pins? Do you have an assortment of pins like Star Trek, Muppets, Disney and Marvel pins? Would you be interested in making custom pins/buttons? If you answered yes to any of those questions, come on down to the Crowfoot library to make your own pins/buttons! Customize and deck them out so you can add them to your collection, or start your own collection!

FOR: Pin enthusiasts and those who look to make customized items, so basically everyone.

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Crowfoot Library (8665 Nose Hill Drive Northwest)

WHEN: April 24, 2014 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EVENT: Youth Drop-in Shinny

WHAT: Come play some Shinny hockey at Trico center at a discounted price! Enjoy the thrill of being on the ice while knowing that you can enjoy the sun afterwards!

FOR: Hockey players!

PRICE: $5

WHERE: Trico Centre for Family Wellness (11150 Bonaventure Drive Southeast)

WHEN: April 25, 2014 @ 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EVENT: Mini Photo Sessions

WHAT: Come in for a 15 or 30 minute photo session at a special price! $10 for a fifteen minute session; $20 for a 30 minute session! Come and show off your spring style, your end of the year poses, or anything that your heart desires! Any type of photo can be taken – fashion, portrait, friends family, etc.

*NOTE: You must register (by contacting 403-862-1896) to book a spot. Those under the age of 18 must also have a waiver form signed.

FOR: Anybody (especially selfie takers, photogenic people, or photogenic selfie takers).

PRICE: $10 for a 15 minute session; $20 for a 30 minute session

WHERE: The Ranche at Fish Creek Park (Bow Bottom Trail Southeast)

WHEN: April 25, 2014 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EVENT: Free Zumba at Crowfoot YMCA

WHAT: Come join the latest dance/fitness craze! Zumba uses Latin and international music to help create a fun, effective work out! Free workshops and demos will be provided.

FOR: Youth from ages 12-17 who want to learn a new way to get into shape, or just simply want to have a good night out.

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Crowfoot YMCA (8100 John Laurie Boulevard Northwest)

WHEN: April 25, 2014 @ 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm

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EVENT: Three on Three Basketball Tournament

WHAT: Are you watching the NBA playoffs? Well watch no more! Come on down and participate in the Youth Week Three on Three Basketball Tournament to determine who makes up the best three on three squad in Calgary. This event is a part of the YMCA’s “Youth Mind, Body and Spirit Events: ‘Mind.’”

FOR: Youth from ages 12-17 who like to ball!

PRICE: $4

WHERE: YMCA Eau Claire (101 3 Street Southwest)

WHEN: April 25, 2014 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

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EVENT: Free Youth Resistance Training at Crowfoot YMCA

WHAT: Learn how to get in shape and tone your body using resistance exercises! Also called strength training, you will learn how to increase bone strength, and muscle mass with different exercises. This free event is just for youth, so do not feel intimidated! Free workshops and demos will be provided.

FOR: Youth from ages 12-17 who want to learn new exercises that they can then implement into their workout routines!

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Crowfoot YMCA (8100 John Laurie Boulevard Northwest)

WHEN: April 25, 2014 @ 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm

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EVENT: Westside Recreation Centre Youth Appreciation Night

WHAT: Enjoy and savor the benefits (and responsibilities!) of being a standout youth! With a night full of fun and games for youth ages 10-17, prizes will be handed out and new friends are sure to be made! The Aquatic Park, Youth Gymnasium, and Youth Wellness Centre will all be used as facilities for the event.

*NOTE: Youth 10-12 must complete Westside’s ‘Youth Facility Access Orientation’ prior to the event in order to granted access to Westside without a parent being present. This orientation requires participants to complete the Aquatic’s ‘Swim to Survive Test’ in order to be successfully completed.

FOR: Youth from ages 10-17 who like to have fun. So every youth between the ages of 10 and 17!

