The LOL Squad gets silly, and surprisingly serious

By Brandie Majeau

The LOL Squad, Leaders of Life, is a program tailored specifically for teenagers

navigating the often-overlooked gap between children’s and adult programming. The

program is a collaboration between the Thorhild Library and the Thorhild County Family

Centre, and it runs on Fridays at 2 pm at the Thorhild Library. The LOL Squad creates a

safe and stimulating environment where teens can explore their interests, connect with

their peers and develop essential life skills all while having fun.

The LOL Squad program features a diverse array of activities designed to

provide meaningful learning experiences and connections among the group. One

example of an activity is Budgeting Battles, where participants may be tasked with a

fictional budget and challenged to embark on a grocery shopping adventure. They are

guided to choose healthy ingredients while planning meals that adhere to specific

nutritional guidelines and quantity requirements. This engaging exercise not only

teaches financial literacy and responsible budgeting but also deepens their

understanding of healthy eating and the critical distinction between needs and wants.

The Creative Chaos segments invite teens to express themselves through a

variety of hands-on activities, such as crafting vision boards and creating gratitude

graffiti. Teens explore themes of optimism, goal setting, and individuality, enabling them

to reflect on their dreams and aspirations. This creative outlet also introduces practical

life skills, which in turn equips them with useful knowledge that builds confidence and

independence.

Additionally, the program looks to host mock interviews, providing participants

with a platform to showcase their “secret super powers”—the unique talents and skills

they possess. This invaluable experience not only boosts their self-confidence but also

enhances their ability to present themselves effectively in future real-world scenarios.

At its core, the LOL Squad embraces the importance of youth participation by

allowing teens to take the reins in guiding their own conversations and planning the

wrap-up session. Participants will work collaboratively to budget, choose the activity,

and select the meal for how the program comes to completion. The LOL Squad strives

to empower teens, promote teamwork, and equip them with crucial life skills.

During their Donuts and Debates afternoon, the teen group exuded a relaxed and

open atmosphere as they indulged in handfuls of candy and fresh donuts. They

engaged in spirited discussions surrounding whimsical topics like, “Are hot dogs

considered sandwiches?” and “Should socks be worn with sandals?” The debates

transitioned seamlessly from playful scenarios, such as choosing between owning a

dragon or a unicorn, to more profound reflections about their identities and the broader

world around them.

As they gathered around the table, discussions and opinions bounced back and

forth between participants, bursts of laughter and playful jabs punctuated the air. Yet,

beneath the humour lay a remarkable depth of insight, as they navigated the complex

social implications of social media, discussing both its positive contributions and

negative consequences. The group demonstrated an impressive understanding of the

far-reaching effects of artificial intelligence and the importance of personal

accountability in a global context.

Despite their differences, they (mostly) adhered to debate guidelines, treating

one another’s opinions with active listening, empathy, and respect. This blend of

lightheartedness and thoughtfulness created an engaging environment where both fun

and individuality were encouraged and respected.

Teens are invited to drop in and attend the remaining LOL Squad sessions, which

will be held on August 1, 8, and 15.