TimesLeader.com

December 19, 2008

Clubs inspire youth to do best

DAWN SHURMAITIS   Special to The Times Leader

NEWPORT TWP. – Kids have one word to describe area Boys & Girls Clubs and it’s this:

Awesome.

Computers, crafts, games, guidance and camaraderie are what motivate youngsters throughout the area to utilize the clubs, which are free and staffed by caring individuals who inspire children and teens to reach their fullest potential.

“When they get in here they say ‘Oh, yeah, I’m coming back,’ it’s a good thing,” says Chantel Kania, director of the Glen Lyon Boys & Girls Club.

Founded in 1899, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania have been in the forefront of youth development activities, working with young people from a variety of economic, social and family circumstances. Today, some 1,000 boys and girls ages 6-18 take advantage of the programs, activities and services provided by the agency at a full-service Central unit in Scranton and extension sites throughout Luzerne County and in lower Lackawanna County.

The clubs are one of 12 community organizations featured in the Times Leader’s annual Giving Guide, which began Nov. 27. Readers are encouraged to donate directly to the organizations featured [see box] in order to help them continue to serve area residents.

The Boys & Girls Clubs offer kids a safe, happy haven. Some of the kids are at-risk, may have developmental problems or come from broken homes. No matter the reason, they have fun while learning and bonding. Each club takes into consideration individual physical, emotional, cultural and social needs and the interests of boys and girls.

At the Glen Lyon club, Kania averages 18-20 kids per day, Monday through Friday, after school and during the summer. The club is open until 7 p.m.

“We’re here for the kids when they need somebody,” she says.

Kania knows firsthand the benefits and joys of the club: her son, Christopher, now 15, and daughter Shyla, now 9, have been enjoying club activities for years. Kania, a single mom, has been on staff seven years.

The kids play and learn together, get help with homework and form fast friendships. “They make good connections. They have their differences but they come together as a team,” says Kania.

At each center, trained staff offer diversified program activities in five core areas: character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation.

Depending on the club, there are field trips and fitness, test prep and nutrition guidance, fine arts and day camps.

Various Glen Lyon programs include Good Touch/Bad Touch, fire safety, drug prevention and Smart Choices to boost self-esteem and promote positive attitudes. Kids also get a hot or cold meal or snack every day and enjoy holiday parties.

Teens might use the internet while the younger kids play games or make crafts, like the recent Halloween balloons-into-bats activity. Kania and other directors also encourage and help teens compete for scholarships and cash prizes throughout Pennsylvania.

According to Laura Gentile, director of operations for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the clubs strive to be a catalyst for an age “in which success is within reach of every child, and whole generations of children are inspired to a level of civic engagement not seen since the founding of our nation.”

Boys & Girls Club Locations:

Boys & Girls Clubs of ne Pennsylvania

• Scranton

Central Club, 609 Ash Street, Scranton, PA 18510

570-342-8709

Hours:

Ages 6-10: Mon-Fri: 2:30 p.m.-8 p.m.; Sat: 11 a.m.-3: 45 p.m.

Ages 11-18: Mon-Fri: 2:30-8:45 p.m.; Sat: 11 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

School Holiday: 8:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.

Districtwide early release: As per Scranton School District

•Glen Lyon

1 Rock St., Glen Lyon, PA 18617

570-736-6874

Hours: Mon-Fri: 2:30 p.m.-8 p.m.

•Marion Terrace

200 Mark Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

570-829-6408

Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.: 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

•Moosic Youth Center

606 Main St., Moosic, PA 18507

570-457-8450

Hours: Tues., Thurs., Fri.: 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

•Plymouth

560 New St. Apt. 45, Plymouth, PA 18651

570-779-4615

Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 2:30 p.m.-8 p.m.

•Sherman Hills

300 Parkview Circle, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

570-823-5124

Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 3 p.m.-8 p.m.

To give: Send checks made payable to: Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 609 Ash St., Scranton PA 18510

Wish list: Monetary donations for funding of children’s programs

Agency’s mission: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

Service area: Luzerne County and Lackawanna counties

Year established locally: 1899 (Lackawanna County) and 2000 (Luzerne County)

Staff: Youth development professionals interested in helping children reach their full potential.

Web site: www.bgcnepa.org

Questions about the “Giving Guide” can be directed tp Anne Woelfel via e-mail, at awoelfel@timesleader.com, or by calling 829-7232.