“We saw a need to expand in Bremen," said Byers, who added preliminary surveys were done during parent-teacher conference times in October. “And we got an overwhelming positive response from parents.”
Treber told the board that the county club has applied for a grant from the Marshall County Community Foundation for $35,000 to start up the Bremen site. The status of that application will be learned in April of this year. A fund-raising campaign will kick off very soon in Bremen, said Byers, adding the process of hiring staff would come later this spring.
“We’d like the public to know we’re coming to town and we’re going to be able to provide after school care for those critical after school hours. We’ll be able to provide them (children) a structured, safe environment for them to do their homework. More importantly, it’ll be their club, the community’s club, Bremen’s club. It will serve their children,” Byers said.
The club could be a reciprocal club with Plymouth — which means that paid members could also use the facility in Plymouth as well.
Located in the school cafeteria to start, the club would be open for students in grades K-8, a total of 10 months of the year, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. It would also utilize the cafeteria and if available, classroom computer lab and gymnasium space.
The membership cost, which was not yet determined and would be decided by a local committee, could be $50 for the first member, $45 for the next family member and $40 each subsequent member with a maximum cost of $170 per family. Those who were in need could obtain scholarships based on need. Criteria would include whether they were on Hoosier Healthwise or qualified for free or reduced lunches. Parents of those under scholarship would be asked to volunteer at least two hours for each scholarship in order that they feel a “sense of ownership,” said Byers. He said that while some clubs include older aged children, the club in Bremen could expand and “work their way up” as needs arise.
Programming could include, but not necessarily be limited to such programs as Torch Clubs, which are charter small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls aged 11-13.
Members learn to elect officers and work together to implement civilities in four areas including service to club and community, education, health and fitness and social recreation.
Power Hour: Making Minutes Count helps club members aged 6-12 through homework help and tutoring while Project Learn reinforces and enhances skills and knowledge student learn during the hours they spend at the club doing high yield learning activates including leisure reading, writing activities, and discussions with adults.
Skill Tech is a basic computer skills program that develops club members’ proficiency with work processing, spreadsheet and other software through fun, hands-on, engaging lessons and projects for four age groups. Triple Play: A Game Plan for Mind, Body and Soul is a program that takes on a holistic approach to educating boys and girls about good nutrition, making physical fitness and daily practice and developing individual strengths and good character.
“We truly believe Bremen is a great community. We really need to get ourselves out there for the kids,” added Byers.
Bremen will have its own advisory committee which will oversee its operations. This advisory committee would also have one member who would be represented on the corporate board. Currently solicitations are being made for local members of this committee. There would also be some paid staff including a unit director and assistant unit director and the club would work to utilize volunteer help from high school students.
More information will be released as it is available. The Web site for the Boys & Girls Club of Marshall County is www.bgcmarhallcounty.com.