Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County joined more than 4,000 Clubs across the country and on U.S. military installations throughout the world in celebrating National Boys & Girls Club Week from March 23-29, 2014. The week-long celebration showcased the role the Boys & Girls Clubs plays in the communities they serve and, locally, the impact the Clubs have on nearly 5,000 youth in Porter County.
This year's theme – ‘Open the Door. Take the Tour' – encouraged communities, families, friends, and supporters of its Club members to experience first-hand how Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County is making a difference in the lives of young people.
“At the heart of our organization is a desire to positively influence the lives of young people in our community,” said Ryan Smiley, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County. “We are more than ‘swim and gym.’ We want our Porter County communities to experience life-changing programs we offer to thousands of kids our Clubs serve every day.”
Informative luncheons highlighting the success of youth in Club programs, ceremonies honoring community partners, a health fair sponsored by Valparaiso School of Nursing students, Minute-to-Win-It Challenges, art projects, athletic games, and a roller skating party were just some of the specialized programs the Clubs held giving the public a taste of the “Club Experience” and what is available to children after-school and during the summer. Representatives from various sectors including media, municipalities, restaurants, community and faith-based organizations joined in the celebrations. Clubs also offered free guest passes during National Boys & Girls Clubs Week giving non-members an opportunity to discover the Clubs’ diverse programs and fun activities promoting academic success, good character and citizenship, and health lifestyles.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County has been opening doors to GREAT FUTURES for Porter County’s youth since 1971. Clubs are open after school and during the summer providing a great place for youth, grades K-12, to meet friends and have fun while in a safe, supervised environment. Annual membership is only $35 per child. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. For information on membership, volunteer opportunities, or to make a tax deductible donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County, contact your local Club. Call (219) 464-7282 or visit btcpoco.org. Great Futures Start Here.