Keaveny: Boys & Girls Clubs Provide Direction

Learning to take the right path is an important lesson to learn for young people, and there is an organization that provides this much-needed direction to more than 73,000 young lives in Missouri, and more than four million throughout the country: the Boys & Girls Club.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to inspire all young people – especially those that need it the most – to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, caring citizens. This mission is accomplished through programs that emphasize character and leadership development; health and life skills; sports, fitness and recreation; education and career development; and the arts. By giving children a sense of competence and usefulness, as well as a sense of belonging and influence, children can reach their full potential.

Not only do children get a chance to play sports or games, but they also get to learn real life skills, like digital photography and video production. They also get much-needed health programs, like dental and eye care and nutrition tips. The kids are encouraged to succeed in school, stay healthy, pursue interests in arts and sports and explore future career choices.

St. Louis is fortunate to have three Boys & Girls Clubs, all listed under the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club of St. Louis, including the Sportsman's Park Unit at 2901 N. Grand Avenue, phone: 314-652-8300; the Adams Park Unit at 4317 Vista Avenue, phone: 314-633-7900; and the Southeast Middle School Unit at 918 Prigge Road, phone: 314-953-7795.

The hours generally run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the school year. These clubs are also open for kids Monday through Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and Friday from 2 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. People are encouraged to call the clubs for the most accurate information. Membership for children ages six to 18 is only $25 per year. There may be no better opportunity to provide children that direction in life, when you consider the impact these kinds of activities make on a youth throughout their lifetime.

You can help the Boys & Girls Club by donating financially or volunteering your time as a mentor or coach. Please visit the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club of St. Louis website at www.hhbgc.org to find out more.