PRICE: $4.50

WHERE: Westside Recreation Centre (2000 69 St SW)

WHEN: April 25, 2014 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

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EVENT: Retro Movie Night at The Hangar

WHAT: The Calgary Boys and Girls Club’s Keystone Program will be showing Back to the Future 2 at their exclusive Hangar club. Back to the Future 2 is a fictitious, comedic film documenting what life would be like in 2015. The movie will be projected on a big screen, similar to a retro Drive-In Style! Support a great cause and learn more about the Calgary Boys and Girls Club while enjoying a movie in style!

FOR: Youth from ages 13-18 who want to go back in time!

PRICE: $3 for admission, snacks and drinks will be available for $1.

WHERE: The Hangar (731 13 Avenue Northeast)

WHEN: April 25, 2014 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

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EVENT: Teen Night at the Crowfoot YMCA

WHAT: At a flat-rate of $4, enjoy open swimming at the pool, a workout on the weight floor, or basketball, dance, and ping pong in the gymnasiums! Youth can come and enjoy all the typical facilities, as well as some special activities!

FOR: Youth who want to have a blast doing things they love, with other youth!

PRICE: $4 (Drop in fee)

WHERE: Crowfoot YMCA (8100 John Laurie Boulevard Northwest)

WHEN: April 25, 2014 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

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EVENT: Tween Swim Night at the Trico Centre

WHAT: Come down to the Trico Centre for an open swim night, exclusively for Tweens between the ages of 10-17!

FOR: Tweens/Youth between the ages of 10-17 who like the pool!

PRICE: $5

WHERE: Trico Centre for Family Wellness (11150 Bonaventure Drive Southeast)

WHEN: April 25, 2014 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

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EVENT: Youth Night at the Southland Leisure Centre

WHAT: Come with friends, or come to meet new friends! The Sport Hall will be open with a variety of sports, including basketball, badminton, dodgeball, soccer and much more. With the $5.70 admission fee, youth will also have access to the waterpark!

FOR: Youth between the ages of 11-15, looking to spend a night without a dull moment!

PRICE: $5.70

WHERE: Southland Leisure Centre (2000 Southland Drive Southwest)

WHEN: April 25, 2014 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

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EVENT: Youth Night at the Village Square Leisure Centre

WHAT: Come with friends, or come to meet new friends! The gymnasium will be open and playing host to multiple activities such as basketball, badminton, soccer and much more. The pool will also be open for swimming and pool games. To top it all off, a live DJ will be at the event!

FOR: Youth between the ages of 12-17, looking to spend a night without a dull moment!

PRICE: $5.70

WHERE: Village Square Leisure Centre (2623 56 Street Northeast, Calgary, AB T1Y 6E7)

WHEN: April 25, 2014 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

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EVENT: Global Peace Cafe

WHAT: Come hear from Brahma Kumaris young adults who are already engaged in a spiritual journey. Participate in a Q&A, discussions, while enjoying entertainment, treats, chai and visual presentations. Commemorate your experience by closing the day by creating a vision board art project mapping your projected vision of personal growth. This event is a part of the YMCA’s “Youth Mind, Body and Spirit Events: ‘Spirit.’”

FOR: Youth who are stressed, need to relax, want to learn more about healthy coping strategies to deal with stress and anxiety. Therefore, ALL youth.

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: YMCA Eau Claire (101 3 Street Southwest)

WHEN: April 26, 2014 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EVENT: Mini Photo Sessions

WHAT: Come in for a 15 or 30 minute photo session at a special price! $10 for a fifteen minute session; $20 for a 30 minute session! Come and show off your spring style, your end of the year poses, or anything that your heart desires! Any type of photo can be taken – fashion, portrait, friends family, etc.

*NOTE: You must register (by contacting 403-862-1896) to book a spot. Those under the age of 18 must also have a waiver form signed.

FOR: Anybody (especially selfie takers, photogenic people, or photogenic selfie takers).

