Walton

Monroe Women's Junior Club offers Anti-Bullying Program for WCBGC members

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The Monroe Women’s Junior Club recently visited the Walton County Boys & Girls Club to offer fall craft project class. During the crafting projects, they incorporated a bullying prevention program for Club members. 

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Club members had an opportunity to create craft projects, as well as goodie bags filled with tasty treats. The volunteers did an anti-bullying program with the members where they learned about the effects of bullying, how it can hurt people, and the steps they should take if they witness someone being bullied. 

During this activity, Club members created a stress ball, made a flip book about bullying, and visited tables where they filled a bag with snacks of their choice.

 “The bullying program was really good,”Camoria D., WCBGC Club member shared,“When bullying happens you are supposed to tell a teacher or say something about it. I didn’t know that 45 percent of people get bullied. I also loved the craft projects we made.”

Kristin Kennedy of the Monroe Junior Women’s Club shared, “This was so rewarding seeing the kids’ faces and the joy that was spread. I can't wait to do it again!”

“It’s so important that our young people learn the impact of our actions and how to be look out for one another,” Lynn E. Hill,WCBGC Club Director shared. “We are so grateful for the Monroe Junior Women’s Club for sharing such wisdom and teaching a wonderful class at the Club.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

 

WCBGC Names October Youth of the Month

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Walton County Boys & Girls Clubcelebrates its members and their accomplishments. This month the Club Youth of the Month is Rose Day.

Day has been a member of the Club for two years. 

“The reason why I like coming to the Boys & Girls Club the most is because I love helping the little kids, and have fun and to enjoy my life with other people,” Day shared. 

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“When Rose enters the building, she is always courteous and greets the club staff with a smile. After she eats her snack, she goes straight to the learning center to begin her homework.,” Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared. “With so many options at the club, Rose definitely stays focused on her studies. She sets a great example for her peers by helping them with assignments as needed. Rose even goes the extra mile by saying encouraging words to help them finish their homework.”

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, says he’s watched Rose become more interested in how she can help her peers around her in various programs. 

“Rose has excelled in character and leadership by participating in various programs, including fundraisers for the Club, such as running in the Walton 5K Race,” Hill added. 

For Rose, the Club gives her a space to “be with her friends, have fun and learn.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclub or call 770-207-6279.

Rose Day is Walton County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Month for October.

 

 

 

 

WCBGC hosts Club-wide STEM day

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Walton County Boys & Girls Club members participated in a Club-wide STEM project recently where members learned how to make solar ovens. 

Members used cardboard, aluminum foil, black construction paper, plastic wrap, tape, and glue to create their ovens. 

Working together as a team, members constructed their oven and cooked S’mores outside. The goal of the activity was to get the youth to use their imagination. Club members learned how to envision construction like an engineer in order to create the plans to implement the project. They also used their science skills to figure out the best way to get the heat from the sun to melt the chocolate. 

Essence B., a WCBGC member, shared, “Making a solar oven was a lot of fun. The best part is it won’t cost my mom a lot of money because most of the supplies are items we have at home. I had so much fun learning how to work together with my friends to make this project.”

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Lynn E. Hill,WCBGC Club Director, shared how exciting it was to watch Club members work together.

“This project was very innovative. I walked around the Club and saw that all the rooms were engaged in the process. The youth were having a lot of fun. Everyone was working together, and the staff did a great job ensuring the youth were able to pitch in to complete their ovens. When they were outside cooking their s’mores, their smiles were brighter than the sunshine. Our goal is to mix education with fun and expose our members to new interests daily.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.


 

Dungeon Boxing Gym 'Knock Out' Support for WCBGC

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Dungeon Boxing Gym a ‘knock out’ supporter for WCBGC

For Carey Foster of Dungeon Boxing Gym, Boys & Girls Club means “safe haven” to him as a Club alumnus of W.W. Houston Boys & Girls Club. Now as a business owner in Covington, Foster was searching for ways to give back in a big way to his local Boys & Girls Club.

