Boys & Girls Club Members Attend The Louisiana Youth Seminar

Seventeen  Club members recently attended the Louisiana Youth Seminar Camp held at Louisiana State University. These students participated in many activities which focused on leadership skills, such as effective communication skills, setting and achieving goals, team building, understanding and accepting others, developing self confidence, conducting effective meetings, and problem solving skills.

Students Get The Chance To Play Zydeco Music With Chubby Carrier

The Acadiana Symphony & Conservatory of Music were extra busy the week of June 27^th through July 1^st! Grammy Award winning Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band taught members all about zydeco music. Fifteen spots were donated to members. The members participating were excited to be able to take part and were able to learn about zydeco instruments, hear about zydeco roots, learn to dance to zydeco music, and take a special trip to an accordion shop.

Marines Donate 48 Boxes of Reading Books

Marine Sergeant Wayne Prevost donated forty eight boxes of books to the Boys & Girls Clubs. The books will be used in the learning center for educational programs. They will help the members further their reading skills for the future. The books were distributed amongst the six different Clubs.

Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Department Visit The Jackie Club

The Lafayette Sheriff's Department Officer, Avery Joseph stopped by the Jackie Club for a basic presentation on crime prevention tips. He spoke to members from 9 to 17 years of age. He let them know that the reason crime happens is well known. Officer Joseph explained that crime happens because there is a criminal to commit the crime, the victim who can be victimized by the criminal and the location or opportunity for a crime to occur. You can reduce the likelihood of being the victim of criminal activity if you take away the opportunity for the criminal to make you his victim.

Iberia Kiwanis Hold Their Annual Quiz Bowl At The Iberia Boys & Girls Club

19th Annual Celebrity Waiter, Huge SUCCESS!

Celebrity Waiter was held July 20, 2011, in Abbeville. A lot of preparation was done by the board. The event was sold out. This year Rodney Simon was honored for his support of the Boys & Girls Clubs and restoration of the Vermilion Unit. Mr. Simon was the driving force in this project. There was a plaque unveiled to the attendees and the Vermilion Unit was officially re-named the "Rodney Unit." Overall the total net income was $53,431.39. We are proud of our board for spear heading this event and know that next year will be just as successful or even more successful.

"A Taste of the Arts"

"A Taste of the Arts" is an eclectic collection of performances from the Boys & Girls Club's "Les Chanteurs" Choir and "Knuckles" Productions, a production group formed through the "Music Makers: Standing Room Only" program which has been funded via Community Foundation of Acadiana's DONORSense Profile Grant the organization received. The performances consists of vocal renditions of classics such as Bill Withers "Lean on Me", the Beatles' "Imagine" and Nile Rodgers disco anthem "Good Times". In addition they will perform some spiritual pieces such as the uplifting "I Smile" by Kirk Franklin and "Take Courage My Soul" an acapella traditional African American spiritual.  There will also be some original poetry written and interpreted by Club members, and dance interpretations of various genres.

The main purpose of doing this particular kind of program is to compile all the different forms presented to the club members and display them at one time. The children along with staff and our esteemed Music Director Mr. Rafael J. Henry of the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and Conservatory of Music, have worked very diligently all summer to make this program a success. It is the Boys & Girls Clubs hope that we can encourage our youth to explore the arts and chase those artistic dreams they have.  

Boys & Girls Club Members Back From Mt. Bayou Lake Scout Camp C.O.O.L.

 

Nineteen members arrived back safely from Camp C.O.O.L., held at the beautiful Mt. Bayou Lake Scout Camp. Money was raised for the members to attend by our local Boy Scouts. The members were able to participate in many outdoor and fun activities. The members enjoyed outdoor skill instructions, swimming, canoeing, rifle shooting, climbing towers, an obstacle course, games, zip lines, first aid and CPR training, movie nights, and a camp fire program. Camp C.O.O.L. is a new program developed by the Evangeline Area Council in conjunction with the District Attorney's Office, to provide a camping activity for at-risk-youth. Camp C.O.O.L. provided a fun and challenging environment for youth that might not have an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and positive reinforcement of character and values. Camp C.O.O.L. is held at Mt. Bayou Lake Scout Camp located in St. Landry, LA with 640 Acres of property.

"Cocktails & Contributions"

On July 11, 2011, Cocktails & Contributions was born. Board members were optimistic that Cocktails & Contributions would do well. This event was a tremendous success. It was an upscale event at Café Breen with appetizers and Jazz Music provided by Charles Manns. Over $5,000 was raised for the Opelousas Club and many other commitments were made. Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs, Chris Martin says, "I'm amazed at what the Opelousas Board has done. They have gone above and beyond for our organization. It is so nice to have that type of support. Keep up the good work."

"Zydeco Concert"  

"Home Run Derby"

Opelousas Police Chief Perry Gallow held his Home Run Derby July 23, 2011. The event was fun for everyone. This year a Home Run Derby for the kids 12 years of age and younger was added to the mix. It was free of charge for all children who participated. It was a great touch and just like the adults, the children had a blast.

Boys & Girls Clubs were presented a $15,000 check from Chevron.Chevron has also volunteered their time through the Humankind Program. This program provides matching for financial contributions and grants for volunteer time to nonprofit organizations. This check will assist the Boys & Girls Clubs in the continuation of the wonderful programs they provide to their many members. Chevron has been very involved with the Vermilion Boys & Girls Club Unit. Chevron employees have pressure washed the club, mentored, tutored, helped the Youth of the Year with their speech, played games with the members, taught sportsmanship to members Chevron employees also helped with the Fall Carnival and have served snacks to members on many occasions. The Boys & Girls Clubs Chief Professional Officer, Chris Martin says, "We appreciate the ongoing support of Chevron and their many employees."

Walmart Donates $5,000 To The Boys & Girls Clubs Through The VAP Program