Participation, Programs Increase at Boys & Girls Club

Archery is just one of the extra activities offered to members of the Boys & Girls Club of Menifee Valley.

Since its opening last June, the Boys & Girls Club of Menifee Valley has enrolled nearly 800 local youths and 411 are listed as active participants in the programs offered, said John Whann, executive director at the facility. Youths ages 6-18 are eligible to join the club and benefit from its before- and after-school programs and weekend sports leagues.

Funded by grants, private donations and ongoing fundraisers, the Boys & Girls Club offers memberships for $20 a year. The standard afternoon program, which runs from 2:30-6:30 p.m., offers students homework assistance, games and recreational activities, companionship of other youths and adult volunteers, snacks and dinner. For an additional cost, youths can enroll in activities such as soccer and flag football, taekwondo, dance and tumbling, archery and musical instrumental instruction.

Bus transportation from schools in the Menifee Unified School District and Paloma Valley High School is provided for an extra cost. Scholarship assistance of up to 75 percent of program fees is available for all programs and is provided to about 35 percent of the club member families.

"Our mission is to provide an affordable program to as many as possible," Whann said about the club, located on the site of the former Menifee Elementary School next to Menifee Valley Middle School on Garbani Road. "We can tell by how many kids are signing up just how popular and necessary this program is."

Whann said because of the spacious facility of classrooms and playground area at the school site, the club is able to expand as needed to serve additional families. He said even though several fundraisers and publicity campaigns have been conducted, many are just learning about the opportunities available there.

"There are still people who don't realize we're here," Whann said. "We get calls all the time from people who just heard about us."

A much smaller number of students attend the before-school session, which begins at 6:30 a.m. Many walk next door to Menifee Valley Middle School while others are transported to school by bus.

Volunteers spend an hour after school each day helping students with their homework. After a recreational break and dinner, the club members are given instruction and learning opportunities in science and other subjects.

The next fundraiser for the club will take place May 1, when a Casino Night will be held at a local residence. For information, call 951-246-8845 or email kimw@menifeebgc.org.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Menifee Valley, visit their website here.

The field at a now-closed elementary school is used by flag football and soccer players at the Boys & Girls Club.