Golden’s youth now have a brighter, more dynamic place to call their own. After months of planning, painting, assembling, and reimagining, the Golden Youth Centre has officially unveiled a fully revitalized space — complete with a new kitchen, upgraded maker studio, refreshed office and lounge, and professional-grade stage equipment including electric drums, a soundboard and stage lighting.
“Karaoke has never sounded better,” says Sarah Wegelin, who began working at the Golden Youth Centre/Golden Region Youth Network in November 2022.
The transformation represents more than just a facelift. It is the result of 320 volunteer hours poured into assembling furniture, cleaning, organizing, and redesigning the centre to better serve the young people who rely on it.
Established in 2012, the centre has long been a hub for connection and creativity, but years of heavy use have taken a toll. Furniture had become warped or unstable, seating options were limited, and the space no longer reflected the energy of the youth who filled it.
“The amount of volunteer time that went into all the details of this project is invaluable. It was so fun to see the community engagement among the youth who helped. Everyone connected through painting and putting furniture together, and helped each other out, too. It was a really rewarding project,” says Wegelin.
Located in downtown Golden, B.C., along the main street, 9th Ave. N., the centre is accessible to youth ages 12 to 18 through Golden Region Youth Network programming. It hosts after-school drop-ins, food programs, music sessions, and a wide range of activities that support social connection and personal growth.
A Space Designed for Comfort, Creativity, and Community: The revitalization has touched every corner of the building. A brand new kitchen now supports food programs and casual snack times, while the upgraded maker space offers room for crafting, building, and hands-on learning. The lounge has been redesigned for comfort and flexibility, giving youth more ways to gather, relax, and collaborate.
A new library of donated books has been installed, along with a cozy seating area equipped with a microwave and kettle — perfect for popcorn, hot chocolate, and quiet reading time. Fresh shelving now organizes games, books, craft supplies, and even clothing for upcycling projects, encouraging creativity and sustainability.
On the performance side, the addition of electric drums and professional-grade stage lighting has opened the door for music programs, open mic nights, and youth-led performances. The centre now boasts seven distinct hangout areas, each with its own purpose and personality, giving young people more freedom to choose how they want to spend their time.
Youth Reaction: Excitement, Comfort, and a Sense of Ownership: The most meaningful part of the revitalization is how quickly youth have embraced the new space. Staff report that young people are already settling in, exploring the new features, and finding fresh ways to use the facility. Many have expressed excitement, pride, and gratitude — not just for the upgrades, but for the message behind them: that the community believes in them and is willing to invest in their wellbeing.
The revitalized Golden Youth Centre stands as a testament to what can happen when volunteers, community partners, and young people work together. It is more than a building — it is a vibrant, welcoming hub where youth can learn, create, connect, and simply be themselves.
The Golden Youth Centre/Golden Region Youth Network and Golden Community Resources Society thank the Columbia Basin Trust and the ReDi Grant Program, along with the Town of Golden and the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District, for their support and the many volunteers who help make the Golden Youth Centre a welcoming space for youth ages 12 to 18.
Keep an eye out for upcoming programming: Monthly Board Game Night; Upcycling Clothing and Arts Workshops, Jam Sessions and Open Mic Nights, Karaoke, KAST, and Build-A-Business Program. Broadcast Club in partnership with Golden Co-Op Radio.
Emberfest collaborations and preparations with Kicking Horse Culture have begun.
Taco’Bout It Tuesdays, in partnership with the Students’ Commission, will commence in the third week of January, giving youth an opportunity to talk about things that matter to them in a safe and supportive environment.
For more information and to register for programming, contact Sarah Wegelin, Golden Region Youth Network/Golden Youth Centre Coordinator at 250-439-8235.