PRICE: $10 for a 15 minute session; $20 for a 30 minute session

WHERE: The Ranche at Fish Creek Park (Bow Bottom Trail Southeast)

WHEN: April 26, 2014 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EVENT: Youth Drop-in Badminton at the Trico Center

WHAT: Come play some badminton with other youth with varying skill levels!

FOR: Badminton players.

PRICE: 2 for 1 admission for youth and Trico Centre members bring a friend for 50% off

WHERE: Trico Centre for Family Wellness (11150 Bonaventure Drive Southeast)

WHEN: April 26, 2014 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EVENT: Free Parkour at Crowfoot YMCA

WHAT: Are you a daredevil? Do you enjoy jumping over obstacles, and flying through the air? Come down for free parkour workshops and demos.

FOR: Youth from ages 12-17 who like parkour, or are interested in learning more about it!

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Crowfoot YMCA (8100 John Laurie Boulevard Northwest)

WHEN: April 26, 2014 @ 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm

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EVENT: Free Scatterball at Crowfoot YMCA

WHAT: Come learn Scatterball – dodgeball with a twist! Scatterball is more commonly referred to as “last man standing.” In this game, no one is really out! It is a free for all dodgeball game that is a lot of fun. You are never really out! Once you get hit, you have the opportunity to get back into the game by hitting a standing player with a ball. Free workshops and demos will be provided.

FOR: Youth from ages 12-17 who want to get some easy exercise in!

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Crowfoot YMCA (8100 John Laurie Boulevard Northwest)

WHEN: April 26, 2014 @ 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm (Parkour and then Scatterball? The only thing that could make this day better is an improv session right after!)

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EVENT: Free Workshop: Art by Youth

WHAT: Participate in the visual arts! Free workshops and demos will be provided.

FOR: Youth from ages 12-17 who like art or want to have a little taste of art.

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Crowfoot YMCA (8100 John Laurie Boulevard Northwest)

WHEN: April 26, 2014 @ 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm

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EVENT: Youth Drop-In Basketball at Trico Centre

WHAT: Come play some basketball with other youth with varying skill levels!

FOR: Basketball players.

PRICE: 2 for 1 admission for youth and Trico Centre members bring a friend for 50% off

WHERE: Trico Centre for Family Wellness (11150 Bonaventure Drive Southeast)

WHEN: April 26, 2014 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm (Badminton drop-in is right before this!)

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EVENT: Free Drop-in Soccer at the Crowfoot YMCA

WHAT: Come play some soccer, just in time for the Fifa World Cup! Free workshops and demos will be provided.

FOR: Youth from ages 12-17 who like art or want to have a little taste of art.

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Crowfoot YMCA (8100 John Laurie Boulevard Northwest)

WHEN: April 26, 2014 @ 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm

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EVENT: Free Youth Yoga at the Crowfoot YMCA

WHAT: Come down to the YMCA for a relaxing afternoon of Yoga! Free workshops and demos will be provided.

FOR: Youth from ages 12-17 who want to learn Yoga, or just want a relaxing experience.

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Crowfoot YMCA (8100 John Laurie Boulevard Northwest)

WHEN: April 26, 2014 @ 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm

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EVENT: Free Breakdancing and Hip-Hop at the Crowfoot YMCA

WHAT: So you think you can dance? Come on down to learn some hip-hop and breakdancing! Free workshops and demos will be provided.

FOR: Youth from ages 12-17 who like to dance!

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Crowfoot YMCA (8100 John Laurie Boulevard Northwest)

WHEN: April 26, 2014 @ 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EVENT: Youth Drop-in Shinny

WHAT: Come play some Shinny hockey at Trico center at a discounted price! Enjoy the thrill of being on the ice while knowing that you can enjoy the sun afterwards!

FOR: Hockey players!

PRICE: $5

WHERE: Trico Centre for Family Wellness (11150 Bonaventure Drive Southeast)

WHEN: April 26, 2014 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

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EVENT: Tutti Frutti Youth Week Wrap-Up Event

WHAT: Come celebrate the conclusion of Youth Week at the Tutti Frutti Deerfoot Meadows location.  From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tutti Frutti will be offering “Youth Cups.” Available for a $4 flat rate, youth will be able to fill up their cups with as much froyo and toppings as they would like!

