During National Boys & Girls Clubs Week (March 23-27), members from the Leslie Unit enjoyed a visit from the Independence Police Department's Tactical Response Team (see photo at top), as well as the Canine Unit. As part of the Unit's "Career Day", Club members had the chance to learn about what it takes to be a police officer and also about the different career opportunities available within the police department.

 

On Friday, March 27, the Visual & Performing Arts program held an Arts Workshop Fundraiser Overnight at the Thornberry Unit. Members had an opportunity to choose from activities in culinary arts, dance, drama, photography, visual arts, sewing and even swimming. This was a great evening where members had the opportunity to express themselves through the arts. For example, members choosing culinary arts prepared the meal for the evening. A large number of youth wanted to continue the visual arts & sewing workshop - working away until staff officially shut it down at 3:30 a.m.! After watching a dance movie, Stomp the Yard, VERY early in the morning, the exhausted youth called it a night (or morning).

In honor of Boys & Girls Clubs week, the East Side Unit held a special Teen Career Development Day for youth from all five Club sites on March 26. The youth were divided into groups at random with the idea being to bring together kids from each Club. Each group was charged with starting their own business - from creating a business plan, name and concept, to hiring a Club staff "PR" person to promote their business, to buying items to start up their business from the "storefront". In addition, each group received $250 in "Club Cash" as start-up money. The teens were very creative in their plans and the businesses included a candy store, dance club, arts & crafts center, and even a lemonade stand. The youth had a great time, all while learning about the realities of the business world. 

 

Don't forget to use GoodSearch.com for your online searches and GoodShop.com for your online shopping to benefit the Clubs. Just enter "Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City" as the charity you want to support!

 

Current Club Needs!