Lila Greenland, accompanied by co-worker David McLean, holds a cone of mariner’s sea salt caramel ice cream at Fundy Scoops Dairy Bar. The ice cream flavour appears to be a popular choice among customers this season. Photo by Aidan Rawding /Truro NewsArticle contentNORTH RIVER – With just over 30 ice cream flavours, how can you choose?THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentWell, Fundy Scoops Dairy Bar customers do seem to have a few go-to scoop selections this season, according to social enterprise manager Gabrielle Wheeldon.Article contentArticle content“Oh, definitely mariner’s sea salt caramel. That one is a huge seller, as well as double chocolate mousse,” said Wheeldon, adding that chocolate peanut butter cup is another popular flavour.Article contentArticle contentSince opening day on May 15, youth staff have been working hard doling out cold treats for customers at the ice cream shop in North River.Article content“I would say so far, we’ve had an incredible season. Obviously the … sunny days keep us constantly busy, and we’re always serving customers,” said Wheeldon.Article content“It’s my first year here,” she continued, “but there are regulars that come and all our staff recognize them, so that’s nice to see.”Article contentWheeldon believes Canada Day has been their busiest day so far this season.Article contentIMPACTArticle contentFundy Scoops Dairy Bar is a social enterprise of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colchester East Hants, and has been operating since 2019. All profits from the ice cream shop go back into the organization to support youth programming.Article contentThe ice cream shop employs local youth, including ‘littles’ from the Big Brothers Big Sisters matching program.Article contentWorking at Fundy Scoops Dairy Bar allows youth the opportunity to hone their leadership skills, foster friendships, and provide mentorship to one another.Article contentArticle content“That is our main focus … seeing them build leadership skills,” explains Wheeldon, “seeing them move into more leadership roles within the dairy bar, and just seeing how they can influence the younger kids that start working here.”Article content Gabrielle Wheeldon, social enterprise manager at Fundy Scoops Dairy Bar, says youth mentorship is the main focus at the North River ice cream shop. Photo by Aidan Rawding /Truro NewsArticle contentClose to 20 youth staff are working at Fundy Scoops this season; some are returning, and others are working at the social enterprise for the first time.Article content“It’s great. I love working here,” said returning employee Lila Greenland.Article content“You can’t hate your job if you’re scooping ice cream. People are just so friendly, and the environment with your co-workers is great.”Article contentWheeldon said seeing staff provide mentorship to one another is a highlight of her job.Article content“It’s just nice to see the ones that have worked here for a few years, really taking on that role of mentoring and teaching,” said Wheeldon.Article content“Every day, they’re learning so much, and that is just, honestly, that has been one of my highlights from the summer, is just seeing how awesome teenagers really are.”
Beyond the ice cream: Fundy Scoops helping youth grow