Foster has partnered with Walton County Boys & Girls Club to offer support toward its Fight for our Future boxing event to be held on Oct. 26 at George Walton Academy. 

Foster’s gym will be mentoring WCBGC event participants, as well as Walton Club members on how the discipline of boxing can empower youth to express their emotions in safe spaces. 

His reason for giving back in such a large way is simple, “the Boys & Girls Club was influential in my life and others.”

“Relocating from housing projects to low income neighborhoods, as a protective measure to keep me off of the streets and out of trouble my mother deemed it necessary to enroll me in the Boys and Girls Club,” he shared. “It’s important to have community assistance with raising a child in a single parent home. With the parent having to work long hours to provide the things the child needs and half the things the child wants, we may fall short in other aspects of parenting.”

From the ages of 12 to 16, Foster was at the Club and he credits it as a place where he knew he was safe and able to grow up among positive role models. 

“At times when my peers and I were being mischievous and that little voice in my head said “not a good idea” or “it’s time to get off the block,” I would go to the Boys & Girls Club and play football, basketball, go swimming or spend time at the teen center,” he added.

Foster hopes to instill these characteristics he gained from his BGC experience to the youth of this generation. 

Dungeon Boxing Gym will be introducing a new boxing program to the youth of the Club to assist in controlling anger issues. 

“I’m most looking forward to spreading the positive energy. We would like to introduce our boxing program to Walton as well as to help keep the youth off the streets,” he shared. “The coaches will be teaching the youth on the sweet science of boxing. This will also help build their confidence. Boxing in a number of ways can relate to life and our coaches will show how the two correlates.”

At the end of the day life-changing work takes partnerships and Foster hopes that his support will showcase the importance of “businesses needing to work together to help make a difference in community.”

Overall, Foster is excited to be the role model so many people offered him during his BGC experience as a teen. 

“It means a great deal to me to be able to give back to the community because I know firsthand how the support of the Boys & Girls Club helped change my life,” he shared.

Dungeon Boxing Gym is located at 11505 Brown Bridge Road in Covington, GA. The gym was established in 2015 by Carey Foster and his wife, Ebonita. The Dungeon offers boxing training, strength and conditioning, dance classes, tutoring and mentoring. To learn more about The Dungeon Boxing Gym visit dungeonsquads.com or call 770-788-0680.

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club or Fight for Our Future visit www.bgcncg.com/boxing or call 770-207-6279.


 

 

 

Evander Holyfield Partners with B&G Club 

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Four-time time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield is partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia to continue making a difference in children’s lives. 

Holyfield grew up worried about whether or not youth in his school would notice the holes in his clothes and was determined to make a difference in his life’s trajectory. In the wake of his determination is a long list of boxing victories, books about his life, his philanthropic organization the Holyfield Foundation and one icon title of the only man to win four consecutive heavyweight championships. 

Through the Holyfield Foundation, he is deeply committed to giving back to various causes that pull on his heartstrings. A cause that resonates with him is working in youth development, especially partnering alongside Boys & Girls Clubs who are making the lasting impact to change lives. 

Evander Holyfield will be hands on with his partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, as he will referee Walton County Boys & Girls Club Fight for Our Future boxing event. Holyfield will referee seven matches comprised of local Walton County celebrities. The main event for the evening will be a match between Bob Mackey, BGCNCG President & CEO, and Ross Bradly, owner of Your Pie and WCBGC Board Chair. 

“BGCNCG is committed to the youth of North Central Georgia and with that commitment we are continually striving to bridge new relationships for our youth,” Bob Mackey, shared. “This partnership with Evander Holyfield will give our youth an experience of a lifetime and an event you do not want to miss.”

The partnership was bridged by Ross Mason and the HINRI Foundation. To learn more about HINRI please visit http://www.hinri.org/.

To learn more about Fight for Our Future, visit www.bgcncg.com/boxing. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georiga, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.

