Calling all middle-schoolers
Tracy Harmon
tharmon@chieftain.com
CANON CITY — With the help of a Pueblo native who grew up being a Boys and Girls Club kid, the local organization will open its doors on June 6.
Sadie Ebel-Swisher, a Central High School graduate who has worked the past eight months as teen services coordinator at the Boys and Girls Club of Pueblo, has been named program director at the fledgling Boys and Girls Club of Fremont County.
"I was a club kid in Pueblo and I learned a lot of different skills," Ebel-Swisher said. "It is an awesome experience to meet a lot of people and build friendships.
"I liked the atmosphere and always thought I would go back and do some volunteer work, but I never thought I would be a program director some day," she said.
The club, 129 N. Fourth St., will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting June 6.
A series of open houses will be held for middle-school students and their parents to tour the club, pick up membership information and sign up. The open houses are slated for 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Tuesday, May 31 and Thursday, June 2.
Ebel-Swisher and Chief Professional Officer Mike McHorney will be joined by the club's board members in explaining the club and its programs to students.
"The Boys and Girls Club of Fremont County got a rousing start to their campaign to recruit members on May 13 with the Friday Flash Blast event. An enthusiastic crowd of middle-school students enjoyed games and activities, free food and a band concert by the local band, Ransom," said Gail McDermott, board president.
"The possibilities for the club kids are endless — they will have new experiences, gain leadership skills and make a difference in the community. The biggest pluses are the scholarships," Ebel-Swisher said.
Membership costs $25 per year per child, with assistance available to those in need.
For information, email McHorney at cpo@bgcfremont.org or Ebel-Swisher, at programs@bgcfremont.org. The club phone number is 719-345-4038.