Smithson has been Bible Hill’s director of recreation for four years. In his previous recreation job in Sherbrooke, Smithson created the Trailblazers project, which is a free after-school outdoor recreation and leadership program for youth.
When he started working in Bible Hill, he continued the recreation initiative in conjunction with Redcliff Middle School. More than 70 children from Grades 5 to 7 have participated in the program and Smithson is hoping to expand it to elementary schools. It’s his work with Trailblazers that has earned him a Recreation Nova Scotia Innovation Award.
“I was surprised. It feels good; it’s a pretty nice honour,” Smithson told the Truro Daily News on Thursday, adding people on the Trailblazers committee and Department of Health and Wellness representatives nominated him for the provincial award.
He will be presented with the award during a ceremony in Halifax on Oct. 23.
This will be Smithson’s first provincial recreation award and while he’s thrilled to receive it, he’s quick to point out he has learned just as much from the Trailblazer children.
“I’ve learned about the amount of creativity in kids and the amount of joy they get from the small things,” said Smithson, adding the group takes on activities such as biking, shelter and fire building, designing outdoor classrooms, building bridges, fishing, water testing, flower blooming and more.
“And when we may think they are messing around or making mistakes, they can be making the most amazing things” such as a suspension bridge some of the children worked on not too long ago.
Smithson is also pleased children take ideas and projects home and show him pictures of their progress.
“And they go out in all weather and temperatures and love it. The parents love it too.”
Smithson believes it’s good for people of all ages, especially youth, to get more involved in outdoor activities.
“It’s about breaking down barriers and getting active, which creates a culture of activity for life.”
Village officials said Smithson deserves the award not only for the Trailblazers program, but for all the recreation initiatives he’s brought to fruition in Bible Hill, including upgrades to the recreation park on College Road.
“There’s no question Brendon has brought on some new things and has community leadership. He’s very, very dedicated,” said village chairman Tom Burke during a commission meeting this week.
Twitter: tdnMonique
Smithson has been Bible Hill’s director of recreation for four years. In his previous recreation job in Sherbrooke, Smithson created the Trailblazers project, which is a free after-school outdoor recreation and leadership program for youth.
When he started working in Bible Hill, he continued the recreation initiative in conjunction with Redcliff Middle School. More than 70 children from Grades 5 to 7 have participated in the program and Smithson is hoping to expand it to elementary schools. It’s his work with Trailblazers that has earned him a Recreation Nova Scotia Innovation Award.
“I was surprised. It feels good; it’s a pretty nice honour,” Smithson told the Truro Daily News on Thursday, adding people on the Trailblazers committee and Department of Health and Wellness representatives nominated him for the provincial award.
He will be presented with the award during a ceremony in Halifax on Oct. 23.
This will be Smithson’s first provincial recreation award and while he’s thrilled to receive it, he’s quick to point out he has learned just as much from the Trailblazer children.
“I’ve learned about the amount of creativity in kids and the amount of joy they get from the small things,” said Smithson, adding the group takes on activities such as biking, shelter and fire building, designing outdoor classrooms, building bridges, fishing, water testing, flower blooming and more.
“And when we may think they are messing around or making mistakes, they can be making the most amazing things” such as a suspension bridge some of the children worked on not too long ago.
Smithson is also pleased children take ideas and projects home and show him pictures of their progress.
“And they go out in all weather and temperatures and love it. The parents love it too.”
Smithson believes it’s good for people of all ages, especially youth, to get more involved in outdoor activities.
“It’s about breaking down barriers and getting active, which creates a culture of activity for life.”
Village officials said Smithson deserves the award not only for the Trailblazers program, but for all the recreation initiatives he’s brought to fruition in Bible Hill, including upgrades to the recreation park on College Road.
“There’s no question Brendon has brought on some new things and has community leadership. He’s very, very dedicated,” said village chairman Tom Burke during a commission meeting this week.
Twitter: tdnMonique
