Clubs Offer Free Membership to Troops' Kids

America Supports You ^ | Jan 24, 2006 | Steve Buckley

[SandRat]

MILLINGTON, Tenn., Jan. 24, 2006 - Through a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative, children of active-duty and Reserve Sailors and Marines can receive free memberships to their local Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA), effective immediately.

“These free memberships allow our Sailors to stay focused on the Navy’s mission because they know their children are in good hands while they’re away from home,” said Larrie Jarvis, Child and Youth Programs analyst for Commander, Navy Installations Command. “We are very fortunate to have this partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.”

According to Jarvis, every Navy youth center is a BGCA affiliate, which means that youth center members are provided with consistent programming, stable support, and the same quality services and programs regardless of where they are located. For military families who do not live near a Navy base, a local Boys and Girls Club can be found using BGCA’s club locator at www.bgca.org/military.

Whether on or off base, all BGCA clubs offer programs designed to develop good character, build leadership and provide guidance to youth between the ages of 6 and 18. Examples of BCGA programs include computer instruction, sports leagues, photography, tutoring, arts and crafts, social events and field trips. More than 25 national programs are available in the areas of education, the environment, health, the arts, careers, alcohol, drug and pregnancy prevention, leadership development and athletics.

“As our Sailors continue to answer our nation’s call to service,” added Jarvis, “there is no better time to take advantage of the tremendous programs that Boys and Girls Clubs of America have to offer.”

For additional guidelines and information, visit www.bgca.org/military or call (800) 854-CLUB (2582).

For related news, visit the Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/navymwr/.

(Steve Buckley works for Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation Marketing in Millington, Tenn.)

[SandRat]

If servicemember's know their families are safe and cared for the troops morale and fighting spirit is much-much-much better and their resolve is unshakable.

[armymarinemom]

Good news ping

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Another side to the greatness of this is anything that helps relieve the pressure on the spouse who remains home with the kids is wonderful and must help to keep the family intact. Military families need a lot of support and things like this are a step in the right direction. Good news!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT