The Nakusp and Area Youth Society (NAYS) is a not-for-profit organization which aims to work collaboratively with the community to develop the full potential of youth in a safe and inclusive environment. Basically, we want to make this an awesome place to grow up for any kid who lives here.

Values & Rules

Our society values creativity, inclusivity, honesty, inspiration, generosity, and sharing knowledge. We encourage you to organize and help us organize, activities and programs which reflect these values. We are not affiliated with any broader groups or religious organizations.

The Youth Centre has 3 Basic Rules:

1. Respect the space. Respect each other. Respect our neighbours. Respect yourselves.
2. Clean up after your own messes.
3. Ask for the things you need.

What’s up with the youth centre?

The Nakusp Youth Centre started as a pilot project in the Fall of 2013 which was initially aimed to learn if a youth centre was (a) needed in Nakusp, and (b) something we’re capable of running. As we soon discovered, our space has become central for many youth in Nakusp to gather together to create new ideas, engage in community projects and – well – just hang out! The success of the pilot project turned from 3 months into one and a half years, so we thought it might be smart to find a more permanent home.

The Nakusp Youth Centre has that new home as of June 2015! We are located in the basement of what is now the Kinship Connection Centre and are working in collaboration with Nakusp Options for Sexual Health and the Arrow Lakes Arts Council to make the old Kinsmen Health Unit a vibrant and active community space in downtown Nakusp. The grand opening was on June 24, 2015, and the donation of the building to the Village of Nakusp by the Kinsmen and Kinettes of 1969 was honoured at that ceremony.