Where The Boys & Girls Are

written by the

January 13th, 2004

Introduction:

For the City of American Canyon, community organizations, especially non profit ones, are an essential part of our culture, history, and future.  They provide the necessary services for our growing town in an age where funds and services are limited.  There is no doubt that the The Boys & Girls Club of American Canyon fits this category.  Founded in the Spring of 1991, the club gives children a safe place to go after school, a place to grow, and a place to supplement their childhood experience.  When I had the opportunity to research and write about this article, I couldn't help but also volunteer for the day.  I saw first hand how the club was organized, brought together the young of our community, and how important a volunteer was.  This article provides a detailed look at our local club, the events they provide, and the lifetime experience it gives our local children.

About The Club:

The Boys & Girls of American Canyon, located at 60 Benton Way near American Canyon Middle School, serves children in our community ages six through eighteen.  They provide a large variation of programs for all ages whose goal is to teach leadership skills, promote academic growth, and encourage a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally.  Their 3000 square foot building includes a 28' by 54' meeting hall, full service commercial grade kitchen, computer lab, arts and crafts room, and even a homework study area.  The hall contains a pool table, foosball, mini basketball hoops, a piano, a TV, and even a soda machine for those hot days.  They are open every weekday between the hours of 1 and 6pm and staffed by paid personal and volunteers.  As of January 1st, 2004, membership dues per child were $50 while other funding for the club is provided through grants, fundraisers, company sponsored donations.  For example, their Club Tech program, a program to teach children basic computer skills, is sponsored by Microsoft.  They also have weekly and monthly themes depending on the holiday or season, and the activities and events center around them.  Events are usually divided among age groups between different times for organizational purposes but nonetheless they are very similar and each child still gets to participate in all the daily activities.  A typical day would include an hour of gym or physical fitness, an hour for arts and crafts, and another hour for homework and games.  For those interested in helping the organization, they can even set up their grocery club card so that a certain percentage of their purchases will be given to our local club!

For further information please call 707-648-1460, or visit the Napa Valley Club website at www.thepositiveplace.org.

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