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For Those Who Need Us the Most

I am 17 years old and a member of The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club.  At the age of 5, I came to America with my family as refugees.

At 9 years old, I was still having difficulty interacting with other children due to the trauma I had experienced. I became a Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club member that year.

I was very shy and withdrawn but the staff made every effort to help me adjust. I became their "shadow" and soon I was participating in Power Hour homework program and Smart Moves.  

The staff began giving me responsibilities in the Club "store," checking out games. Much to my surprise, leadership skills began to develop by helping to organize and monitor recreational activities in the gym. There was a transformation taking place and the Club became my "Home Away From Home."

The next year another tragedy happened. My father, who had encouraged me during the years of turmoil in Liberia, suddenly died. Once again, the staff and other members at the Club comforted me and  helped me deal with my grief.  

In High School, I became a Jr. Staff person at the Club, helping the younger kids with  homework by tutoring, teaching substance abuse resistance skills and became basketball team manager

In my senior year, because of the positive influence and leadership skills I  had developed I was chosen as the Club's Youth of the Year. I  am very grateful to the staff at the Boys &  Girls Club. I try to pass on what they  gave me by encouraging others to keep strong moral standards and always reach higher.

Nicole ‘is' The Boys and Girls Club youth strategy in real-time.  She found a place to belong, a way to feel useful, a sense of confidence and the realization that she can be an influence in the lives of others.

 

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 The Salvation Army Oklahoma City

Boys & Girls Club
 

After School Programs

The Boys & Girls Club serves as a youth center for children of working parents. Children are provided with a snack before homework and recreation activities at the center, located at 2808 SE 44th.

Power Hour is part of the after school program curriculum. Adult volunteers assist club members with homework and difficult subjects, encouraging members to set academic goals in school. Many parents report a marked improvement in children's grades from The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club.

Club Tech is another program set in a computer lab, children are taught the use of advanced technological tools and skills . Computer skills are needed to prevent a fall into the "digital divide."

Youth are also encouraged to participate in leadership and fitness activities, feeding the mind, body and spirit.

Summer Day Camp

Children tend to get bored easily during the long hot days of summer. These children are at-risk of becoming involved in unhealthy activities. The Salvation Army Summer Day Camp is a safe and inexpensive source of educational and fun activities through the summer months.

Activities include day trips to the Omniplex, OKC Zoo, Martin Nature Park, White Water, Frontier City, Red Rock Canyon, the Omnidome, bowling and ice skating.

Day Camp is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. through 6 p.m.

Corporations and other organizations are encouraged to donate money for scholarships to children who otherwise could not afford to attend Day Camp.

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Athletic Programs

Structured athletic programs are offered for children between the ages of 6 and 15. Games include youth and teen basketball, tackle, soccer, flag football and indoor flag football. The athletics programs are held at 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club is a positive place for kids where they can feel secure, it is a place where children can be nurtured physically, mentally and spiritually.

For more information, call 405-246-1100.

 

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