 

 

Dungeon Boxing Gym a ‘knock out’ supporter for BGCNCG

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For Carey Foster of Dungeon Boxing Gym, Boys & Girls Club means “safe haven” to him as a Club alumnus of W.W. Houston Boys & Girls Club. Now as a business owner in Covington, Foster was searching for ways to give back in a big way to his local Boys & Girls Club.

Foster has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia to offer funding for a Passport2Manhood program at Newton County Boys & Girls Club and joining as a supporting sponsor for Walton County Boys & Girls Club’s Fight for our Future boxing event.

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Foster’s gym will be mentoring WCBGC event participants, as well as Walton Club members on how the discipline of boxing can empower youth to express their emotions in safe spaces. For Newton’s Club, Dungeon Gym will be sponsoring an entire program unit devoted toward empowering young men to become successful and productive adults. 

His reason for giving back in such a large way is simple, “the Boys & Girls Club was influential in my life and others.”

“Relocating from housing projects to low income neighborhoods, as a protective measure to keep me off of the streets and out of trouble my mother deemed it necessary to enroll me in the Boys and Girls Club,” he shared. “It’s important to have community assistance with raising a child in a single parent home. With the parent having to work long hours to provide the things the child needs and half the things the child wants, we may fall short in other aspects of parenting.”

From the ages of 12 to 16, Foster was at the Club and he credits it as a place where he knew he was safe and able to grow up among positive role models. 

“At times when my peers and I were being mischievous and that little voice in my head said “not a good idea” or “it’s time to get off the block,” I would go to the Boys & Girls Club and play football, basketball, go swimming or spend time at the teen center,” he added.

In Dungeon Boxing Gym’s partnership with BGCNCG, Foster hopes to instill these characteristics he gained from his BGC experience to the youth of this generation. 

With the Passport2Manhood’s program, Foster is looking forward to young men receiving mentorship and life skill elements that help them become productive as teens. 

“As a young man I needed guidance and support to deal with life's struggles and at times made bad choices because I didn’t have it,” he shared. “I would like to offer guidance and support our young adults to prevent them from having to go through some of the hardships I had to learn.”

He’s looking forward to watching teens confidence grown and learning skills for critical thinking. 

For WCBGC Fight for Our Future Event, Dungeon Boxing Gym will be introducing a new boxing program to the youth of the Club to assist in controlling anger issues. 

“I’m most looking forward to spreading the positive energy. We would like to introduce our boxing program to Walton as well as to help keep the youth off the streets,” he shared. “The coaches will be teaching the youth on the sweet science of boxing. This will also help build their confidence. Boxing in a number of ways can relate to life and our coaches will show how the two correlates.”

At the end of the day life-changing work takes partnerships and Foster hopes that his support will showcase the importance of “businesses needing to work together to help make a difference in community.”

Overall, Foster is excited to be the role model so many people offered him during his BGC experience as a teen. 

“It means a great deal to me to be able to give back to the community because I know firsthand how the support of the Boys & Girls Club helped change my life,” he shared.

Dungeon Boxing Gym is located at 11505 Brown Bridge Road in Covington, GA. The gym was established in 2015 by Carey Foster and his wife, Ebonita. The Dungeon offers boxing training, strength and conditioning, dance classes, tutoring and mentoring. To learn more about The Dungeon Boxing Gym visit dungeonsquads.com or call 770-788-0680.

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia or the Clubs mentioned above, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034. 

 

 

WCBGC Prepares for Fall Relaunch

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At the end of Walton County Boys & Girls Club Summer program, Youth Development Professionals rolled up their sleeves and got to work on the restructuring of program areas. The goal for WCBGC was to add a fresh feel to the Club. 

“The change was born from a desire to allow the kids to come back to a new facility that will spark new interest and leave room for plenty of fun, exploration, and innovation,” Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared. “During the restructuring process we updated some rooms with new equipment, painted, and transformed two program areas. Staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure we were able to get everything set up before the youth were set to return.”

Club members will return to a newly remodeled Club and new programs September 3. Some items of highlight are the Teen Café addition and the newly implemented Culinary program aimed to teach youth about healthy snacking habits and cooking. 

