‘ment -with Cypress Bowl, Cypress work program offers unique experience for youth Dear Editor: Re: Aug. 6 article, ‘Volunteerism or Capitalism,’ written by Taleeb Noormohamed. Noormohamed opened his arti- cle by. stating “‘it might be an idea. to look into it a little better,’’ re- ferring to the Youth WEST work experience program at Bowl. ; Unfortunately he made no at- tempt to contact Cypress Bowl, and his article gave no indication that he had spoken to any of the students in the program. ; If he had done his homework his ‘opinion may have been’ dif- ferent. Youth WEST has never been referred to by Cypress Bowl as a “‘volunteer’’ program, nor-has it been represented as a ‘worthy cause.”’ The program is intended to provide high schoo! students with some meaningful experience and to. develop: their skills and . confidence. Most of the students in the pro- gram had little or no previous work experience and would have a tough time competing in today’s job market even for entry level ". positions. The experience and training ‘obtained through the program will assist in- gaining: future employ- one of the other local mountains, or even at McDonald’s. The training available to the ’ Cypress : students includes SuperHost, first-aid, ski binding certification, Level 1 Ski Instructor, and heavy equipment operation. The students who completed the program may work in a part-time position next winter, or take a second level of the program with a greater variety of experience and more in-depth training, The North Vancouver Schoo! Board and Chamber of Commerce ~ have recently formed a committee to improve work experience op- : portunities for high school stu- dents. because the school system on -its own has been unable to provide students with all the skills and experience that employers demand. Cypress Bowl is represented on _this committee and has met with /Tepresentatives of both North Shore school boards to try to in- crease the opportunity for students to earn school credits for par- ticipating in our program. Noormohamed suggests in his “article that our motive is to ‘turn a profit and keep their spending down.’* In fact, the cost to devel- op and operate the program far exceeded any savings in labor. An even larger budget has’ been allocated to the program this year, while the number of participants will be. reduced so that the quality of training and supervision can be improved. He also commented that if we were really committed to youth, we would create more 626 Cronos. It’s beauty and sculpted styling is more than skin deep. The 626 Cronos goes to great lengths to give the driver an unparalleled feeling of confidence, control & security. REGENCY (NORTHSHORE) MAZDA jobs. Cypress Bowl employed up- proximately 450 staff last winter, most of whom are under the age of 25. Few, if any, North Shore employers provide as many jobs for youth as the loca! ski areas. News headlines constantly re- mind us that youths need more alternatives for constructive activ- ities. We are trying to. fill that need because we have the ability and resources to do so. Youth WEST offers a unique combination of experience and training in a fun and comfortable environment which is not available anywhere else in Western Canada. The benefits of free skiing, lessons, ete. are provided to en- courage the students to experience the business from our customers’ perspective, The concept of the Youth WEST program is no different than Noormohamed “volunteering’’ his- time to write articles for the ZAP column, Is he being exploited, or being given the benefit of valuable experience? 1 salute the North Shore News for providing aspiring young jour- nalists with an opportunity to have their writing published, but they do have a responsibility to research their subjects so that their opinions will be based on facts rather than speculation. Bob Dodge, personnel manager Cypress Bowl Recreations 929 Serenia. A symphony of innovation, luxury & design, the Serenia was crafted for the special few who appreciate elegant simplicity. SERVICE DEPARTMENT 987-4458 700 Block, Marine Drive. North Vancouver 987-4458 PHONE FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN 8AM-SPM MONDAY THRU SATURDAY N. Shore News Mailbox policy LETTERS TO the editor must be legible (preferably typewritten) and include your name, full address and telephone number. Due to space constraints the Nerth Shore News cannot publish all letters. Published letters may be cdited for brevity, clarity, accura- cy, legality and taste. Letters can be faxed to 985-3227 but still must be signed and fully addressed,- LOST IN THE JUNGLE? Now that you have passed your REAL ESTATE EXAM, are you LOST as to where to turn for the TRAINING AND SUPPORT that you need to put it to work? Don't feel lost ... Come to THE company whose TRAINING AND SUPPORT are the foundation of SUCCESS both for YOU and the company. Make an appointment to hear YOUR SUCCESS STORY by calling today. SEE WHAT TWE CAN DO FOR YOU!!! CANADA TRUST REALTY INC. MARK HOHENWARTER, MANAGER WEST VAN BRANCH 922-61 66 ALISON HENDREN, MANAGER NORTH VAN BRANCH 988-6137 "The District of North ‘Vancouver and - “Lynn Valley Little League Baseball Association . invite you to help us recognize the best little leaguers in town - and in Canada! The Lynn Valley Little League All Stars, Canadian Little League Baseball National Champions Join the players, their families and supporters at a Family Picnic September 1, 1993 @ 5 to 7 p.m. Kilmer Park, Dempsey Road, ‘North Vancouver > Hot dogs $ Refreshments @ by the Lynn Valley Lions ‘ "The Team Roster Blake Anderson Brian Briscoe Clinton Hosford Chris Kerr Spencer Barnard Scott Carison Lloyd Haggard. Tyler Lentsch Drew Sickinger Andrew Janz Cameron Janz Shaun Layton” Marc Rouleau Michael Winstanley Kathy Barnard, Coach Eden Briscoe, Manager