|
2007 Spring|Summer
Register now for our Junior Golf
Classic, Walton County Breakfast Club, and Okaloosa County
Breakfast Club. Sponsors needed for our Youth Football
Conditioning Camp.
What's New?
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
Receives Health Rocks! Grant!
 We received a $2,000 grant to be one of the demonstration sites to
run this fantastic program. Health Rocks! Is a curriculum-based
life skills development program for youth ages 8 to 12, sponsored
by the National 4-H Council. It helps youth learn skills such as
decision-making, critical thinking, and stress management, and
places special emphasis on tobacco-use prevention. The program
also includes components that bring youth and adults together as
partners in developing community strategies that prepare young
people to make health lifestyle choices.
The $2,000 dollars will pay for the program
staff to run the program, the entire curriculum and materials for
200 youth. Our team of Rita Cummins and 2 teen team members will
be traveling to Little Rock, Arkansas in July to complete the 3
day training. They will run the program over the summer and into
the fall at all of our Club sites. The transportation and hotel
will be paid by the University of Mississippi as part of this
grant. Thank you to the University of Mississippi!
How About that New Building on Denton Blvd,
in Fort Walton Beach?
 A BIG Boys & Girls Club THANK YOU goes out to all who attended our
historic groundbreaking on April 12th. We are building dreams
brick by brick! Keep an eye on us for updates on how the
construction is coming along.
Denton Club Construction Update: The New Boys &
Girls Club on Denton Blvd. will really be moving in May. It has
been a long process, but we expect the building process to move
quickly from now on. On Monday, May 7th we received our building
permit from the City of FWB. Peter Brown Construction will begin
working on the building by laying out the actual building walls
with stakes, digging the footers, putting down the ICF block and
then the foundation. Fleishman Land Development will be finishing
up their portion of the job by digging the final two storm drains
in front of the Teen Center within this month. We look forward to
seeing the building continue to move closer to completion.
What's Up at the Club in South Walton?
 South Walton Club Update: The South Walton Club has been
functioning out of three portable classrooms since Nov. 2006. We
are currently preparing for our summer program where we anticipate
50 youth attending the site daily. Our SW Club Architects,
Dougherty / Chavez Architects are currently doing needs
assessments for the site and what its intended uses will be. They
are also doing preliminary sketches on the size and scope of the
building. We foresee getting these in the next month or so.
Showcase
Volunteer Workday at the Boys & Girls Clubs
A BIG Boys & Girls Clubs THANK YOU goes out to all the volunteers
and sponsors of our Volunteer Workday held at the Teen Center on
Denton Boulevard and our elementary school program location at
Wright Baptist Church. We cleaned, painted, erected playground
equipment, and cleared the playing field of mulch and debris.
Thank you so much to Ace
Hardware and Harrison Contracting
Company for supplies and paint. Another BIG thank you goes
to Dodge’s Chicken,
Helenback
Pizza, and Winn Dixie for
supplying lunch for our hungry volunteers. The lunch was
fantastic! A very special THANK YOU goes to our friends at
Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, and Target for
sending their employees to help us! We couldn’t have done it
without you!
Name the Newsletter Contest!
We asked our Boys & Girls Club kids to get creative and come up
with a name for the newsletter. We had numerous entries, check out
some of the potentials!
- “The Cool and Funky Boys & Girls Club News”
Savannah, Age 9
- “The Daily View”
Vincent, Age 8
- “Boys & Girls Club Station”
Trey, Age 7
- “Kids Go Wild”
Rhiannon, Age 10
- “The Boys & Girls Club Gossip”
LaBaron, Age 10
- “Boys & Girls Club Cool Awesome News”
LaBresha, Age 8 Skylar, Age 9
- “Rockin’ Club News”
Tyler, Age 8
- “The Positive Edition”
Kaylan, Age 12
- “The Need to Know Info on the Club”
Chelsea, Age
Our staff, Board of Directors, and Foundation
Board all voted and the name chosen was “The Positive Edition”.
Congratulations to Kaylan on a very creative and fitting
name! As a result of Kaylan’s name being chosen she will receive
dinner for her family at CiCi’s Pizza in Fort Walton Beach. Way to
Go!!