FOR: Froyo fans, Youth Week participants.

PRICE: $4

WHERE: Tutti Frutti Deerfoot Meadows (206 – 33 Heritage Meadows Way SE)

WHEN: April 27, 2014 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

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Youth Week Extras:

 

EVENT: Calgary Youth Volunteer Fair

WHAT: “Are you a passionate and socially aware Jr. High or High School Student? Do you want to make a difference in your community? Tired of volunteering on an irregular basis and want a long term opportunity to give back? Want to volunteer, but don’t know where to start? Then the Calgary Youth Volunteer Fair is for YOU!

Annually, the Calgary Mayor’s Youth Council invites different local organizations to City Hall to set up a booth and spend an afternoon talking to youth about how they can get involved with their volunteer programs, and we would like YOU to join us!

Discover your passion for giving back! Come to the Mayor’s Youth Council’s annual Youth Volunteer Fair!”

FOR: Jr.High and High School Students who want to make a difference in the world.

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Calgary City Hall (800 Macleod Trail Southeast)

WHEN: May 2, 2014 @ 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

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EVENT: ConocoPhillips Youth of Distinction Awards

WHAT: “The 11th annual ConocoPhillips Youth of Distinction Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the amazing youth Calgary has to offer. An event for youth, by youth, these awards are planned by a steering committee of 10 youth ages 13-18. After receiving over 270 inspirational nominations, they have selected 27 finalists to be recognized at the ceremony. Please join us for an afternoon of encouraging stories, performance and celebration.

Tickets include a three course plated lunch, free admission to the zoo and complimentary parking on May 3.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m., the official program will run from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.”

FOR: Anybody who wants to recognize some of the hardest working youth in our city.

PRICE: $40

WHERE: Safari Lodge, Calgary Zoo (1300 Zoo Rd NE)

WHEN: May 3, 2014 @ 11:30 am – 2:00 pm

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EVENT: Cochrane Youth Expo

WHAT: Imagine Youth Week, all over again. The Cochrane Youth Expo is a day filled with fun, specifically for Youth. Activities range from an overnight-camp out, to swimming, bowling, movies, minute to win it Olympics and yoga!
FOR: Any youth from ages 6-19 who can make it! This is a must not miss event!

PRICE: FREE!

WHERE: Various locations across Cochrane, AB.

WHEN: May 9, 2014 @ 3:00 pm – May 10, 2014 @ 4:00 pm

 

 

Thanks for reading, and be sure to check out Youth Week 2014!

Youth Week Calgary Market Mall deals

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Are you 18 years or below? Do you like to have fun? Do you love shopping, hanging around with friends, doing cool things around the city? If yes, you should know, Youth Week 2014 is underway from Apr 20-27! Show an ID proof and get awesome deals.
Here are the details about how you can celebrate Youth Week at the Market Mall.

New York Fries Buy 1 poutine and receive 1 of the SAME SIZE FREE!!
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OPA Souvlaki – Get a FREE MEDIUM POP for each plate or platter purchased
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Paris Jewellers Canada – 15% DISCOUNT on ALL regular low price GOLD & DIAMOND items; 25% DISCOUNT on all regular low price SILVER items
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The Body Shop – FREE GIFT with every purchase over $10
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Kim Chi – Buy a meal, get any fountain drink 50% off
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Come on out and enjoy to the fullest! Be proud to be a part of the youth community.

DIY Fun Easter Projects

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Easter is coming up very soon, and children will be having fun, going on egg hunts and celebrating the Easter Bunny. But what will we, the teens and tweens, do? Will we be sulking in our rooms, huddled next to our laptops? This Easter you can do something different, maybe you can even be the Easter Bunny himself (sorry to break it to you bunny believers, but by now you should be pretty familiar with parents and how they give children false hope). I’ve compiled a bunch of fun projects for you to do for Easter.

