Watching middle-school aged kids run around a gymnasium may look like chaos to some, but for Heather Quaite, it’s an organized chaos.
It’s a sight Quaite has become used to as the co-ordinator of Shoreline Community School Association’s Nights Alive program that takes place at the View Royal school on Wednesday evenings. As part of the program, grade 6 to 8 students take part in a number of after-school activities as a way to keep them busy and out of trouble.
“It’s very physical, they’re a very active group of kids,” said Quaite, adding it’s a place for students to see their friends and have a bit of fun. “They continually come and have fun. It’s really high energy … When you come to the program and see the kids, you realize that’s what you’re doing it for.”
Kids begin with free play, where they have access to equipment in the gym and can play basketball, tag or badminton. It’s then followed by a snack of fruits or veggies, pizza or chicken strips. During the final hour, co-ordinators put on an organized game such as dodge ball or tail dogs, which is similar to capture the flag.
A drum instructor also comes in with a drum kit, and teaches students on buckets.
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The program came about after the death of 14-year-old Reena Virk roughly 20 years ago.
On the night of Nov. 14, 1997, Virk was swarmed by a group of mainly girls under the Craigflower Bridge. Two of her attackers – Kelly Ellard and Warren Glowatski – followed her along the shoreline where they continued the beating and held Virk’s head under the water until she drowned.
The Saanich girl’s body was discovered eight days later farther up the Gorge Waterway. The tragedy shocked the nation and caught international attention when it was announced Virk was murdered by a group of classmates and friends known as the Shoreline Six – the oldest of whom was 16.
Ellard, is currently serving a life sentence for second-degree murder. Glowatski was also convicted of second-degree murder and was granted full parole in 2010.
The Shoreline Community School Association had been offering programs for adults and kids since 1980. But Virk’s murder forced the association to review how and the types of programs and resources that were being offered to youth. Shortly after, the Night Alive program was born.
“A number of kids had nowhere to go on a Friday night. They were just hanging around on the street. The community was letting those kids down. We didn’t have spaces to have those kids in,” said association chair Barb Bishop Fetherstonhaugh.
“It was out of that terrible event that adults realized how important it was for youth to have a safe place to be. That’s what [the program] is about … It helps kids have their own voice, learn social skills.”
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Over the past two decades, the program has grown. This year, there are roughly 25 to 40 participants each session, up from the previous year when there were roughly 20 to 30 a session.
The program is also the recent recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Town of View Royal that will help pay for some of the staff’s wages, supplies and food next year.
Quaite believes the program has grown because it offers kids a change in their everyday lifestyle.
“I think their days are so structured. They have to be here at a certain time, do this and eat that, and they don’t get a lot of say in how their day is planned out,” Quaite said. “It’s nice for them to come and have a little bit of loose fun … It’s one of the best parts of my week.”
Nights Alive runs on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. until June 20 this year. For more information visit shorelinecommunityschool.ca.