Greetings! Did you have someone when you were growing up who truly believed in you? Someone who told you "You can do anything!", "You can BE GREAT!" Well, at our Boys & Girls Club we all operate with one basic understanding - every child has the potential to BE GREAT, and we let them know it. In support of this strong conviction, we have five key areas we use to focus our youth development programs. This month we are highlighting our Character and Leadership Development program. Character & Leadership Development Helping youth become responsible, caring citizens. Programs empower youth to:
- Support and influence their Club and community,
- Sustain meaningful relationships with others,
- Develop a positive self-image,
- Participate in the democratic process and;
- Respect their own and others' cultural identities.
This month you have the opportunity to learn how even our youngest youth are making a big difference in our community, all while developing their character and leadership skills in fun ways. |
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Great Futures Start Here
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Owen (holding water hose), received the Hardest Working Award. |
One way we put our Character and Leadership initiatives into practice is through community fundraisers. Youth decide which activities to use as fundraisers (hot dog stands, car washes...), then plan out the details amongst themselves and with the support of people in the community, advertise, and run the entire event. Owen Ovitt, 8 years old has developed his character and leadership skills all summer long through these fundraising activities. He even has earned the Hardest Working Award by having the best attitude consistently at fundraisers and working the entire shift on Friday, August 5th at the Walker Home Center Car Wash. Owen was willing to wash cars the entire time and always had a positive message, even remembering to thank every customer! Owen will start 2nd grade in the Fall. He has been a regular Summer Camp attendee and has worked hard all summer to bring in money for the Club field trip on August 22nd to Duluth! He has now entered the Wall of Record and if you ask him about it you will be guaranteed a larger than life smile! |
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7-year-old Claire preparing Luminaries for the Relay for Life event. |
Giving is the Greatest Gift of All
On Friday July 30th, a few seven-year-olds, truly demonstrated what selfless giving means.
With hearts full of kindness and a work ethic unlike most kids their age, Daniel Upton, along with twins Claire and Morgan Biessener, spent the day helping a team set-up for the Northern Cass County Relay for Life event to support cancer research.
Dan was very helpful in helping staff spread out the decorated luminaries and filling them with rocks and sand. He never complained about the heat or the hard work and even kept staff motivated with his GREAT energy!
Claire and Morgan were just as AWESOME as they dug right into preparing the luminary bags which honor those who have fought the cancer battle.
These Club members did not expect anything in return and were honored to be a part of something bigger in their community! |
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Changing World Perspectives
This year marked the sixth year of a fabulous Korean Cultural Exchange program for our Eagleview Club.
Club members were honored to share their Ojibwe knowledge with their Korean visitors.
One evening they exhibited their dancing skills as part of a mini pow-wow. In return, Club youth participated in songs and dance that the Korean visitors put together for them. This included watching a theatric play, music, and watching a sword skill presentation.
Fun and competitive basketball and kickball games were also enjoyed by all!
Everyone had a wonderful experience from both cultures and made a lot of new friendships along the way. |
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It is the financial support of community members like you , which enable us to provide these important Character and Leadership Development opportunities for the youth in our area.
A gift of $25 will provide scholarships for five youth to join the club this year who would otherwise be unable to afford membership. Give a gift today.
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Did You Know?
- Our Club first opened its doors in 1999, we served 36 youth that first year.
- As of 2011 we have four Club locations - Cass Lake, Walker, Deer River and S. Lake.
- We now serve more than 1,000 youth ages 6 - 18 each year.
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Wish List
Here are some needed items for The Club. Try getting your neighborhood group, company or church involved in doing a supplies drive! It's easy, fun and so helpful for us! Need help? Contact Tracey now.
- Markers
- Art Supplies
- Board Games
- Sport Equpment
- Flash drives
- Office supplies
To see a detailed list, click here.
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Ojibwe Language Corner
Hello = Aaniin
Thank You! = Miigwetch
August = Miinike-giizis
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August Volunteer Opportunities
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Thank You for Your Support!
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We're in Second Harvest's Annual Report - check us out on page 6!
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