The Okotoks Recreation Centre's Youth Centre is working to create a positive outlet for youth.

Helen Sevcik, Youth Recreation Programmer at the Okotoks Youth Centre, says she sees a bit of a decline in numbers using the Centre over the summer months due to the warmer weather.

Sevcik says the Youth Centre does its best to help promote a positive image for local youth and get them through its doors.

"It's difficult because we can't force kids into the building so we offer these programs that are free and they're opportunities for them to come join in," she says. "If they're wanting to hangout in a park and use the park or skate park appropriately that's something we view as a really positive thing."

Sevcik says while it seems like we see a lot of negative discussions on social media about teens, there are those who work to make a difference.

"We do see a ton of really great youth in the community that come to access Friday Teen Night and that volunteer throughout the summer and throughout out the year so we don't want everybody thinking that a few teens are representing the whole."

Friday Teen Night takes place every Friday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at no cost to teens at the Centre located in the Okotoks Recreation Centre.

To learn about the Okotoks Youth Centre's other programs and events or how to volunteer with the organization, click here.