B&GC teen hours expanded; need help

Editor,

The Boys & Girls Club recently embarked on the task of opening our doors during hours when our teen members can have access to the club at a time more appropriate for them.

That is to say, we have offered the club to them from 7 to 10 p.m., three evenings per week. Of course they are also welcome during our regular 3-7 p.m. hours during the week, but the additional hours are exclusively for teens.

We have had some wonderful help in all this. Plum Creek Timber donated lumber and gave us a grant to help pay for additional hours. We received a door and frame for the new program area from WBC in Ronan, several other businesses offered discounted materials for the project. The youth group from the Methodist Church offered help and the majority of the interior work is being done by the Ronan Senior Class Project group. There also is a grant from a state program which will help us through the initial stages of this project.

Our first goal is to offer these young people a safe place to go. They can come here where the facilities and program areas are supervised. There is a computer lab, game room, outdoor basketball court and the new program area, "teen room," where music or other club related activities can take place.

In short, this facility and club offers a positive alternative for our teens. They can come here for the game room, computer room, club programs or to just relax and hang out without pressure.

Besides being safe, we can offer time-tested programs for teens. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America has spent considerable resources developing programs that can lead teens to a career, scholarships, character and academic development and much more.

Now what we need is community involvement. I hope you're one of several adults who are "concerned" about our "teen problem" and you're willing to step up to the plate and offer some time to help us take the objective to its mark. We need adults who would give their time to help solve the "teen problem" by offering just one night per week for three hours. We need adults who will consider the rewards of this experience, be willing to apply through our volunteer program, learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America and then provide these kids with time, a good role model, perspective and an honest "listen" to their world.

Here is a chance to do something rewarding. Please contact the club at 676-5437.

John Schnase

Boys & Girls Club

Ronan