Branching Out

Times Contributor

 

The Boys and Girls Club of Strathmore has been affiliated with the Airdrie Boys and Girls Club up until now. They are now in need of core funding and the help of volunteers to sustain the program. 

“It’s a really important program here in Strathmore,” says Shannon Zieman of the Boys and Girls Club. “I believe it is an affordable option for parents and it gives children the opportunity to participate in (different) activities. It’s a proactive approach into getting children involved in their community.” 

The Boys and Girls Club runs eight summer camps. Each camp is one week long and runs Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. until noon. The cost of these camps is $100 per week for members and $120 per week for non-members. The age of the campers is 6-12. 

Each week the camp has a different theme, and activities participated in revolve around that set theme. For example, the first week’s theme is “Back in Time,” so time-period games will be played and other activities will focus on the Centennial. Fridays are spent doing community service around Strathmore. 

As for older children ages 13-17, the Strathmore Boys and Girls Club offers a training program for junior counsellors. They must apply then they will go through a small training program. 

“It’s a good idea for the older kids because they can use this experience on a resume, or even as volunteer hours towards school,” says Zieman. 

However, for this program to continue to operate, core funding is majorly needed. 

“Any company that wants to take us on and become a sponsor would be great because Strathmore needs a program like this,” says Zieman. 

The Strathmore Boys and Girls Club is indeed in Fundraiser mode. On May 28, they held the “Abraca Dazzle” magic show at the Hope Covenant Church in Strathmore. All the money made from the show is going towards operating the summer camps this year. 

“We are definitely going to continue to fundraise. Nothing is concrete yet but we will continue to raise money towards operating our club,” says Zieman.

For more information on how to make donations or on how to volunteer feel free to contact Shannon Zieman at szieman@bgcairdrie.com.