Do you dread the start of school? Suddenly, you need to juggle getting the kids to school with your job and often the timing does not match up. You worry about your kid getting enough social time while not foregoing their studies. And when they need a place to hang out before or after school, you wonder if the right role models are there. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC) provides youth programs, before- and after-school, that will engage your child or teen and provide you peace of mind in the midst of your busy schedule.
“Coming to the Club gets me out of the house and I get to connect to other kids my age,” shares a 14-year-old Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County member.
Before- and After-School Care at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County
The feeling is immediate upon entering any of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County locations: Joy. You may see kids being active in a lively basketball game. Laughter can be heard as friends share a snack and chat. A youth cracks one of those brilliant smiles when a math problem she was stuck on finally makes sense thanks to the Club mentor at her side. It’s just a typical day at the Club. But for the kids and teens involved, it’s so much more.
“I love being at Club for the activities and games we play. I get to see my friends ‘cause this is the only time I can see them,” shares a 9-year-old Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County member.
Time spent at the Club, starts with Open Choice time. Multiple rooms offer opportunities for your child to choose what they would like to do. Staff are there to make sure each kid is welcome to join if they like. Maybe a game of pool, time on a computer, or homework help. Snacks are then offered before Rotation Time.
During Rotation Time, kids are broken into age groups: kindergarten through 2nd grade might be in the gym and/or games room, while third through fifth grade has activities in the art or tech rooms. Teens have their own teen center with similar activity options. After 45 minutes, the groups route to a new activity.
One parent says they love that, “My kids get exposure to a variety of activities and for the social aspect.”
“The Boys & Girls Club is a safe space where youth connect with each other and with mentors through daily programs and activities,” adds Leah Bradly, senior area director. “Whether it’s a game of pool or dodgeball, youth are gaining social skills that truly prepare them for adulthood.”
While peak hours for their after-school program are from 3:15 to 5:45 p.m., some kids attend both before- and after-school care. Most Club members attend the Club for 2-3 hours each day. “These hours are filled with opportunities for social interaction with a diverse group of peers.” Explains Shellica Trevino, CEO. “Kids come from many different backgrounds, which allows them to navigate relationships with those who may see the world differently. For some youth, these hours provide a chance to leave adult worries at the door and just be kids. For others, it’s a fun social break until their parents get off work.”
At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County, your child will get a boost in their academic success with homework help, STEM programs, technology access, arts and more. And because we all know kids are healthier if they are kept active, fun games, sports and other activities will get your child off their digital device and moving their feet.
For teens, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County also has special programs that are geared toward setting them up for a successful future. Leadership, character, community service, workforce development and more are all taught at the Club, without losing the all-important social aspect teens thrive on. “We give teens space to unwind, social recreation, connect with mentors and just be together,” shares Leah.
For parents, youth programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County can come down to one thing: safety. Of all the places their child could go after school, the Club is full of compassionate and screened volunteers and staff members. “It’s a safe place and my kids are really happy here,” shares one parent.
“Youth development isn’t babysitting, it’s a commitment to helping the next generation discover who they are and where they belong, one social interaction at a time,” shares Shellica. “Our team does this every day through supportive relationships, as one of my mentors said many times before, it’s our ‘special sauce.’”
Get Your Child Signed up to be a Club Member
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County has nine locations in Tumwater, Lacey, Olympia, Rochester, Tenino and Yelm to serve youth! You can find the membership forms, program guides, parent handbook and more on the BGCTC website.
Accessibility is a key part of the BGCTC mission. “While we keep our fees as low as possible to give as many kids and teens access to the Clubs, there are families who need financial assistance to make Club participation a reality,” shares Shellica. Financial assistance comes in the way of fee waiver scholarships. Scholarships are awarded based on the HUD income guidelines.
“We also work with school districts to support youth who are experiencing housing insecurity. In these instances, full fee waivers are offered,” adds Shellica.
Call the location of the Club you would like to join for information and help with resources.
How You Can Help the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Reach More Youth
About 63% of the youth at the Clubs qualify for fee waiver scholarships. And 70% of the annual operating budget for Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County is raised through donations. It’s easy to help the youth in our area: simply make a donation!
“Youth in our area are facing a variety of challenges,” shares Shellica. “The Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County is focused on making sure kids and teens have access to critical mentoring during out-of-school periods. This is when families are working, and youth are most vulnerable. Studies show youth are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, be victims of crime, or experience accidents during these hours. By supporting the Clubs, community members are helping youth access much-needed support during unsupervised time.”
Because the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County is open daily as a community lifeline for local youth and families, donations are critical to fund staff and pay for scholarships. Your donation could change the life trajectory of local youth. Let’s make the future brighter, together.
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