Helping Canadian Kids Thrive! 2007 May 10 & 11, 2007 Miramichi, New Brunswick "(The Conference focuses on) A broadened perspective on what's right with kids and how we need to make sure we're always intentional and deliberate about supporting and building relationships with young people."  Joanne McQuiggan, Conference Co-Chair
	Conference Host Committee
	A fabulous group of local people representing over 20 agencies and organizations worked with us to plan the  Helping Canadian Kids Thrive! 2007 Conference.  They paid tremedous attention to detail, the needs of the Confernce delegates and providing a real down home feel for the conference.  We are very thankful for all of their support!  To view a list of the Committee click here.
"Thumbs up to the local organizers of the Thrive conference.  Way to show the community that Miramichi can host a national conference, and way to work together to find ways to positively develop youth." Dainel Mark Wheaton, Health and Education Reporter, Miramichi Leader
	Conference Schedule
	Click here to download a copy of the Conference Schedule. Our Conference Host Committee planned a number of special events for our Conference participants including - Pre-Conference Tours of the Sights and Sounds of Miramichi - the participants who were in Miramichi early for the Conference enjoyed a tour put together by our Host Committee of the area attractions for you to take part in.  To view the Tour Schedule click here.  Pre-Conference Dramatic Presentation by the Eel Ground First Nation Drama Club of 'After the Thunder: The Simon Bishop Story' - click here for a description of the play. ATCON, one of our generous conference sponsors hosted their Turnaround Achievement Award Celebration just prior to our conference.  The awards recognize students from New Brunswick who have shown the most effort, commitment  and  perserverence in turning around their life.  More on this wonderful project can be found here>        A Taste of Miramichi "Surf or Turf" Banquet was held on Thursday May 10th and was included as part of the conference registeration.  Well known New Brunswick entertainers "Connie and Paul" shared their talents with our guests as they attempted to eat lobster the "down east way". There was"turf" for those who did not choose to knuckle their way through the Maritime Delight. The banquet was held at the Douglastown Community Center and transportation was provided. This event was geneously sponsored by the City of Miramichi.
WOW!  If you weren't there you really missed something - We laughed...  We cried...  We hugged...  We learned...  We shared ...  and we stepped out in the Miramichi!
	Youth Lodging
	Lodging for youth and their chaperones was available at The Golden Hawk Recreation Complex.   Providing this low-cost option for accommodations allowed groups of youth to attend the Conference in larger numbers.  The youth and their chaperones were very thankful for this option and expressed their gratitude to the Centre's staff.  To see some of their comments click here.   The Youth and Chaperone Lodging Registration Form provided details about this lodging option.  Click here to view and download the form. Students from the Protective Services Students at the New Brunswick Community College Police Foundations Course provided security for the participants staying at the Golden Hawk as part of their coursework and copy of the plan can be viewed by clicking here.  The plan was authored by - Constable Todd Chadwick (Miramichi Police Force) and NBCC Police Foundations Students - Yolande Doiron, Mathieu Godin, Nicholas McLaughlin, Mathew Augustine, Corey Hilchie, Adam Bertolini, James Brown, Ryan Brown, Thomas Currie, Thomas Curtis, and Corey Porter.
We were 'Stepin' Out in the Miramichi' and the City of Miramichi generously donated a pedometer for each conference delegate.  Prizes were given for the highest number of steps logged by MANGO (Miramichi Action for Nutrition Guidance Opportunities).  Over the course of the Conference participants logged 1,635,744 steps which equals roughly 1,600 kms - almost half of the way across Canada!
	Registration Information
	Energizing learning sessions and training opportunities were key components of this enriching experience.   Almost 300 participants registered this year from nearly every province and territory in the country - and 1/3 of them were youth!  People came from every sector of our communities including youth, youth-serving, education, family-serving, public health, policing, parks and recreation.
	Pre-Conference Sessions
	Two very successful pre-conference sessions were offered this year in conjunction with the Conference - one for Community Policing and the other for Parks and Recreation.  Click here to view details for pre-conference sessions.
	Keynote Presenters and Learning Sessions
	Thanks to all who presented Learning Sessions at the Conference!  There was a tremendous wealth of knowledge, innovation and inspiration in the presentations.  Copies of some of the presentations and links to related websites can be found in the Learning Session Overview.  Additions are being made to this Overview as material becomes available so please check back often!  The Learning Session Overview can be viewed by clicking here. A list of the Keynotes from the Conference can be viewed by clicking here.