In February 2000, the planning team collaborated with the Boundary County School District to obtain opinions of Boundary County's youth about the future of their community. A random sampling of 48 eighth-graders and 51 eleventh-graders were surveyed by The Hingston Roach Group. The responses were insightful, and are summarized below.

a. Youth Desire Enhanced Services and Support in the Community
Youth expressed dissatisfaction about the availability of youth-oriented activities, shopping and dining opportunities: 

* 59% desire more activities for youth
* Half feel that shopping and dining choices are very limited
* 27% encouraged augmentation of existing businesses and services

    The youth also indicated a desire for more community support of youth activities and school facilities.

b. Youth are Downtown Customers, But Potential is Not Fully Tapped
    Student visitation to Downtown Bonners Ferry is significant, but can be increased. More activities and shopping opportunities (as mentioned above) would increase the frequency of youth visitation to Downtown.

* More than half of respondents indicated that they visit Downtown often, while the rest visit Downtown sometimes (none of the students said that they never visit)
* 61% of youth visit Downtown to shop
* About one-third go Downtown for recreation; and of that group, half go to the movie theater
* Other principle reasons for visiting downtown are "to hang out", to attend school-related activities, and go to the Post Office
* Specific goods and services desired by youth include entertainment (more movies, arcade, indoor recreation/athletic center, video rental, social areas), dining (pizza, coffee house), apparel, musical instruments and sheet music (for music classes, band)

c. Youth are Dissatisfied with the Physical Condition of Their Schools
    While students are generally satisfied with their school environment, specific physical concerns need to be addressed:

* When asked what changes are needed at their schools, more than half of the students cited the need for new and improved school buildings
* When asked what three things they liked least about living in Boundary County, one-third of the students stated that schools should be upgraded or replaced
* One in four stated that construction of new schools would make life better for youth in Boundary County
* 20% of eighth graders indicated a need for lockers
* 14% felt that major improvements to the gym are necessary
* Nearly one-third of eleventh graders would like to see the curriculum upgraded
* Problems with school funding and teachers are additional youth concerns

    The physical condition of the schools is a safety issue for students and faculty. During business interviews, the planning team also found that it is a barrier to recruitment of new businesses and professionals to the community (such as pharmacists, physicians, business executives, teachers, etc.).

d. Youth Like Their Community, But Need More Unstructured Social Activities
    The youth of Bonners Ferry/Boundary County value and appreciate where they live, but they need more unstructured social activities. Specifically, they would like places for social interaction with their peers ("more places to hang out with friends").

    Survey results indicate that the youth of Boundary County are highly satisfied the area's north woods setting, natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation. They value the closeness of neighbors and feeling of safety associated with a rural community.

* More than half of respondents said the beautiful scenery and clean environment of the area are important
* Nearly half indicated that "friendly people" and "knowing everyone" are significant
* Outdoor recreation activities are enjoyed by 37% of youth
* 35% said they like the atmosphere of a small town

    Students recognize the limitations of residing in a small rural community, but feel that life could be better for the youth of Bonners Ferry. Selected comments included:

"We need better places to shop, skating rinks, clubs to dance at for teenagers, and just anywhere for high schoolers to hang out."

"Get an after-school center for kids to hang out and just have fun. More community input into what goes on and more support."

e. Youth are Active in Community, School and Church Activities
    Although youth desire more unstructured social activities, they do participate in - and contribute to - the community, school and church activities that are available. Participation in various athletic pursuits is the most popular activity, with basketball and baseball mentioned most frequently. Membership in various church and community youth groups was cited by nearly half of the respondents. Nearly one-quarter are members of 4-H or Future Farmers of America. Only about 12% do not participate in any sponsored activity.

f. Youth Like Their Teachers, Fellow Students & Social Aspects of School
    Survey respondents said teachers, fellow students and social activities are the most-liked aspects of Bonners Ferry schools.

* The teachers and staff were cited by 64% of eleventh graders, and 38% of eighth graders
* Friends and the social activities are most important to 43% of youth
* The athletic and sports programs are well-liked by 19% of students
* 15% approve of curriculum choices and the schools' small size

g. Planning for Youth and the Future Can Help Reverse the "Brain Drain"
    Youth are the future of Boundary County. They care about the future of their home, and desire investments in that future. Most youth leave the community after high school and do not return, because of the lack of career jobs. This "brain drain" from the community is a waste of valuable resources. Business leaders should continue to seek and include youth perspectives in their economic and community development planning efforts.