Boys & Girls Club Offers Diverse Fun in Winter

The Boys & Girls Club is well known for its accessibility to youth from lower-income backgrounds, but the staff is on a mission to serve children from all backgrounds.

Kids can continue to learn over holiday break  by being exposed to a wide range of cultural and economic backgrounds in an educational and playful environment that encourages communication and understanding, according to intern Tequila Rooks. 

"We learn by relating to each other," Rooks said. "If as a child I am exposed only to those with my same world view and opinions, then my learning and preparedness for the world is stifled because the world is a diverse place." 

Recently, the club's Torch Club youth leadership program became involved in its community by baking pastries along with staff members and distributing them to the Royal Oak and , to show gratitude for their service. As part of a National Project, the Torch Club is also organizing a project that donates mugs that can be colored to

The Torch Club offers opportunities for students to take charge of the projects and activities for the rest of the club and for their respective group. It is overseen by Rooks and Education Director Schume Harrison at the , 1545 Lincoln Ave.

"Seeing our Torch Club members design and carry through these service initiatives for their community and the activities geared toward the rest of the membership is what makes my job challenging and meaningful," Harrison said. "I get to see firsthand how the environment we create here, has a real impact on these kids and helps them to create their own life path." 

Torch Club members were also recently in charge of developing and implementing a reward for junior members ages 6-9 after the younger children won the fall fundraising contest. Movie Night was the result and kids from all ages gathered together for a night of pizza, popcorn and candy while they watched Planet 51.

Colleen DiMambro, mother of Torch Club Vice President Jeremy DiMambro, said the club has provided her son with a greater understanding of the community.

"Since my son joined the Torch Club, I see him thinking about recycling now before throwing anything away and he gets anxious to participate in the Giving Tree program at our church.  He is also learning the difference between needing something and wanting something and I think that the Boys & Girls Club is a huge part of his new understanding," she said.

A diverse environment of not only the children themselves, but the activities provided, is an important part of the Boys & Girls Club's overall mission, according to its website. Programs range from culinary classes to arts and crafts to athletics, with sports provided indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, and in coordination with community organizations, including Oakland County Parks and Recreation.

The Boys & Girls Club of South Oakland County is open to children ages 6-12 Monday-Friday from 3-7:30 p.m. and teens ages 13-18 Monday-Thursday from 3-7:30 p.m., Friday from 3-10 p.m., and Saturday noon-6 p.m. Membership is $25 per year. Visit its website for more information.