Boys & Girls Club celebrates third year

The Carson Valley branch of the Boys & Girls Club celebrated its third year of operation with birthday cake on June 25.

Club Board of Directors First Vice President Renea Louie said the club's opening was a big change in the lives of Valley children.

"For three years, the Boys & Girls Club has established programs in a safe environment to enable youngsters to acquire sound values and develop their talents that will provide a productive future," she said. "The residents of Carson Valley should acknowledge the extraordinary contributions the organization has brought to our quality of life in Carson Valley as well as the community should give themselves a huge pat on the back for supporting everything the club is about with their time, talent and treasures."

Work on opening the club at Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School took more than five years, she said.

"The day the club opened, the board of directors knew their responsibility to keep the doors open would only become more and more important every year."

The club employs 13 staff members to work with children five days a week, for 10 weeks during the summer and after school every school day.

"They teach kids to be good role models, with constant communication with parents and guardians," Louie said. "The club is vibrant with positive energy, productive fun and a safe place for youth of all ages to call their own every day."

In the summer months, the club offers field trips on Wednesdays, water days on Fridays, teen-field trips weekly, torch club leadership program, foos ball, ping pong, air hockey, gym access, tournaments run regularly, tug-o-War (kids vs. staff) and self-esteem building activities.

Annual membership is $20. Special family and summer program pricing available. Scholarships are available for children who can't afford the membership fee.

"The birthday signifies the total generosity of the community as the club operates purely on donations, fundraisers and grants sought all year long," Louie said. "It's not often that an organization has the opportunity to see its vision still going strong and growing by leaps and bounds. The club accepted its 1,000th registration just a few weeks ago, which speaks volumes for the critical services the club provides."