WCBGC Youth Development Professionals are looking forward to seeing the reaction on Club member’s faces. 

“I am looking forward to implementing new programs which will stretch the imagination of our members, allow them to see the world from a new perspective, explore college and career options and most of all develop and maintain lasting friendship with other Club members,” Michelle Hollins, WCBGC Program Director shared. 

The Club is prepared to host positive energy for the new school year, said Hill. 

“We want our members to have an amazing experience when they come into the Club each day, and in order to do that, we needed to make a change,” he shared. “When the kids arrive, we know they will be pleased! The parents will also benefit from the new initiatives we will put in place to allow them to be more involved in the Club.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclub or call 770-207-6279.

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WCBGC Partners with Monroe Country Day School

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Walton County Boys & Girls Clubrecently partnered with Monroe Country Day School to supply added space to its members during gym time. 

MCDS member, Andrew, shared “I love being here at the Club and making new friends with other kids. When we play here it doesn’t matter how skilled you are – we are just having a good time.”

Shelia Staebell of Monroe Country Day School said the school’spartnership is a part of our Community Outreach program. 

“Since we have been coming to the Walton Club, the kids will finish their lunch ten minutes early so that they can come to the gym, she shared. “The gym gives the students an opportunity to play an organized sport because they have more space. Even the high school students look forward to coming over to the Club so they can play pickle ball.”

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared that the partnership has been a wonderful opportunity for Club members to meet new friends and serve the community at large. 

“When we are able to form partnerships with others who need our services, it allows us to meet a greater need within our community,” he shared. “The use of our facility allows the youth to use the gym instead of having to go outside for recess, especially when the outside temperatures can hit upwards of high 90 degrees and feel like it’s over 100 degrees.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclub or call 770-207-6279.

 

 

 

 

 

WCBGC Alumni Celebrates 11 years of giving back   

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From Club member to Youth Development Professional, Chastity Morrissette is a Walton County Boys & Girls Club alumnus who is deeply committed to ensuring all youth reach their greatest potential. 

During her seven years as a Club member of WCBGC, Morrissette shares she was able to find her “passion for helping others find their strengths” as well as her desire to pursue a degree in early childhood education. 

She’s been a Youth Development Professional for over 11 years at WCBGC and recently completed her degree. 

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared that “her ability to come full circle from Club member, to Club Youth Development Professional and now educator in the community demonstrates the power of Boys & Girls Clubs active member participation.”

Morrissette echoes Mr. Hill’s sentiments on the Club’s life changing impacts.

“The Club has continued to make an impact on my life growing up. I saw how much individuals cared for me here as a member and I wanted to be able to do the same for a child who currently attends,” she shared. “Being able to provide that care here has been immeasurable.”

Hill adds that this WCBGC alumni also shows how the Club is an organization that will walk alongside youth even in adulthood as alumni. 

“We are here for our youth throughout the different seasons of their life,” he shared. “That’s why we try to cultivate strong relationships without alumni members, so they continue to visit us and sow seeds back into the Club. It’s always a joy to see Chastity do just that for our present members.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclub or call 770-207-6279.

 

 

 

BGCNCG Awarded Grant through B&G of Georgia 

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New Tweens & Teens Initiative 

Boys & Girls Club of North Central Georgia will continue making smart moves count within teen pregnancy prevention through an awarded grant program from Boys & Girls Clubs of Georgia, Inc. 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided a $730,000 to BGC, which a portion will be distributed to BGCNCG to help implement a new Reducing the Risk Program. 

BGCNCG continues to maintain zero teen pregnancies in each of its Clubs in Greene, Morgan, Walton and Newton Counties for teens who attend the Club at least three times or more a week. 

“Reducing the Risk Program is designed to help youth ages 14-19 to reduce the risk of unhealthy choices and relationships."

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia will provide this program to youth currently enrolled in its Clubs. This program will train staff in the Reducing the Risk program, open opportunities to parent sessions and positively impact the youth of BGCNCG.

