Over the years, there has been ongoing community interest in opening a youth center in Central Whidbey. For the past 18 months, Central Whidbey Youth Coalition (CWYC), with its After-the-Facts and Late Nite Central programs for middle school students, has researched establishing a Boys and Girls Club in Coupeville. With backing of Boys and Girls Clubs and a plan for operating a facility, the center could soon become a reality.

The CWYC board recently voted to support a Central Whidbey Boys and Girls Club, feeling that club programs fit well with our community and provide more services for more youth. A Boys & Girls Club brochure states, “Clubs provide a variety of activities that meet the interests of all youth. Core programs engage young people in activities with adults, peers, and family members that enable them to develop self-esteem and to reach their full potential.”

At a recent meeting, Jackie Henderson, CWYC board member and former school board member, said, “Most Boys and Girls Club programs are developed using research-based, best practice knowledge that we know helps kids build self-confidence and avoid using drugs and alcohol.” A local club will provide programs and activities after school and on Saturdays for kids from ages 6 to 18. A membership card to participate in all club programs costs $10 a year. Clubs offer homework help; a computer lab; arts, crafts, and music programs; sports and fitness activities; and field trips. In addition, clubs can choose from a variety of program offerings in such areas such as character and leadership development, education and career development, and health and life skills.

Local programs can be developed based on the interests of club members and knowledge or skills that community members want to share with them. The national organization provides staff training, insurance coverage, and ongoing support. The Central Whidbey Club will be under the umbrella of the Snohomish County Boys and Girls Clubs, which presently has 12,000 members and 28 clubs. The Central Whidbey Youth Coalition will merge its Late Nite Central and After-the-Facts programs into the Central Whidbey Boys and Girls Club. CWYC will continue to pursue its mission of uniting the community in supporting and empowering youth, while the responsibility for the day-to-day operation and financial health of the Central Whidbey Club will go to the Executive Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County.

A local advisory board will be responsible for fundraising for the Central Whidbey Club. The club will partner with local groups and organizations such as Coupeville School District after school programs, the Central Whidbey Youth Athletic Association, Little League, the Arts Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, local service groups and churches, as well as individuals.

Mike Unruh, regional director of Youth Dynamics says, “After working with hundreds of teens in Central Whidbey for the past 13 years I have consistently seen that more resources are needed to effectively reach all kids. I believe that an important tool is opening a Central Whidbey Boys and Girls Club.”

A brochure from the Snohomish County Boys and Girls Club states:

Students who do not spend time in after-school activities are:

l 57 percent more likely to drop out of school by senior year.

l 49 percent more likely to use drugs.

l 37 percent more likely to become teen parents.

Mary Lee Chamberlain, La Conner School District employee, calls La Conner’s 2-year-old, 260-member club a local treasure. ”The positive modeling, the guidance provided for conflict resolution and the astute listening skills of the staff provide the right ingredients for fostering appropriate social skills, which are key to personal success and community involvement.

Upon introduction to the club, kids are personally connected to the staff and the appealing activities available. The experience opens a door, providing a chance to interact with compassionate folks, make or meet friends, and feel the message that there is a place for them.”

With Snohomish County Boys and Girls Clubs offering to support a Central Whidbey Boys and Girls Club and CWYC backing this goal, the need for a facility and a campaign to raise funds for start up costs is at hand. If you are interested in helping to bring a Boys and Girls Club to Coupeville, call Laura Anthony at 678-9036 or Margie Parker at 678-6216.