Story by Ellie Cook

With working-class parents already struggling to make ends meet, there leaves no money left for ballet classes, soccer teams, or any other after-school activities for their children. As a result, kids are responsible for finding their own ways of entertainment. Over the last few years, the western area of Salt Lake City has seen a growth in children using the time between the end of school and when their guardians return from work in a less productive way than one would hope. 

The Utah advocacy group, Choose Gang Free, stated, “Too much free time can sometimes be dangerous and trouble can often follow.” The organization encourages parents to seek constructive and safe after-school options for their children.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America recognizes the problem and has taken steps to assist in leading kids on a path to success by providing affordable care options and collaborating with local schools. 

The mission statement is, “To inspire and empower youth to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.” Fortunately, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake stays strong to their word! Certain locations, such as the Lied Center, put in extra precautions to ensure they can assist more vulnerable communities as best they can. 

The national website states, “Every day, 11.3 million youth leave school with no place to go. Clubs provide a safe place to play, grow and learn while empowering youth to excel in school, become good citizens and lead healthy, productive lives. Kids and teens who attend Boys & Girls Clubs perform better academically and are more likely to avoid risky behaviors and attend school consistently.”

Since 1860, club members have raved about their experiences.”The Boys and Girls Clubs offer a safe and accepting place for all youth to come together and participate in fun activities. Also provided is homework help and mentorship for those who don’t have access to such services,” said former Lied Club member Natalie Clark, 22.”It’s a unique program serving much at-risk youth, such as myself throughout my adolescent and teenage development.” 

The clubs serve those in grades 1-12 and have two separate programs, the junior (grades 1-6) and teen (grades 7-12).

The programs are also well received by the staff. Lied Club Director Bethany Weller said in a phone interview, “I love seeing youth realize and reach their full potential!” She added, “We provide a safe place where youth have supportive adult relationships, participate in both fun activities and targeted programs, and are provided with opportunities and recognition.” 

Employees find joy in their ability to connect with the youth, and planning activities or attending some fun field trips with the kids. Many are able to connect with children on more personal levels, whether that means they communicate with a child in their first language (many staff members are bilingual) or reminisce on the past from when they were a club member themselves. However, clubs of all locations are always searching for more hands. “We are always looking for dedicated staff or volunteers that want to come in and connect with the youth and serve them along with the staff,” Weller said.

The club itself has one flat fee of $20 a year. However, accommodations may be made if finances are an issue. The club has also teamed up with nearby schools to provide students with bus transportation and escorts to their locations. “It is difficult for parents who are working at the same time that school releases to pick up their kid and/or they don’t want their kid(s) going home alone for hours until they are home from work,” Weller explained. “By picking club members up and bringing them to the club until their parents can pick them up gives parents the peace of mind that their kid is safe and engaging in fun activities.” 

The Lied Club also offers the Kids’ Cafe, which provides dinner to club members and their families on weeknights. There are summer and fall options, all welcome to anyone. Visit the website to learn more or enroll your child in one of the many clubs located in Salt Lake City.

NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the after-school clubs will remain closed until further notice. The public is encouraged to visit the website for updates. 

Filed under: Education, Health & Fitness, SLC's West Side, Sports & Recreation |