“Health education is at the core of our programs that helps equip our youth to become successful adults in making positive choices that impact their bodies and futures,” Bob Mackey, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia. “We are looking forward to continuing to make such impacts through this awarded grant and program initiative.”

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.

 

BGC Alum Gives Back at WCBGC

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Everyone’s reason for being involved with a Boys & Girls Club is unique, but it always ends with “because someone cared for me, I want to care for others as well.”

For Antonio Dillard, a Walton County Boys & Girls Club Youth Development Professional, his why is simple, “I’m a product of the Boys & Girls Club. Because of the Club and those who cared for me, I’m here as a successful adult.”

 “I want to provide that support to our youth here in Walton County every day,” he added.

Antonia has been with the movement for a year and currently is the Teen Center Director for the Club.

“We want to ensure that teens have a safe place to go where we encourage our youth to excel in school and at home in becoming productive members of their community,” he shared. “Being an alum myself of the Boys & Girls Club, I know how impactful allowing teens to have responsibility in helping serve in their community can be. That’s why we are constantly looking at new ways to engage our teens in Monroe. From inviting community members in to teach our teens to cook, practice for job interviews and learn new life skills to taking our teens out into the community to serve – we are here to ensure our teens believe the sky is the limit.”

For Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, having Youth Development Professionals such as Antonia on hand is vital to the success of the Club’s impact. 

“Mr. Antonio goes above and beyond his job duties. He’s always giving our teens the freedom to learn hands on skills while mentoring them in the process,” he shared. “It takes caring individuals such as Antonia to empower our youth and to show them that they’re dreams can indeed become reality. We would love to have more community members join us as volunteers to be a part of this life changing work.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club or to volunteer, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

 

WCBGC Celebrates Successful Garden Harvest

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Summer brought a gardening adventure for the youth of Walton County Boys & Girls Club. All summer long, Club youth spent time daily tending to their garden in partnership with the Walton County Master Gardeners Club. Youth learned the importance of eating healthy by actively participating in growing their own food for the summer months. 

They recently celebrated their accomplishments with an awards ceremony presented by the Master Gardening Club.

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“The Junior Master Gardeners Club were able to see the fruits of their labor at this celebration and were recognized for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the Club over the seven-week program,” Lynn E. Hill, Walton County Boys & Girls Club Director, shared. “Members of the Master Gardening Club, alongside House Representative Bruce Williamson, joined our youth to salute their efforts with a feast from their summer grown vegetables.”

Club members worked alongside Master Gardener mentors to make salsa and chop vegetables for a veggie platter to serve those gathered at the celebration. 

“It was so wonderful to hear each name of our Junior Master Gardeners have their names called during the award ceremony and to see their smiling faces light up,” Hill shared. “They were beaming with pride at their accomplishment and that’s exactly what we desire – for them to have pride in all they do in life.”

 Ellen Wainwright of the Walton County Master Gardeners Club shared how impactful their time with the youth has been for her. 

“The Club youth were always so enthusiastic and engage in every project we brought to them this summer,” she shared. “We worked with the children teaching them about gardening, planting and growing their own vegetables. We harvested our own vegetables and talked about preparing healthy meals. They had the opportunity to make smoothies, salsa, eggplant pizzas, energy bites and burritos out of the vegetables they grew.”

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Wainwright added “watching the youth learn about not only vegetables but what makes a garden successful and sustainable for our environment was such a treat.”

“They learned how a cucumber becomes a pickle,” she shared. “They got to taste different types of peppers and learned about pollinators and their importance in gardening. We even had some beekeepers come and talk. They got to see some bees and how honey is harvested and even tasted the honey.”

 For Mr. Hill, this is what the Club is all about – engaging the youth with community members so we can teach together.

 “The kids that participated in the Junior Master Gardeners Club have been observed smiling, laughing, working as a team and learning something new,” he shared. “It is very important for young people to learn where their food comes from, how to take pride in their community and why it is so important to always strive for comradery, which is why teamwork was a number one factor in them completing their projects this summer.”

