Socializing is more than just fun—it’s an essential part of growing up. Building connections with others helps you develop communication skills, empathy, and confidence. Spending time with friends also boosts your mood and provides a support system during tough times. Plus, learning to navigate relationships now sets the foundation for healthy connections in the future. Here are some ways you can get involved:
Summit Trails Socials
Keep an eye out for e-mails announcing Summit Trails Socials. These events are open to all Summit Trails students, and we typically meet at our portable at C.W. Perry School in Airdrie. Consent forms are posted on SchoolCash, and if you are interested in attending but want more details, feel free to e-mail cvanysselsteyn@rockyview.ab.ca. Our last event was our Christmas social in December, but more events will be coming in the new year!
Summit Trails Groups
At present, Summit Trails has one group running - our QSA (Queer Straight Alliance). A QSA (Queer-Straight Alliance) is a supportive and inclusive space where students of all identities, 2SLGBTQIA+ and allies alike, can come together to build community, share experiences, and advocate for diversity and acceptance in a safe space. Our QSA occurs every Thursday at noon over Zoom and generally tends to be a social group chat about student interests (anime, pets, and television shows tend to be common themes :) ). Everyone is welcome, regardless of how they identify. E-mail cvanysselsteyn@rockyview.ab.ca if you are interested.
Volunteering
Volunteering helps you build skills, gain experience, and make connections while giving back to your community. To find opportunities, check out local organizations, websites like Volunteer Alberta, or places such as schools, libraries, or animal shelters, food banks, senior's centres, or community centres. As an added bonus, if you are volunteering enough hours (minimum 75 hours in total), you can also apply to enrol in our school's work experience program.
Community Clubs and Sports
Many cities and towns have recreational sports teams that might be of interest even if you are not a competitive athlete. Recreation centres, community centres, and libraries in your area may also have teen groups or events that are of interest. Some communities have organizations such as The Boys and Girls Clubs that offer a variety of groups and one-off events as well. Here is the link to the Airdrie club, but you can Google the link for any town.
Give these ideas a try - you might discover new friendships, build confidence, and have fun along the way!