“We all know that the last thing kids want to do is what grown-ups tell them. The trick is to provide kids with alternatives more appealing than running loose in the streets or hanging out at the shopping centers,” said Rima Runtzel, board president, “That’s where the Boys & Girls Club comes in.”
Boys & Girls Clubs are successful because they offer kids fun and exciting activities. Clubs give youth a place to call their own, where they can feel comfortable with their peers.
At the same time, Boys & Girls Clubs help kids develop the skills they need to succeed in today’s world. Clubs offer youth valuable educational programs that help them improve their performance at school and develop a love of learning.
Clubs also build character. Today, more than ever, it is critical that we teach kids how to respect themselves and respect others, and how to become responsible, contributing members of society.
Here in Oakhurst, the Boys & Girls Club of offers a wide range of programs, from sports and technology to the arts.
Most importantly, our staff provides our Club members with the positive adult guidance they need. For many kids, all they want is someone to listen and to care. And that’s what Clubs do best: let kids know that someone cares.
Summer programming begins June 5, 2012 with extended hours, from 12 p.m. to 6p.m. Monday through Friday.
Garden Project: Mondays, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
The Oakhurst Club’s garden project focuses on recycling, organic gardening and teaching healthy lifestyles. The garden will allow for growth of fruits and vegetables to be used as healthy snacks and also sent home with needy Club families.
“Our Torch Club leadership will be accountable for every facet of the maintenance, with available assistance from staff and volunteers in areas of education, mentoring and accountability … Student leaders will allocate daily responsibilities to other club members and volunteers; watering, weeding, composting, soil testing, harvesting ripe produce, and dividing ripe produce for snacks and distribution to families,” explains former staff member and 2010 grant author, Jessica Stanphill.
“We want our Club members to discover they are capable of impacting others in immense ways, no matter how much or little they think they have to offer,” said Stanphill.
Club Tech: Wednesdays, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Club Tech helps Clubs incorporate technology in every aspect of their operations. Most importantly, young people develop the technology skills necessary to succeed in school and the job market. Graphic design, video production and photography are also included.
First Tee Golf: Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
As a part of its award winning Triple Play program, Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst is partnering with The First Tee of Fresno and local golf courses to offer programing to Club members free of charge. The First Tee Life Skills Experience is one of the unique features that differentiates The First Tee from many other successful junior golf programs. Through the Life Skills Experience, participants learn valuable lessons about the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, how to make decisions by thinking about the possible consequences and how to define and set goals from the golf course to everyday life
Other summer activities include Water Wednesdays, many arts & crafts projects and weekly field trips to the Yosemite High School pool, MET Cinemas, and other area attractions.
Membership to the club is $40 per month per child. Daily passes and low income discounts are available. Field trips are on a first-come first-served basis. Permission slips will be available at the club or online at www.BGCOakhurst.com the Friday before trip is scheduled.
Community support is vital to our continued success. When you support Boys & Girls Clubs, you are supporting the youth of our nation and letting them know that someone cares. You are also helping to shape the future leaders of our community and our country. You’re keeping our kids safe by giving them a positive place to be during those critical non-school hours.
For more information about what Boys & Girls Clubs do, or to volunteer, go to www.BGCOakhurst.com or call 642-4600.
