The Boys & Girls Club of Carbon County is a non-profit organization has been serving local teens for over eight years. The program was first started by using a room at Mont Harmon Middle School after school for a hand full of kids. Since that time the program has grown they have moved twice until finally settling at the old Carbon Recreation office building on Carbon Avenue.
“The purpose behind the Boys and Girls Club is to help not only give them a safe place to be afterschool which is important, but to prepare them and educate them for their life ahead, to help them be successful,” said Economic Development Director, Tami Ursenbach. Kids and teens who regularly attend the club do better than their peers socially and academically.
The after-school program will start on Monday, August 28 and will accommodate the early release schedule for schools in the Carbon School District. There are no income requirements that have to be met in order for children to participant. The annual membership fee is very affordable at $20.00 per child, this includes a healthy after-school snack.
In order for kids and teens to succeed during the school year will receive assistance at the club. “We have what they call Power Hour that helps the kids with their homework and the staff members make sure the kids are maintaining their grade or improving their grades. So, they help with tutoring in reading and math and they help in other areas,” said Ursenbach. Once students complete their homework they are able to enjoy a fun activity in the game room to unwind.
For teens, they are able to enjoy more age appropriate activities in a separate area at the club. “They have the life skills type program where they are learning financial management and they’re learning social skills and cooking skills. The different things that they need to fulfill and live on a daily basis,” stated Ursenbach. Teens can also attend workshop type programs that range from conflict resolution, alcohol/drug prevention, college preparation and employment needs.
Other programs for both kids and teens are visual and performing arts, sports and fitness activities.
The Boys and Girls Club is always looking for donations, whether it’s food items for snacks, art and school supplies or monetary donations. If you would like to know more about the Boys and Girls Club of Carbon County you make call 637-6066 or stop by the office at 100 South Carbon Ave.