Fort Walton Beach Mayor makes Proclamation
for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast!
 Fort Walton Beach Mayor Mike Anderson signed a proclamation
designating March 25-31, 2007 Boys & Girls Club week! He commended
our efforts and called on all citizens to join him in recognizing
and commending the Boys & Girls Club organizations for providing
comprehensive, effective services to the young people in our
community. A big THANK YOU goes to our Mayor Mike Anderson and the
entire City Council!
Did You Know?
...the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
is a WORKFORCE SOLUTION?
One of the many programs we offer our kids is “Job Ready.” This
program welcomes business and civic leaders from the community to
talk to the kids on everything from resume writing and
interviewing skills to work ethics. Our kids learn a basic skill
set they will need to enter the workforce. Your Boys & Girls Clubs
are a visionary organization that has the key to the future, the
kids!
Our Clubs
FWB Teen Center
Future Photographers! ImageMakers 2007 -
Photo Contest
 Since the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) introduced the
ImageMakers National Photography Program in 2002, Club members
have expressed themselves creatively and developed amazing
photography skills through projects in photography. Through the
generous support of the Circuit City Foundation, BGCA’s
ImageMakers National Photography program teaches Club members ages
6 to 18 to participate in photography. The Teen Center Club
members took a bus trip to Okaloosa Walton College, Turkey Creek
in Niceville, Eglin Air Force Base Armament Museum, the Fort
Walton Beach local area, the beach, and a local park to take
pictures for the Contest. Our kids are competing nationally with
other Clubs in this wonderful program. We’ll keep you posted!
Summer Programming
Summer is coming and the Teen Center on Denton Blvd is gearing up!
The program start date is May 21st and continues until August
17th. The program runs from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm with sunrise service
available from 6:30 am to 8:30 am. Some of the programs they will
be running are Money Matters, Smart Moves, Club Tec, Developing
Healthy Self-Esteem, and Arts & Crafts. This summer the kids will
be taking field trips to The Track, Big Kahunas, the Glass Bottom
Boat, Island Golf Center, Naval Aviation Museum, Dinosaur
Adventure Land, the Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Sam’s Fun City, the
Movies, and a Nature Walk.
Welcome Back Mr. Ice!
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast would like to welcome
back Bernard “Ice” Heyward to our organization. Bernard took a two
year break to go to the Bronx, New York to help his brother after
a serious accident. While in New York, he worked as a Site
Director in the famous Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club organization.
He comes back to us with even more experience and excitement for
the Okaloosa County teens. We have already seen growth in the
after school participation numbers since his arrival. BGCEC
President & Chief Professional Officer Bear Henley said “We are
excited about the great potential that Bernard brings with him to
the teens of our area!” Please stop by the Teen Center on Denton
Blvd. to see Bernard and his work with our local teens. You can
contact him at 850-862-1888.
Did You Say Basketball?
 Our amazing basketball teams the Ballers and Lady Ballers have
started out strong! The ladies have especially stood out this
year! Our girls attend Choctaw High School, Fort Walton Beach
High School, Ponce
De Leon High School, and Pryor Middle School. The majority of the girls
play basketball for their schools. They practice every Monday &
Thursday, from 5:30-7:00 at the Teen Center. The Lady Ballers will
compete against other Boys & Girls Clubs in the Southeast & also
compete in a YBOA (Youth Basketball of America) League in which
Traveling All-star teams throughout the South compete for
trophies, college basketball scholarships, and regional and
national recognition. Check out the Lady Ballers new uniforms!
B&GC/YMCA team is 5-1 & coming together as a
team. The average winning margin has been better than 20 points
per game as the “Ballas” have been playing hard, unselfish
basketball. The lone loss of the season came at the hands of Fort
Walton Beach High School team, who beat us pretty badly. That was a
lesson learned as the team realized the difference between a good
team and a great team, with Big Mike Rashard holding down the
inside and “Country”, Niko, Micah, Freddy, Tyler, and the rest of
the Ballas playing hard. The Ballas are in second Place in the
16-18 year old league and headed for a rematch against Fort Walton
Beach High School in a championship game. GO BALLERS AND LADY
BALLERS!!
Child Obesity Prevention!
