Boys and Girls Club chooses Fairgrounds site

As soon as January 2005, boys and girls of Kitsap County will have a new place to go where they can learn new skills in a fun, yet safe and supervised environment.

It was recently announced that the Pavilion at the Kitsap Fairgrounds and Events Center will soon become the home of The Boys and Girls Club of Kitsap County.

Future.”

“We need volunteers to help this happen in a big way, we have big goals,” Johnson said. “We need approximately $300,000 in the bank before we can open. We are hoping to raise a minimum of $100,000 at the fund-raiser in October.”

Besides money, the club needs six or seven planning committees to help plan for fund-raising events and planning for the club itself. Organizers are looking for volunteers from the community who can donate time, money or skills and also help in putting on events as they begin for a big organizational push that’s expected to start in August, 2004.

For more information and for news on upcoming events visit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kitsap County Web site at www.kcbgc. org.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer call (360) 308-2202.

“There will be an awful lot of programs that will be available including learning and technology, arts and crafts, athletics and tutoring programs,” said Norm Johnson, a long-time supporter of bringing a Boys and Girls Club to Kitsap County.

There are many programs available, but there is not a set list. Many of the programs mold themselves to different communities. The board of directors will examine and pick which programs will be the best fit.

It hasn’t yet been decided where in the Pavilion the club will be located. Plans are still in the preliminary stages, but it is certain the facility will be able to hold a few hundred kids. Staffing will consist of a few paid staff and the rest will be volunteers. Hours of the club will be during afterschool hours.

According to national statistics, kids are more likely to become victims or offenders of violent crimes on weekdays between 3-8 p.m. than at any other time. Statistics also say kids who return to an unsupervised home are more likely to experiment with drugs, alcohol or tobacco.

“A lot of people who grew up with Boys and Girls Clubs in the old days like I did see them more as sports clubs, but they have really become much more than that,” Johnson said. “They have really become more of a learning environment.”

All of the money needed to fund the club comes directly from donations from the community. Several fund-raising events are scheduled, including a dinner in October which will carry a construction theme and will be called “Building Kids’

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