For freshman and elementary education major Erica Bryant, joining the staff at the Boys and Girls Club, 201 E. Lake St., was an easy decision.
“I love kids. If I can get paid for (doing a job I love), that’s even better,” she said, adding that she had been involved with her hometown’s Boys and Girls Club in high school.
Lindsay Krueger, director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley, said the club would not be able to survive without university students’ help.
“The university is a big part of the Boys and Girls Club. That’s where we get most of our staff,” she said. “Not only do they run the programs, they’re role models and mentors as well. I think the kids can relate to them.”
At the the club, university students have the opportunity to fulfill Service-Learning requirements, acquire internships related to their majors or design work-study programs. Even for those who have finished their Service-Learning projects, volunteering is a great rsum-builder, Krueger said.
Established in 2004, the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley is a place for area third to 12th grade students to have snacks, get homework help and participate in fun programs with other kids after school.
“It’s a safe place for kids to go (to learn and have fun),” Krueger said. “It’s not just like a daycare. I think there’s a stigma that this is only for disadvantaged kids, but it’s not. It’s for all kids. Any kid can come here.”
The club’s program consists of five core areas: character and leadership development, health and life skills, education and career development, the arts and sports fitness and recreation.
Within those areas, students can help coordinate activities in theater/improvisation, computers and technology, arts and crafts, money management, fashion and journalism (the club newsletter).
The club offers internships in any major and is open to new program ideas. The opportunities are limitless, Krueger said.
“We don’t tell them what to do,” she said. “We ask, ‘What do you want to do?’ . Whatever their talents are, we’d love to use them.”
Receptionist opportunities are also available, to assist with membership, registration and tours. There are also at least two openings for marketing interns.
Extra hands are always needed at special events, like bouncers and security guards at teen dance events and live band concerts, Krueger said. Organizations are also welcome to come in and lead group projects.
The club opens at 8 a.m. and the youth programs are 3 to 9 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 6 p.m. on half days or no-school days. Krueger is especially looking for students who would be available over winter and summer breaks. She said the club is flexible and will accept as much or as little time students are able to commit.
There are 500 registered members for the year and Krueger is hoping to build its teen population.
“We’re trying to get into the community and let them know we’re here,” she said.
The Boys and Girls Club’s marketing interns do a lot of behind-the-scenes work with sending out press releases, collecting donations, making phone calls and organizing, planning and publicizing events, she said.
Senior Dustin Olson, a public relations major, said he enjoys the practical, hands-on experience he has gained through his marketing internship at the club.
“I have friends who type data into computers for eight hours,” he said, while rinsing off a turkey in preparation for the club’s upcoming Thanksgiving dinner. “I’ve been able to connect things and apply what I’ve learned in class.”
Krueger encourages interested individuals to stop by the club to check out the facilities.
“There’s a lot of things you can do (on staff), especially if you like working with kids,” Bryant said. “The kids are great. It’s a great place. We’re looking for as much help as possible.”