The Child Obesity Prevention Program is going great! Due to the
obesity program, teens that were not active in sports have been
playing all kinds of sports at the club. These kids area finally
learning how to take good care of their bodies and are continuing
to learn more every day. Our Jr. NBA season is well underway with
a lot of participation from the kids in the obesity program. These
kids have been very active and are excited about the results they
have achieved while in the program.
Robots are coming to the Teen Center!
The Boys & Girls Club Teen Center was recently selected as the
first Okaloosa and Walton County site for FIRST (For Inspiration
and Recognition of Science and Technology) Vex Challenge Project.
The Workforce Development Board of Okaloosa and Walton Counties
selected us to participate with our teens ages 12 – 14. This will
create an opportunity for our teens to pursue high tech careers
related to engineering and technology. Vex allows young people to
create robots that can do incredible things while learning about
science and technology. The Teen Center will begin their “Vex
Robot” Team in the fall with the support of local volunteers and
under the guidance of Program Director Gilbert Glaster, who will
teach the youth proper engineering techniques to create their
robot.
FWB Denton Club | Wright Baptist Church
Wright Baptist Church
 This spring has been very busy for the staff and the kids at the
Denton Blvd. Club. We have been running some great programs! Our 6
& 7 year olds took part in the Ladybug Explorer program in which
they learned all the different aspects of this interesting
creature, through arts and crafts projects, worksheets and
discussion groups.
Our 8 & 9 year olds did the Fitness Squad
program, where they were able to be active and learn how to play
new games, in addition to learning the importance of staying
healthy.
Our 10 and older group ran our Goals for Growth
which is a very important program because it teaches them how to
set and achieve their goals. The members were encouraged to set
short term and long term goals having to do with school, the Club,
behavior and their home life. We love this program!
Summer is coming and the kids are so excited!
The program start date is May 21st and continues until August
17th. The program runs from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm with sunrise service
available from 6:30 am to 8:30 am. Some of the programs we will be
running are Youth for Unity, Cavity Free Zone, and Start Smart.
This summer the kids will be taking a number of field trips some
of which are to the Emerald Coast Science Center, the Gulfarium,
Bowling, and roller skating.
Go Girl Go!
 Go
Girl Go! is a unique education program that is designed to educate girls
about being physically active and avoiding health-risk behaviors.
The program features true-life stories and life lessons from
champion athletes like Mia Hamm and Jennifer Rodriguez.
Every Thursday consist of a 30 min. workout and an
open discussion about personal experiences. Last month we had one of
our wonderful Board members and motivation speaker, Ms. Susan Young.
She conducted a seminar that was a total blast! We also planned a
girls day out during Spring Break and went to the park and had a
picnic. Captain-Mrs. Kim, Co-Captain-Mrs.
Christy. Members: Lisa R, Brianna W., Jaida R, Dani W., Sharnice
B. Savannah L., Savannah P., Chloe B., Aaliyah S., Trystan E.,
Chelsey G., Kiyanna G, Kiera A., Jacklyn H.
South Walton Club
The South Walton members are all about
challenges. The kids work weekly setting records in jump rope,
hula hoop and track and field events. We are excited about bring
these record breaking challenges on into the summer program. Our
summer is going to be packed full of activity: fun games and
crafts, teaching the children how to build up the right character
in how to live their life, sharing all about nature, great trips
boating on the blue Gulf shores, bowling and golf. It is truly a
FUN Factory out at the Boys and Girls Club of South Walton.
In The
Spotlight
Positive Partners
Taco Bell Family of our area, Destin Commons, Nike Factory Store
 Taco
Bell
The
Taco Bell family of our area blessed us with a check from their
“Bells for Charity Campaign.” The Taco Bell family has been
supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs for many years. Through their
support we have been able to scholarship numerous kids into our
programs, buy supplies for program activities, pay the light bill,
and much much more. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is
a 501 C-3 non-profit corporation, supported completely by the
community. A BIG Boys & Girls Club THANK YOU goes out to our
friends at Taco Bell! YUMMY!
