Summer registration for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon begins Tuesday, April 1 at Redmond, Terrebonne, East Bend, and Downtown Bend locations and summer packets may be picked up between 2-6pm, Monday – Friday. Due to the demand at the Bend Downtown (500 NW Wall Street), registration will open at 2:30pm today. Only 35 spaces will be available for each grade group and the number of youth will be limited, and it is anticipated that the spots will fill quickly at this location. The East Bend Club will combine with the Downtown Bend Club as they did last year to maximize efficiencies.
Summer programming will begin Monday, June 16 at all Club locations. The Clubs will be open five days a week, accommodating as many youth and families as possible during the 10 week summer. The Bend Club will be open from 7:30am until 6:30pm, and Redmond/ Terrebonne Clubs will be open from 7:30am until 5:30pm. Summer programming will end Friday, August 22.
The cost per week for each child is $100. Scholarship opportunities are available based on a sliding scale fee and verification of income will be requested. Additional fees may apply for field trips and special events. Summer programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon are designed for all youth, ages 6-18. Clubs have always provided summer learning experiences in the summer, but given the at-risk population Clubs do more to reduce the “summer slide.” Summer programs are created to keep children learning, active and engaged throughout summer break – with a big dose of fun.
“What’s nice about the programming at the Clubs is that the children are all grouped according to grade, so they get to maintain their classroom relationships throughout the summer and a variety of high yield learning activities help to keep core curriculum concepts taught during the school year on their minds,” remarked Brandy Richardson, Operations Director for the Clubs. She continued, “We have a great group of professional, educated staff who are experienced at disguising learning in fun activities.”
Staff will be taking Club members to various field trips each week to venues including: Sunriver Nature Center, Cascade Indoor Sports Center, Bouncing off the Walls, Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, Madras Aquatic Center, High Desert Museum, Warm Springs Museum and Regal Cinemas at the Old Mill. Throughout the past year, the Clubs have seen an increase in scholarship requests from working families and last year annual youth membership grew by 21 percent. Over 75 percent of our families are seeking some financial assistance.
The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs is to ensure all children have the opportunity to attend. The organization must persist to “fill the gap” to ensure that these children continue to have a positive place to go. The average “full summer scholarship” is $1,000 or $100 per week. The “Great Community Challenge for Kids” is seeking to offset scholarship requests.
If you would like to donate – any size – small or large will be applied to the youths who need it most. Donations can be made online by visiting www.bgcco.org and clicking on ‘Donate Today’ or by dropping off at 500 NW Wall Street in Downtown Bend.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon With Clubs in Downtown and East Bend, Redmond, and Terrebonne Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Oregon’s mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those most in need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. For 20 years, our programs have delivered outcome-driven experiences that enrich kids’ lives by impacting academic success, character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles. We support and provide active learning, academic and career pathways and creative learning environments.
For more information, please visit our website at: www.bgcco.org.
