Boys

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Leech Lake Area

September 2011 eNewsletter

Greetings!  

 

WOW! Have we had a great kick-off to the new school-year!

Between our four units - Cass Lake, Walker, Deer River and Eagleview - we've had 60 new members join the Club as well as 214 returning Club members! 

 

Each youth brings their energy, creativity and fun personality to the Club, making it a very special place!

 

This month, staff from each of our Club Units is sharing a special story about this new school-year and the great things that are already happening! Enjoy!

 

 

A Warm Welcome for All

By Kayleen, Program Manager at Deer River Unit

Melanie and Youth

Sofia (8), excited to be back at the Club with one of her favorite Club staff Melanie. 

 

We kicked-off the new school year with a back-to-school open house for families to come in and check out the Club.

 

We were more than surprised to see so many new parents that came and were interested in what we had to offer their children.

 

Along with the new parents, many of our regular Club member families came in and played games, put puzzles together, did bead work, and got their hands dirty in playdough. It was very nice to see the families so engaged in their children's interests, and communicating positively with them.

 

Everyone enjoyed a dinner of sloppy joes, carrots, beans, and chips.

 

It was a great night and we are very excited for this new year of learning and growing together!
 

Stepping Up to the Plate

By Miranda, Program Manager at Cass Lake Unit

 

Dishes

A little help, makes a BIG difference!


Each night at the Cass Lake Club we prepare a meal for all the teens. What I had planned for dinner wasn't finished cooking so I had to think fast.

 

I decided to make cinnamon waffles and bacon. Right away Club member Star, must have noticed I had a lot of preparing to do, so she offered to help me. She began unwrapping the waffles and putting them on the plate while I was prepping the bacon.

Once everyone had plenty to eat I asked all the Club members to make sure they washed their plates. Another teen member Peter, was the first to wash his plate. When I went to wash mine next he said, "Just throw it in the water". I asked him, "Are you going to do all the dishes?" and he replied "Yup!".

This evening was very special because those two Club members were so willing to help without being asked. Their willingness to help started a chain reaction and encouraged other members to start sweeping the floor and putting the tables away. By the time we left, the kitchen was spotless!

 

Feeling Like One of the Team
By Kelcie Groth, Unit Director at Walker Unit

 

Team Huggle
Our first day of the new school year at the Walker Unit was great. We had 24 youth in total. There was one new member (Jonathan) who was just delightful and put a smile on my face!

Here's Jonathan's story...

Around 5pm I was in the gym with about 15 other youth. We were playing capture the flag. Since many parents were picking their kids up, I was playing to help out the younger kids team.

To get my team focused, I yelled to all of them to come and huddle up. Well the BRAND new Club member, (a whole 7 years old), yells "come on everybody, huddle up!". Then he puts his arm around my shoulder as well as the shoulder of the Club member next to him, and starts telling everyone his game plan! 

It totally brought a smile to my face and melted my heart because he had never been to the Club before, but yet with only being with us for a few short hours, he already felt comfortable...just like one of the team! And, that's exactly how we want every youth that comes through our doors to feel.

 

Volunteering + Football = Impact
By Roberta, Unit Director at Eagleview Unit

 

AaronRecently I was talking with our youth about what makes them all unique and how they all can BE GREAT! 

As I shared stories about respect & being great with the group, each Club member drew a picture of themselves being great and showcasing what makes them special!

To my surprise when it was time to share their pictures, one Club member, Aaron, who likes to play football with one of our volunteers James, says "Look at my picture. It's a picture of me playing football, because I'm good at it. I drew it of me and James playing football together!"

That moment warmed my heart and made me realize once again what a difference our volunteers make.

We welcome adults and groups to come make a difference, just like James did in Aaron's life.

Volunteer at one of our local Club Units - Cass Lake, Walker, Deer River or Eagleview. There are kids waiting for you to come play, draw, cook, read or just be a listening ear. Email Tracey to learn more!

 

 

In This Issue
A Warm Welcome
Stepping Up to the Plate
Feeling Like One of the Team
Volunteers + Football = Impact

Kids Say the Cutest Things!

 

Overheard in a Club this week:

Katie, age 7, said to one of our Unit Directors, "You have such a small office for being such a nice person!"

 

 

Donate Now

 

 

Join our Mailing List

 

 

September Volunteer Opportunities
  
$25 Will Change 5 Lives!
 
A gift of $25 will provide scholarships for five youth
to join the club this year.
 
These youth would otherwise be unable to afford membership.
 

 

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Mark Your Calendars 

 

October 20th - Lights on After School Open House

 

October 31st - Treats for Tots Halloween Event

 

More details coming soon on

times and locations.

 

Ojibwe Language Corner

 

Goodbye = Giga-waabamin
School = Gikinoo'amaadiiiwigamig
September = Manoominike-giizis

 

Thank You for Your Support!

 

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 Boys & Girls Clubs of the Leech Lake Area

208 Central Ave. / P.O. Box 817 / Cass Lake, Minnesota 56633 / (218) 335-4058
www.bgcleechlake.com