While typically hosting around 200 youth per weekend night during normal times, the pandemic has drastically changed the way Joe's Place Youth Centre in Moose Jaw has operated.

Founder and Director, Joe Dueck, explains how they've stayed busy since closing their doors in March.

"We created the Isolation Olympics. A whole lineup of contests for youth to participate in. We've been able to get some sponsors too so we could give away prizes. We've been able to give away gift certificates to local businesses and we were even able to give away a 55" TV to one of our youth contest participants thanks to the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation."

Staff and youth have also been able to stay in regular contact through a group chat, which Dueck said includes a councilor to help any kids facing any sort of mental health issues while isolated.

In May, Joe's Place held an International Star Wars Day event, with a number of Star Wars characters, superheroes, and video game icons waving outside as parents and their kids drove by 

But, now that businesses are beginning to reopen and guidelines have softened up a bit, Dueck says they have been able to plan some in-person activities.

He says with the help of the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation, they were able to purchase some instruments.

"We were able to purchase 23 ukeleles from Johns Music right here in town. We gave those out to the youth and we started doing online ukelele lessons, and we've moved to doing in-person, socially distant lessons in Crescent Park. We also take them out hiking, biking, golfing, kayaking, and fishing. It's just so great to be able to connect with real live people."

Dueck says they've still been holding their weekly 'Dinner and a Movie' night virtually, and with the help of Family Pizza in town, over $1,300 worth of free pizza has been delivered to kids since it moved to an online setting.

If you or your child is interested in joining the group at Joe's Place, you're asked to contact them via Facebook.