 Those projects were beautifying the exterior grounds of the Club with flowers and a garden, sprucing up the area surrounding the mailbox and flagpole and cultivating their vegetables from the garden. 

“In total, over $4,000 in donated plants and supplies were used from our local community to make this summer program possible,” Hill shared. “We are so grateful to the Walton County Master Gardeners Club for giving their time and treasures to teach our youth the art of gardening.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclub or call 770-207-6279.

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WCBGC Names Youth of Month for August

 Celebrating our Youth 

Walton County Boys & Girls Clubcelebrates its members and their accomplishments. This month the Club Youth of the Month is Tileauna Tiller.

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Tiller became a member recently during WCBGC’s Summer Programming. 

“Being awarded Youth of the Month was such a surprise and made me feel really special,” Tiller said. “I loved the encouragement I got during Master Gardener’s Class and it helped me to believe in myself.”

Tiller was selected for her growth since coming to the Club and her “never giving up” attitude.

“Tileauna was reluctant to join the Gardening Club. She would tell me that she could not do it. But one day she came over smiling with fresh vegetables in hand and was so proud to show off her eggplant,” Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director shared.“She looked at me, hands out and said, ‘Look what I did!’  The programs we offer our members definitely have a positive impact on their lives.”

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared that Tileauna engages in every activity with enthusiasm.  

“Her exceptional ability to adapt to a new environment is amazing,” he added.

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

BGCNCG Welcomes Barnesville-Lamar to the Movement

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Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia celebrated the ground breaking of its newest Club site located in Barnesville, Georgia. Barnesville-Lamar Boys & Girls Club is set to open January 13, 2020 and will serve ages 6 - 18 of Lamar county. 

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The Club’s steering committee, along with Lamar county residents and officials, planted their golden shovels into the soil marking the beginning of BLBGC’s journey to become a fully operational Club in 2020. 

“Ten years from now this Club will be a gift that will truly keep on giving. The dedication behind this effort that’s made this ground breaking possible today – and moving forward - will change the environment, trajectory and outlook of youth in Lamar County,” Bob Mackey, President & CEO of BGCNCG shared. “On behalf of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, we’d like to congratulate your steering committee on the steps taken to change lives forever.”

Joe Edwards, president of United Bank, longtime supporter of Lamar County youth and steering committee chairman of Barnesville-Lamar Boys & Girls Club, shared his excitement to be opening a Club with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia. 

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“Soon it will be five decades that my family and I have been in Lamar county. I’ve worked on a lot of civic projects in those years, but never have I witnessed such a unified support,” Edwards shared. “The county commission is with us, the school board is with us, the Rotatory Club is with us – I’ve never seen so much support and encouragement and we’re here today committing to the youth because of that support.” 

Ron Smith, Lamar County School Board member, added to Edwards’ sentiments.

“We feel very blessed to live in a community like ours with such support for our kids,” Smith said. “We are making a great opportunity available today. A place for kids to be kids, but also a place where they can be guided into adulthood.”

Michael Tompkins, BGCNCG Corporate Board Chairman, concluded that this new addition will continue to give youth “a hand up.”

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s amazing what we’re doing with these youth,” he said. “We’re giving these kids the tools to access the greatness in this country.”

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Boys & Girls Clubs are essential places where youth can develop skills, make lasting connections with mentors, and achieve great futures. Since youth have different experiences and learning styles, Boys & Girls Clubs never take a single approach to helping youth succeed. It takes caring individuals to provide a safe place, and quality programs. This ensures that all youth have a brighter future. 

BLBGC will provide young people a fun, safe and educational space with a fostering environment where they can be who they are—and become who they are meant to be.

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.com. To learn more about how you can become involved in the Barnesville-Lamar Boys & Girls Club, call 770-267-8034 or visit their Facebook @BLBGC. 

