Boys & girls club of Va Peninsula

Special Section: Combined Federal Campaign 2009

Mission: Youth Outreach Supports Military Families

By Arlene Armentor
Vice President Marketing & Resource Development

Both military children and their parents can always count on the Boys & Girls Clubs for a safe place and constructive activities. Through a partnership with each service, Boys & Girls Clubs of America works with local clubs to provide “Mission: Youth Outreach,” offering free Club services for military youth.

Boys & Girls Clubs have impacted the lives of America’s youth for more than 100 years, with more than four million children participating in daily educational, recreational, cultural and social activities at more than 4,300 clubs. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula has impacted the lives of thousands of Peninsula youth since 1946 and has served hundreds of military families since the beginning of “Mission: Youth Outreach.”

Military families appreciate the support provided and opportunities created by their children’s involvement in the Boys & Girls Clubs. Air Force mom Trishadee Newlian two sons participated in the Peninsula Unit’s summer program. The boys attended five days a week as part of the “early bird” program from 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

“It’s a real convenience for both me and my husband,” Newlian commented. “It’s a great place for them to get social interaction and not sit in front of the TV all day. I always feel safe dropping them off at the Club. They enjoy the games room activities, the pool and the staff interaction at the Club.”

Army mom Cassandra Price, who has served multiple tours in Iraq, is also pleased to have her son participate in the Peninsula Unit’s summer and after-school program. He attends the Club daily and is quite an athlete, excelling in the club’s “Badges for Baseball” program, basketball leagues and swimming.

Recognizing developmental principles, Clubs offer diversified programs in five core areas:

Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. Daily activities include homework help, sports, career exploration workshops, arts & crafts, computer classes and more.

Military families can receive free after-school membership or a discount on summer camp fees.

For more information, call 223-7204. To support the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, designate CFC #34923.