SUMMER VOLUNTEERING
Opportunities at the West End Community Centre

Every summer, the West End Community Centre (WECC) needs at least 50 teen volunteers to run day camps. Summer day camps are great for teens needing required community hours, exploring the city for free, and to meet kids from all around the neighbourhood.

Volunteering is open for students 14 - 18, with 16 - 18 requiring a clean police backround check, paid by the WECC. To sign up, head down to the youth office (when open) next to the auditorium. A waiver is also required.

VAPING AT KING GEORGE
It’s Just Not A Good Idea!

Since the 2000s there has been a major rise in popularity with vape products. It was invented as an alternative to smoking and unfortunately has been getting in the hands of youth. Even though it is technically illegal for minors, teenagers get their hands on them in various ways. Vaping has many long terms affects and has a strong connection to some leading health problems.

Tons of harmful chemicals are from vaping. Some major chemicals include nicotine, hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, lead, arsenic, ammonia, benzene, carbon monoxide, nitrosamines, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

So why do teens continue to do it? There are a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest reasons is it is considered “cool”. How can teens quit? A great way is to text "QUIT" to (202) 804-9884. Teens will start receiving text messages offering assistance and guiding them to resources. Your family doctor is also a great resource and can prescribe you alternatives.

The results of our KG Students’ Favourite Restaurant survey. (click to enlarge).

KG STUDENTS’ FAVOURITE RESTAURANT
An Unscientific Poll, But Fun

Surrounded by amazing eateries, many KG students go out for lunch.

Recently there has been a spike in eating out because of the departure of the popular hot lunch program. Our cafeteria now offers packaged and frozen food which needs to be heated in a microwave. So, using the social media app Instagram I took an unscientific poll - KG’s Favourite Restaurant. Here are the results.

SUMMER IS HERE!

Students have been working hard all year, and now it's time for a much-deserved break. But what should students do this summer? I have created a little guide for that! Here are the Top Five best things to do in the summer for teens.

5) Grouse is one of many major tourist spots around Vancouver and is also great for locals. Explore the surroundings and see the amazing views of the city below. Don’t want to break the bank? Hike the Grouse Grind up instead of the tram and save $35. It’s a great and well-maintained hike with lots of people around.

4) Many people in the school are over 16 and have a license. So why not go on a road trip with some of your friends? Driving all day long, in the hot sun, excited to go to your destination. Whistler-Blackcomb is always nice, with landmarks like the Peak to Peak gondola and mountain biking. But I believe the Okanagan is more exciting. For a cool experience, try and sleep in your car, as it’s free. I suggest going to Penticton, Kelowna and some B.C. Parks such as Manning.

3) WECC Volunteering. As mentioned in the top story, volunteering is a great way to see the city, and meet new people.

2) Enjoy English Bay! Some of the best summer spots are just minutes away from King George Secondary. English Bay offers one of the best beach experiences in Canada. With volleyball, kayaking, a slide and refreshing ocean temperatures, it has it all. And of course, I must mention the Honda Celebration of Light on July 27, July 31 and Aug 3.

1) Biking in Vancouver has never been safer and easier. With an expanding number of dedicated bike routes, the fear of riding in traffic is reduced. Some of the best bike routes include the Seawall, Stanley Park trails and the new Arbutus Corridor. It’s great exercise, good for the environment and super easy to learn. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one or get a membership for the Mobi Bike service, around Vancouver.

INTO THE ARCHIVES
Thanks For Visiting Our Open House

On this past Car Free Day in The West End, we saw record attendance and donations. The KG Archives Club has been working extremely hard recently to get the archives clean and to put 105 years of class and staff documents and photos in binders and in order.

This months’ ‘Into the Archives’ photo is of KG’s principal, Mr. Jason Lauzon from the 2018 graduation ceremony. On behalf of The West End Journal, I want to congratulate the grads of 2019. We’re sure they’ll do great things in the world!