WCBGC partners with NorthEast Georgia Regional Commission for Workforce Development

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For Ashley Hackel preparing our youth for the workforce is critical to their development as young adults. That’s why for the last year she’s been partnering with the Walton County Boys & Girls Club. And this summer she’s connecting WCBGC Alumni with employment at the Club.

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“I am the Summer Youth Associate of an agency called the NorthEast Georgia Regional Commission for Workforce Development, an organization that forms non-financial worksite agreements with local governments, schools, and non-profit agencies to provide training and serve as worksites for Summer Youth Work Experience participants,” Hackel shared. “The WIOA program with the Boys & Girls Club of Walton County provides the framework for workforce preparation and employment system designed to meet the needs of the local employers, job seekers, and those who want to further their careers.  The Boys & Girls Club of Walton County has been an agency through the Workforce Initiative and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to connect youth and their careers in youth leadership and character development.”

Hackel adds that this partnership has been a wonderful opportunity to provide on the job training to help youth gain the necessary skills and abilities to perform specific tasks and develop desirable work behavior.

“The youth in this program are selected for the Boys & Girls Club through proper interviewing to maintain and certify that participants can develop certain skills and abilities,” she said. 

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, said, “This program allows the partnership to have a two-fold effect in the process. The youth, who work in this program can learn through BGC, how to plan and schedule, and create and establish good work ethics.”

“We are so thrilled to have a Club alumnus working with us this summer through our partnership with WIOA,” Hill added. “Destinee Long is an ideal role model for our youth and she’s learning valuable work ethic skill sets while working as a Youth Development Professional, such as scheduling, coordinating programming and directing Club members in activities.”


 

 

 

 

 

 

WCBGC teens learn culinary basics

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Walton County Boys & Girls Club teens are learning Culinary basics this summer.

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The Culinary Basics course was a week-long project-based learning initiative taught teens the necessary skills in preparing healthy meals for breakfast and lunch. 

The teens did research through the Career Launch Program of the Teen Center to discover workforce opportunities where they could continue their cooking skills. 

Mr. Lynn E. Hill,WCBGC Club Director, said that this summer the Club wanted to find activities that “the Teens in particular would enjoy doing and find it to be fun.  

“The name of this week long activity was dubbed ‘Culinary Basics’ because the Teens can find an alternative to eating a lot of fast foods,” Hill added. “It teaches them how to create good meals with nutritious foods such as carrots, rice, water, and wheat bread. They can develop healthier lifestyles by learning to cook and eat foods properly.” 

WCGGC Club member, Jalen Lemons, shared how these activities helped him get over his fear of not knowing how to cook.

“I never knew that I could actually cook,” he shared. “Thanks to my Teen Director, Ms. Krystal Thomas, I was given the opportunity to learn because I don’t get this chance at home.”

We were really pleased with the outcomes of our first Culinary Basics course, Thomas shared. 

“These activities will continue to be a part of our Career Launch program. We found something that Teens these days would enjoy doing and every Teen was involved.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclub or call 770-207-6279.


 

WCBGC Names July Youth of the Month

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Celebrating our Youth 

Walton County Boys & Girls Club celebrates its members and their accomplishments. This month the Club Youth of the Month is Giovanni Hernandez.

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Hernandez has been a member of the Club for two years.

“Being awarded Youth of the Month feels like a big deal and I feel really special being seen as an outstanding Club member,” Hernandez said. “I like everything we do at our Club. I love learning new things and the staff here are super fun to be around.”

Hernandez was selected for his growth since coming to the Club and becoming a beacon of what a Club leader looks like for his peers. 

“Giovannie participates in every activity that is given to his age group of Club Members, often showing a leadership in every game, activity, or program,” Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared. “He often tells others in his neighborhood, and as a result, several youths have joined the Club because he has spoken so highly of his local Club. He’s exceptional behavior dubs him the Youth of the Month.”

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, says he’s seen a change in Hernandez behavior since coming to the Club. 