 Destin
Commons
Destin Commons donated a generous gift to the Boys & Girls Clubs
which was generated by the “Coins for Charity” campaign. Destin
Commons donated 100% of all parking meter proceeds from a given
month to our kids. The money from this wonderful donation also
went to scholarship kids into the program, buy supplies, etc…. A
BIG Boys & Girls Club THANK YOU goes out to the staff and
management of Destin Commons.
 Nike
Factory Store
Nike factory store is another fantastic partner of the Boys & Girls
Clubs. Nike is very interested in helping kids get active and stay
fit. We recently received a $2500 grant from Nike to support our
Club Athletic programs. Not only has Nike helped us financially,
but we always see their smiling faces at events like the “Day for
Kids” in September. Nike is a wonderful supporter of the Club and
a great influence on our kids. A BIG Boys & Girls Club THANK YOU
goes out to the staff and management of the Nike factory Store in
Silver Sand Factory Outlets. Thank you so much Nike for keeping
our kids moving and active after school and during the summer.
Club Kid - Mr. Jasze Williams
 The Youth of the Month for May is Mr. Jasze
Williams! Jasze is a wonderful Club member and we are thrilled to
have him. Jasze enjoys working with Mr. John in the computer lab
and has completed numerous aspects of our technology program Club
Tech. While at the Club Jasze also enjoys reading fantasy,
medieval novels and the Bible, doing multiplication, playing
basketball, and writing essays. Is this a future leader or what?
Congratulations to Jasze Williams on a job well done!
Volunteer - Miss Courtney
Bennett
 Our
Volunteer of the Month is Miss Courtney Bennett. Courtney is a
Club alumni and former Youth of the Year. She works over at the
Teen Center, and is an absolute asset to the staff and kids. She
helps Mr. Heyward with administrative tasks and has set up ALL the
field trips for the kids this summer. She helps get all the kids
checked in after school and helps out wherever is needed. Ms.
Bennett is a fantastic asset to the Boys & Girls Clubs with not
only her time, but her SMILE! Thanks Courtney!
Staff Member - Unit
director, Ms. Rita Cummins
 The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
would like to spotlight one of our Unit Directors, Ms. Rita
Cummins. Rita joined the Club in May of 2001, as the six year old
group leader at our Denton Blvd. Club. She is a graduate of the
University of West Florida with a BS Degree in Health Leisure and
Sports/Physical Education K-12. Soon after that she was named
Education Director, where she stayed for less than a year because
of being promoted to Program Director for the site. In March of
2005, Rita was asked to become the Denton Club Unit Director. She
has been a phenomenal asset to the organization in this position.
She runs programming with 80 to 125 youth per day. Her site is
currently at the Wright Baptist Church while her new 27,000 square
foot facility is being constructed on Denton Blvd. Rita oversees
8-12 staff members daily and loves playing kickball and dodge ball
with the youth. Rita always goes above and beyond what is asked of
her and finishes projects under budget and ahead of time. Susan
Young, member of the BGCEC Board of Directors said “Rita is
completely devoted and selfless when it comes to our children and
focuses on giving them a sense of belonging.” A big THANK YOU goes
to Rita for a job well done!
Board Member - Joy Todd,
Destin-ation.com
 We
are honored and extremely fortunate to have Ms. Joy Todd on the
Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald
Coast. Joy is a dynamic lady with immense talent and knowledge.
She owns the company Destin-ation.com and is a brilliant
webmaster. Joy took our old outdated website and has replaced it
with a newer, more beautiful and easy to use one. We have had
numerous compliments on the site and everything associated with
it. Joy has donated ALL of her time and talent to the Club on this
website. This gift is not only appreciated beyond words, but a
tool that will help us stay in the forefront and develop
resources. Joy Todd is an incredible asset to the Boys & Girls
Clubs and we want her to know just how thankful and how much we
treasure her support. Thanks Joy!! To find out more about Joy Todd
check out our brand new website! www.bgcec.com
Events
Register now for our Junior Golf Classic, Walton
County Breakfast Club, and Okaloosa County
Breakfast Club. Sponsors needed for our Youth Football
Conditioning Camp.
Become a Club Sponsor, Volunteer, Donate
Come join our team...call Jeff McDonald at
850.862.1616 or email us at
bgclub@arc.net.
 Take
a look at a few of the ways you can help now.
|
