Boys and Girls Club accepting applications for the summer
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bvwv/News/6337/
Parents are encouraged to register early if they want their children involved in summer activities provided by the Bella Vista unit of the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County.
There have already been 100 or so individuals sign up for the groups summer program, which runs Monday through Friday, June 9 through July 30, from 7 a. m. until 5 p. m., according to Assistant Unit Director Carol Collins.
The nonprofit child-enrichment facility caters to children between the ages of 6 and 18 and can hold up to 250 participants, Collins said.
The summer season is one of the busiest times for the organization, as working parents often take advantage of the supervised, learning-conducive environment provided to their children by the Boys and Girls Club while school is out, she said.
The $ 40-per-child fee, which is for the entire summer, includes access to all of the Boys and Girls Clubs in Benton County anytime during business hours, she said. There are a number of activities available to children once they enter the club, she said.
The Bella Vista unit is planning a variety of field trips this year, including a tour of an area donut shop, and visits to a local skating rink, bowling alley and swimming pool, she said. There might be additional costs related to these activities, such as snacks.
On the days the group does not leave the facility, there is still plenty to do, Collins said.
The center focuses on life development, and a program titled Triple Play which focuses on mind, body and soul helps, said Josh Newton, Triple Play facilitator.
We try to gear the kids into healthy thinking, Newton said.
Getting the children involved in games, teambuilding exercises and problem-solving activities helps them to develop socially, physically and mentally, Newton said.
The goal is to make them well-rounded.
Boys and Girls Club members may notice a few changes in the summer program this year, Collins said. Parents will have to drop the children off at the facility themselves, as buses are not running as they have in past years, she said.
There is also a new teen room, equipped with beanbag chairs, a video-game system and musical instruments, for the older members to enjoy, she added.
The needs of the older children are different, Collins noted, and having a safe place to study, listen to music or relax is important.
It gives them a chance to escape from the 6-yearolds, Newton said.
The room is nearly complete, but volunteers are still needed to lay some of the carpet, Collins said.
Anyone interested in volunteering or registering a child with the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County can swing by the Bella Vista office at 2260 Forest Hills Blvd. The office can also be reached by calling 876-6786.