“As I reflect upon Giovanni, I am elated that the new unanimously agree in selecting him as the Youth of the Month. I have noticed that Giovanni strives really hard to behave and I have also seen him making conscious efforts in every part of the Club,” Hill said. “I have absolutely seen the change in Giovanni’s behavior. When he first arrived at our Club, he was extremely shy and now he has blossomed into a leader amongst his peers. He is one of those kids that you want to have under your care.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

 

WCBGC Members Visit Tallulah Falls

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The Girls Scouts of the Walton County Boys & Girls Club recently visited Tallulah Falls with the annual Athens Girls Scout Retreat. In partnership with Girls Scouts of Georgia, the SMART Girls met with other troops throughout the state of Georgia in a weekend event filled with fun, laughter and fellowship. 

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The girls spent the weekend participating in several different team building exercises and outdoor skill such as rope walking, log drills, canoeing and other activities that promote teamwork, leadership, and networking.  The girls also learned the basics of retiring a flag.  

 “I learned to do some things that I never knew before,” Aubrey Allen, WCBGC member shared. “It was so fun to learn new skills and meet so many new friends.”

Club Director Lynn E. Hill shared how impactful the event is for Club youth.

“This event held in north Georgia, was important for these girls of the Walton County Club because of the life lessons that were taught during the course of the event,” Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared. “The girls could take away lessons on the importance of teamwork, hard work, and understanding nature. I am so glad to know these virtues are included in a weekend field trip that they truly enjoyed.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

WCBGC Celebrates its Seniors

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Walton County Boys & Girls Club celebrated four of its seniors graduating. Among the graduating seniors was Club Director Lynn E. Hill’s son, Jared. 

Jared has been a member of the WCBGC for 12 years and is excited to enter into the Club Alumni program. 

I have come to realize through the Boys & Girls Club that being an alumni now gives me the opportunity to be a spokesperson for the Club and what is called the Movement,” Jared shared. “The Boys & Girls Club has been everything for me. I have truly learned that ‘Great Futures really do start here.’”

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For Lynn Hill he couldn’t be prouder of his son.

I am so proud of my son Jared! I have literally watched him maneuver through the Boys & Girls Club as a Club Member, and as a parent. I witnessed how youth can be nurtured through a program and the effects that positive energy can have on a child developing through watching my own son progress through the Movement,” he shard. “He is now an alumni, and I know that the afterschool program and summer Camp works for our kids who need us the most, because I was engaged in the process with him for his duration as a life-long member of the Boys & Girls Club.

Hill shared he’s thrilled to see where each WCBGC graduate goes in their future. 

“Each Club member knows that they have a home here at our Club,” he added. 

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.


 

WCBGC Names June Youth of the Month



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Celebrating our Youth 

Walton County Boys & Girls Clubcelebrates its members and their accomplishments. This month the Club Youth of the Month isJocelyn Ferguson.

Ferguson has been a member of the Club for three years.

“I want to thank everyone at the Club for helping me feel better about myself,” Ferguson shared. “I am a part of something that makes me feel really special and the staff here help me become something great!”

Ferguson was selected for her positive attitude and willingness to learn the Boys & Girls Club motto, as well as becoming a leader in her Club. 

“Jocelyn makes volunteering really special for me at the Boys & Girls Club,” Ms. Tranteegus Allen, Director and volunteer of Desflo, Inc., shared. “Jocelyn proves what potential a member has when they are supported and given the tools for success. She is never a youth who will shy away from challenges, and her energy is explosive.  She has all the right tools needed to build a character that will make her great, and I’m that she will always remember her humble beginnings her at the Boys & Girls Club.”

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, says he’s seen a change in “Jocelyn’s behavior.”

“Her parents have commented on several occasions on the improvement in her attitude and behavior, and they have given much credit to the efforts of character development and leadership offered by the Club,” he shared. “I’ve noticed that Jocelyn strives really hard to accomplish things at the Club, and that is a wonderful thing because she will use that same type of energy to accomplish much of her goals in her life.  She is a real go-getter. Jocelyn truly deserves this honor, for she has earned through her interest in the Youth of the Month, and the overall programs offered to her at the Club. “

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.