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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:           Richard Johnson, Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County
208-376-4960, richard.johnson@bgclubidaho.org

 

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS DAY FOR KIDS SET FOR SEPTEMBER 18;
CLUBS PREPARE FOR FUN-FILLED DAY CELEBRATING KIDS
 
Spending Meaningful Time Could Change a Child’s Life

Garden City & Meridian, ID, Sept 15 2009 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County is teeing up to celebrate “Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids,” (BGC Day for Kids) a major annual family event highlighting the value of meaningful time between caring adults and children.  In Garden City & Meridian, BGC Day for Kids will be celebrated with parents and kids participating in an events at McDevitt Park Sports Complex in Meridian and at the Moseley Center Boys & Girls Club in Garden City.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County is one of hundreds of Day for Kids events planned nationwide (all events are open to the public).  Local events are:

            Meridian – Day for Kids Fishing Experience, McDevitt Park, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
            Garden City – Day for Kids Carnival, Moseley Center Boys & Girls Club 6:00-7:00 p.m.

While many Americans recognize the link between spending meaningful time with their kids and the tough issues facing young people, they say they don’t have the time, skills or resources to do as much for their children as they feel they should. Through Day for Kids, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is encouraging every American to play a part in ensuring a brighter future for our young people by getting involved and becoming more engaged in a young person’s life.

“Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids is set aside to foster stronger relationships between adults and children by educating them of the importance of spending meaningful time together,” says Colleen Braga, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County.  “BGC Day for Kids will hopefully help facilitate open communication again between parents, mentors and kids that will reenergize the community about helping our young people reach their full potential – not just today, but all year long.”

It’s no secret that America’s youth need our help. Consider these statistics:

  • The average high school graduation rate is 75 percent – and for Latino and African-American males, that rate drops to 50 percent.
  • 15-19 year-olds account for more than 20 percent of violent crimes in the United States; in 2005, 9.9 percent of youth aged 12-17 were current illicit drug users.
  • Among children and teens, 16 percent, or nearly 9 million young people, are considered overweight.
  • About one-third of African-American males will spend some time in jail or prison during their lives.

From academic failure and gang activity to poverty, drugs and violence, they face a daunting array of problems – with serious consequences and fewer safety nets at home and in the community.  BGC Day for kids is one small step in rebuilding “villages” in our neighborhoods; providing young people with the skills and motivation they need to BE GREAT, while protecting them from the dangerous problems they face every day. 

Regardless of background, there are no boundaries to the potential of every child. In the same way, there are no limits to the many ways in which to spend meaningful time with a young person.  To assist parents, practitioners and other caring adults, BGCA has created engaging educational resources to help them encourage and develop positive relationships with kids.  A year-round web site, www.dayforkids.org, provides tools, resources and tips that support their interactions with young people. The site also features a Day for Kids Pledge where adults can re-affirm their commitment to helping change a child’s life.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America leads the national campaign with support from several non-profit partners, including America’s Promise, Association of Children’s Museums, Association for Library Services to Children, Communities in Schools, Easter Seals, Kids Sports Network, National AfterSchool Association, National Wildlife Federation, Save the Children, The Home Safety Council and Youth Service America.

Located in Garden City & Meridian the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County provides program opportunities for over 4,000 boys and girls each year. The Club is open weekdays from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with special hours on holidays and school in-service days. Youngsters interested in joining the Club, learning more about Club Tech or other youth programs can contact the Clubs at 376-4960 or visit www.myBGClub.org.

 

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has helped kids "Be Great," providing hope and opportunity for those who need it most.  Today, more than 4,300 Clubs serve some 4.5 million young people through Club membership and community outreach.  Known as The Positive Place for Kids, Boys & Girls Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military bases worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Clubs positively impact lives and help young people reach their full potential as productive, caring citizens.  Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a recent Harris Survey of Club alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives.  National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

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