By Emily McMason
If you could design a program for kids, to support their growth from ages 5 to 18 years old, what would it include? What if you now had to narrow your list down to just five core programs? What would you keep? What would you cut? Did you remember the arts? The Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County have.
In addition to focusing on Character & Leadership Development; Education & Career Development; Health & Life Skills; Sports, Fitness & Recreation; the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County include the arts. Why? According to the groups’ website “Programs in The Arts enable youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts, crafts, performing arts and creative writing.”
At the local branches, art matters. The everyday art of children expressing themselves in motion, color, and images makes a difference in their lives. According to Shellica Trevino, the Lacey Branch director who has been with The Boys & Girls movement for 11 years, “we know that children will benefit emotionally, socially, and educationally when they have opportunities to engage in art activities and programs. We strive to help kids reach their full potential, and we know that by providing them with strong mentors who can provide first class programming, we are doing just that.”
The arts program began when the Tumwater Branch opened its doors in 2001. With the addition of each new club in Olympia, Lacey and Rochester, the arts offerings have expanded, and the breadth and depth of their offerings is impressive. The fine arts programs now include: water color, acrylic painting, sculpting, charcoal, and other media.
Additionally there are photography classes, dance programs, acting and performing activities and talent shows. Art programs are included as part of the national Boys & Girls Clubs of America program, yet the focus, and the impact, is local. “Our Rochester Branch has painted murals at their Clubs on at least two different occasions,” noted Trevino.
For the children who participate, it goes beyond learning how to express themselves artistically. They also learn how art makes a difference in their community.
The Olympia Branch recently completed a project called My Front Door, which was coordinated by Harmony, a local artist and Boys & Girls Club staff member. The project will be on display at Olympia Federal Savings in Tumwater, and later it will be auctioned off and the proceeds will be donated to support homeless youth.
At The Lacey and Tumwater branches, Katherine Saylors teaches and choreographs a dance program, involving many kids in the community by including service projects as part of the program.
Each Club offers art for all ages, ranging from five- to eighteen-year-olds. While most artwork is created to take home, the Clubs coordinate art contests to recognize student artists.
Recognition programs begin with honoring each artist at local branches, and then at county-wide exhibits. Art projects, that advance beyond the county level, are then evaluated by judges. “Judges select artwork that will move on to a regional competition, with a possibility of advancing to the national competition.” said Trevino. The arts programs are designed to “encourage kids to be creative and expressive. We encourage all of the kids to tap into their artistic side.”
Would your child enjoy being a part of the program? Membership to the Boys & Girls Club is only $25.00 per year, and all are invited to join. All of the programs meet at least once a week, with new projects beginning throughout the year. To register your child, contact your local branch. To reach them, call Tumwater 570-8888, Lacey 438-6811, Olympia 556-3615, and Rochester 273-9397.
Wondering how you can contribute? Individuals are always welcome to donate their time, resources or expertise. Trevino commented, “We can always use help from volunteers. Art supplies are always needed and greatly appreciated.”
Businesses are also making a difference for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. “Olympia Federal Savings has served as our Fine Arts exhibit host for many years. There are sponsorship opportunities available for each of the Clubs for our art programs,” commented Trevino.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County are dedicated and passionate about helping our young people succeed. To find out more, visit their website.
