Page 14 - Giv'er Miramichi magazine - Summer 2019

Boys and Girls Club

A Positive Place for Kids

The Miramichi Boys and Girls Club strives to create Year-round activities and programs keep Boys & Girls
opportunities and chances for kids from all walks of life. Club the center of action for many kids. March Break
Children and youth from K – Gr 12 go to the Boys & Girls camps, PD Day camps, Santa’s Workshop, KidZone
Club. For some it’s attending evening programs that run Programs, Babysitter’s Training, Winter Break camps and the
throughout the school year. These are free programs. Each always popular Summer Camps. We make sure that each
roster brings new themes and chances for kids to learn new week is jammed packed with loads of fun activities such as
skills, make new friends and try something new. There’s paint tag, slip ‘n slides, water balloon toss and so much more!
something for everyone: Adventure Club, Try it Tuesday, “First Cast” is a new partnership with the Miramichi
Crafty Crew and more. The staff works hard to find new and Salmon Association. Learning how to fish is a life-long skill.
creative ways to engage youth and keep them active. This is a great partnership to get boys and girls hooked on
Middle School is a big focus of the out-reach done by fishing.
the Boys & Girls Club. Grades 6-8 students love the YOUth The Boys and Girls Club does not only run programs
Zone nights, the boys program Game ON and it’s Go Girls within the Club; there is a lot work done within our
for the teen girls. Torch Club is a great way to develop community and at our local schools. For example, we run a
leadership skills and learn about community-building, plus program called Fun Friends for youth aged 5-7 which focuses
take charge in initiatives they are passionate about. on developing coping skills and talking about our emotions
Our High School Students play a key role in making all in a fun and play based way.
of our programs run smoothly. They volunteer their time once SNAP is our most intensive, in demand program at the
a week as Youth Leaders. Our Youth Leaders assist staff in elementary schools. It gives kids tools to hold on to self-
running programs for the K-5 age group. They lead different control. This program changes behavior and kids learn to
games, help staff prep and deliver programs and often come navigate all the challenges they face in getting along with
up with new and exciting games for the kids to play. Youth others.
Leaders are great role models for the younger kids who Overall, the Boys and Girls Club of Miramichi creates a
come into our club. The leaders themselves also grow by warm, welcoming and accepting place for all youth to come
taking a more hands on role within the Club. New this year and play, learn, and grow. The staff and volunteers work hard
is a Scholarship Program for youth of Boys & Girls Club each and every day to make and keep it as a Positive Place
graduating and going to university. for Kids.

14 www.GiverMiramichi.com Summer 2019