Tillsonburg Teen Beat hosts special events just for teens

Anita Foy, creator of Teen Beat and Events, plans special events for young people to socialize and celebrate in Tillsonburg. (Contributed Photo)

Robin Krafft, Post Contributor

Anita Foy, creator of Tillsonburg Teen Beat and Events, has been planning and hosting events for teens since 2021.

Foy and her children moved to Tillsonburg for a fresh start, but her teens found it hard to adjust at first. The pandemic influenced mental health, and young people who couldn't socialize with their peers for a prolonged period missed important formative experiences.

"Teen's mental health was affected by COVID," Foy said. "I had always volunteered at my kids’ school, and the neighborhood kids called me Mom. There were always kids showing up at my door. When we moved here, I realized that there are so many kids out there that missed out; they're living via social media."

She planned a Teen Egg Hunt in 2024 to encourage socialization and to give youth an activity of their own. The event was held at Lake Lisgar Waterpark, adjacent to, but separate from, the Tillsonburg Kinsmen Club Easter Egg Hunt. Foy was grateful for their support and cooperation.

"It allowed us to grow and explore this opportunity," she said. "We couldn't have done it without the initial backing of the Kinsmen Club."

That first year she noticed a lot of kids spread out and hunting for eggs on their own, doing their own thing. By the second year, the event had tripled in size, with over 160 teens attending and socializing. She received many donations and she and her team of volunteers stuffed 4,800 eggs with treats, creating a veritable rainbow in the grass and among the trees.

"There are ten people who organize, set up and clean up after," Foy said. "It’s family-run. Me and my kids, friends, and some teens help out for their volunteer hours. Tim Hortons put in a prize basket, and Zehrs donated goodies to take home."

As Foy finalizes the planning for the third Teen Egg Hunt, donations of plastic eggs and foil covered eggs are gratefully being accepted. Details about the event will be provided on the Tillsonburg Teen Beat and Events FB page.

"It's great for homeschooled teens," Foy said. "It's an opportunity to make friends and socialize with others they might not otherwise meet. There are a lot of single parent families too, and kids have to be more self-sufficient, and this gives them a chance to enjoy something just for them. My idea and vision came from my kids."

The Teen Santa Potluck, held at The Spot in the Tillsonburg Town Centre, was a big hit last year. Teens brought food or treats, and a wrapped gift ($20 limit) dispersed during a Christmas bingo game.

"It's an all-inclusive environment," Foy said. "I make sure all the kids are addressed; we engage with everyone. Our events are lighthearted, welcoming. It's for fun!"

Many parents follow the FB page looking for events for their teens and she's had numerous kids and parents approach her with gratitude for planning and hosting events. She welcomes their input and ideas for future activities.

Foy is looking forward to Teen Beat's first Teen Karaoke on March 15 at the Copper Mug, and a Luau in July. She would also like to plan a parent and teen summer event.

"Kids are still bonding with you in their teen years," Foy said. "Kids need connections even more. Teens still need you. I try to be who I needed when I was young."

Foy added that planning and helping out at events is a strong lesson for her kids, now aged 17 and 21. She knows they'll remember these traditions and events, and they enjoy seeking out anyone who seems to be having trouble joining in.

"If someone is alone, you go talk to them, that's where you make a difference," Foy said. "There's a stigma that we need to break. It doesn't matter what you look like, who you are, or where you come from. You fit in somewhere, and if you feel like you don't fit, you fit with us."