Settling into a new community and launching an innovative Lacombe business has been only part of the vision of Spencer and Karlee Rennie.
The couple, originally from Edmonton, own 5024 General Store. And beyond this, they have, along with several community partners, provided seven weeks of skateboard lessons free of charge over the summer.
This marks year two for the 5024 Skateboard Camp, which has meant the world to the couple as they enjoy building solid connections with youth.
"We provide the skateboards and protective gear as well as snacks and lunches to kids from Lacombe, Lacombe County, Ponoka, Blackfalds, Alix, Red Deer, Clive, and other surrounding communities," said Karlee, adding there were more than 90 registered participants this summer.
"It's open to all of Central Alberta."
Looking back, the Rennies originally had their sights set on moving to Vancouver. One day, when they were heading to Canmore, they made a stop at Dutchess Flower Shop in Lacombe. Although familiar with Central Alberta, they were struck by what they saw.
"We saw how beautiful and well taken care of Lacombe had been over the years, and how it had turned into a beautiful little hub for Central Alberta."
Ultimately, their plans changed and they opted to launch a new business in town - a skateboard shop complete with a coffee bar.
"We didn't only want to focus on retail and sales - we also wanted to create a community hub for the younger generation, too. So that is kind of how it all got started.
"My husband has worked in skateboard and snowboard shops before, so he's our sale and retail-based guy. My passion is in providing things for the community and working with kids, so we settled on opening a store that would provide something for the greater good of our community. And that is how we started the skate camp."
As mentioned, it's truly a collaborative effort with generoius support coming in from several community partners. "We couldn't do it by ourselves. It's been a huge group effort. Many different hands have helped to put this program on."
And from the get-go, the camp - which runs on a drop-in basis - has been a big hit with local kids.
It's a way to introduce them to skateboarding, and to promote a healthy, active lifestyle while spending more time outdoors, she added.
"It's seven hours each day of getting outside, getting active and getting social."
It's also open to any skill level. For those who have never stepped onto a skateboard, there is specialized training available to help them master the basics. There is also instruction and guidance for the much more experienced, too.
"We open it up to those seven to 17-years- old. Some kids are skateboarding for the full seven hours, and some are there to socialize and hang out. It's a very relaxed environment - it's not a rigid lesson program," she said, adding that essentially, the sport is based around both athleticism and creativity.
"There are a lot of artists in skateboarding, and music is associated with it as well."
Meanwhile, the feedback from kids and their parents has been very encouraging to say the least.
"It hits so many marks. Kids who were never interested in sports are now begging their parents to go to the skate park," she said with a laugh. "Kids who maybe didn't really like social sports are thrilled to learn it, too. Our coaches are also super inspirational.
"They take such great care of the kids, and they really open up a space for them to learn. So there too, we get a lot of great feedback about our coaches, and how they are with the kids," she explained, adding feedback has also reflected gratitude from local girls who have been able to come and learn the sport, too.
"It's opened doors to help them feel comfortable, and learn how to do it so that they can take those skills and feel confident when they go to the skate park by themselves as well," she said. "Girls are really coming up in skateboarding - they are doing so well."
For Spencer and Karlee, seeing what the program means to so many has been a joy.
"It's something we can step into knowing the kids are going to bring such a positive energy," she said.
"I've always been quite inspired to work with youth. When you work with kids, they really 'juice up' your batteries, and the coaches feel the same way, too."
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