Boys and Girls Club of Richland County a Very Busy Place

With 150 kids registered and 90 receiving nurturing care every day after school, the Boys and Girls Club of Richland County is a very busy place. The annual event this Saturday will help ensure the continuation of this vital service to area youth.

In addition to the daily programs taking place at Central School, the Club has initiated new programs to help youth develop the skills they will need to succeed as adults.

Right Brain is a pilot program where, as a group, kids develop a story based only on pictures they are shown. It helps improve writing skills and creates an obligation for them to tackle issues they may have in the future.

The STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) meets for two hours per week, providing kids with hands on knowledge of those fields and helping them realize what courses they will need to take in high school in order to fulfill their goals as adults. One room in the new building is devoted to STEM, helped by a generous donation by XTO Energy. Sponsors are also needed for the STEM Summer Camp planned for June 12 – 23.

The Back Pack program provides weekend food for almost 50 kids and their families who need extra nutritional support. Central and Westside Elementary Schools in Sidney and Fairview Elementary School are currently in the program with the club is working to add Savage and Lambert schools as well. A healthy food element such as oranges is always included and toiletries are sometimes added also.

Mark your calendars for the Annual Color Run which will take place June 24 beginning at Peterson Park, Sidney. Kringen Construction has graciously offered to be the start/finish sponsor. Other sponsorships are deeply appreciated and volunteers are also needed. The Club is challenging teams to run against their staff in this fun fundraiser.

The capital campaign to fund the new building is moving forward with 1.6 million raised and approximately $100,000 added monthly. A generous stock option donation was recently sold for a peak value of $128,000. The club is working with the City of Sidney and Interstate Engineering to organize platting of the land which will allow two more grant applications to be filed.

Purchase your tickets at http://www.richlandbgc.org and celebrate “Derby Style” Saturday, April 1 at the Richland County Event Center. Richland County youth are depending on you!