DIY Pretzel Nest Brownies (A recipe from: http://www.pleasenotepaper.com/)

~~If you’re looking for a fun but messy recipe to sweeten things up on Easter, look below~~

 Materials: Brownies, pretzel sticks, half a bag of chocolate chips, two tablespoons of peanut butter and chocolate eggs.

First, you must prepare your brownies (homemade or bought, both are fine). While your brownies anests4re baking(or just sitting on the table waiting to be decorated), use a double boiler or a microwave  to heat up your mixture for the nest decorations. For your nest decoration mixture, add chocolate chips and two  tablespoons of peanut butter first. Then, after the mixture is heated up, mixed and smoothed (easier to stir) break your pretzel sticks into thirds and add according to how much nesting  decoration you want. The more pretzel sticks, the less chocolate per pretzel. Then, after you have  finished the nesting, check for your brownies or prepare them. Place around a spoonful of pretzel  mixture onto each brownie, and, for a finishing touch, add chocolate eggs to the nesting while it is  still warm. Voila! There is your Easter recipe! Check out website for more: http://www.pleasenotepaper.com/

DIY Easter Egg Containers

~~ Want something cheap, easy and decorative for Easter? Try this DIY! ~~

Materials: Balloons, ribbons, string, modgepodge (or anything that functions similarly to modgepodge), paint (optional)

First, blow your balloons to whatever size you wish.For egg hunting activities, you can put candies into the balloons before you blow them up. After you have done that, dip the strings/ribbons into your modgepodge and wrap them tightly around the balloons. Always leave a little space around the tied part of the balloons. After first layer has dried, add more layers. Modgepodge dries clear, and it may diminish the colour of the strings. To add more colours, you can paint over the strings. After everything has dried, pop the balloon on the inside. This project can be used for egg hunts or just simple decoration.

2048: The new puzzle craze

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http://good4kids.com.au/2014/04/03/2048/
http://good4kids.com.au/2014/04/03/2048/

Instead of timeless tapping, it’s now endless sliding. When Flappy Bird was taken down, people wondered what could take its place. Some games, such as Smash Hit and Quiz Up, have made it up the charts, but now a new game has emerged: 2048. Released just last month, the game has climbed its way to the top of the charts in the Google Play Store and is number 3 on the App Store. A simple unique puzzle game, it is similar in game play to Threes, another game on the app store, with some differences.

The goal is simple: You have to get a tile with the number 2048.  To do this, you swipe either up, down or side to side to move all tiles. It starts off small, with tiles of two and four. Your job is to swipe and add the same number tiles together. And example being, if there are two 4 tiles side by side, you can swipe to add them, turning the two 4 tiles into tile of 8. You keep adding like tiles until you get to the 2048 tile, at which point you win the game, you can either chose to go on and create even more higher tiles if you can, or just end it from there.

 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/2048/id840919914?mt=8
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/2048/id840919914?mt=8
http://1topi.jp/curator/beep_roadrunner/1403/25/495480
http://1topi.jp/curator/beep_roadrunner/1403/25/495480

 

At first glance this game is quite simple, however, it gets more difficult with each turn, as a new tile is added each time you swipe. The board can easily get crowded and full if you’re not careful. Now, why is this game so popular?

Simply put, because it’s addictive. Game play is quick, easy and fast once you get it, and it’s a game that friends definitely like to compete on, not to mention having the satisfaction of saying you beat the game. It’s not frustrating like Flappy Bird was, and is quite fun once you get into it. Also, it’s addictive. Like, really addictive. I’ve spent every second of free time I have playing this.

Sure is satisfying to win!
Sure is satisfying to win!

Do I recommend getting it? Yes, yes I do. So join now, and delve into the number sliding, sum adding frenzy! My current high score is 17140. Can you beat that?