One of the things I love about Bemidji is how ideas become reality when the community joins together to make it happen. The Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area is a great example of that community spirit. Boys and Girls Clubs are usually only found in big cities. With a lot of work and support, we have one of the nicest facilities in the country located right in the heart of Bemidji.
From the moment you walk in the front door, you realize you have entered a special space. On an average day, you would see over 125 kids taking advantage of all the programs and activities the club offers. There are computer labs, art rooms, reading and study areas, tutor areas, game rooms, a gym and a teen center, just to name a few. Some of the programs taught at the club deal with health and life skills, education and career development, science and technology, art and cultural enrichment, and character and leadership development. Where else in Bemidji can you find all of this under one roof?
The Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area is open to all youth currently enrolled in 2nd through 12th grade and ages 6-18. The club is open at 2:50pm (right after school ends) and closes at 6:00pm for elementary kids and 7:00pm for middle school and high school kids. There are also teen nights a couple Friday’s a month that run until 10pm. The best part about all of this is membership is only $15 a year. That is not a typo. $15 a year ($45 max per family) gives a child countless development opportunities and positive influences. It also gives parents peace of mind there child is in a safe and fun place to just be a kid.
A huge part of the success of the Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area is due to their amazing staff and volunteeers. They inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potiential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Become a volunteer and help enhance a young person’s life and shape their future.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- They are especially in need of tutors to help with homework and math.
- Volunteers are also needed to read to kids or listen to kids read.
- They are also in need of volunteers to help clean the facility.
- There is also a need for help with administration and secretarial duties.
- To volunteer or for more information about volunteer, contact Katie Steilen, volunteer coordinator, at 444-4171 or ksteilen@paulbunyan.net
VOLUNTEER BEMIDJI!
