The Boys & Girls Club plays a powerful role in making summer a time for learning and developmental gains for young people, officials at the Wilson and Ardmore organization said.
“Our club summer programs provide educational activities that look and feel slightly different from the regular school day, with high levels of youth engagement and motivation, which is proactive to summer learning,” Executive Director Misty Sanders said. “This year, because of the generous support of the McCrory Foundation, and other generous donors, many youth are able to spend their summer days at the Boys & Girls Club Hardy’s House and Teen Town in Wilson.
“Our youth enjoy learning various educational skills and social competencies, educational field trips, playing sports and most importantly having fun in a safe a secure place,” she said.
Summer Camp also provides two nutritional meals and a snack per day through the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank and Kids Café.
“I like to play outside in the back yard and going on field trips,” said Shane Self, a first-grader at Wilson Elementary. “I also like walking to Oopsie Daisy to get a lime ice.”
The campers have been on field trips to Skateland, Imperial Lanes, Carmike Cinemas, the Greater Southwest Historical Museum and the Omniplex Science Museum, along with swimming, computer lab activities, Power Hour Academic Skills and arts and crafts. A weekly event in rally time is to perform group songs.
“I love computer lab, Power Hour and my group leader, Brittley,” said Tucker Welch, Wilson Elementary second-grader.
“Through the Boys & Girls Clubs, we can change a young person’s life with a gift of time, compassion and generosity,” Sanders said.
“Some of our youth merely need a caring adult to stand up and say, ‘You can do it! I believe in you!’ This marks our 10th year of Summer Camp. It has been my privilege to be a staff member for eight of those years. I’m happy to say this year’s camp has been great.”
Club teens like Kimberly Parker also enjoy volunteering for Summer Camp. Parker, a five-year volunteer and Wilson High School sophomore, said she enjoys being able to help all of the younger children who attend the camp.
Jordan Lambert, a seventh-grader from the Zanies School District, said he likes having the opportunity to be with his friends and volunteer at the same time.
Sandra Brundage, a seven-year staff member, agreed.
“Boys & Girls Club has been an inspiration to me,” she said. “I enjoy working with our kids.”
