Boys & Girls Club Nassau
Submitted by Alan Donaldson
August 12, 2018 5:18 p.m.
The youngsters who joined the Boys & Girls Clubs Summer Academy had a great summer experience! Along with the every day programs of learning opportunities and fun, Club members participated in several exceptional adventures.
First was a visit by 44 teen members to the White Oak Conservation Center out near the St. Mary’s River. There the young people had close-up views of rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs and other animals from the wild that the Center protects, breeds and studies. Accompanied by Program Directors Niah Sprout and Ann’a Pollard, the kids were fascinated by these amazing animals.
Next was a trip by 159 Club members and 16 Club Staff and volunteers to the Disney Magic Kingdom in Orlando. This was a day arranged by Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida for Club members from all over Florida, 35 Clubs in all. Admission and lunch was provided by Walt Disney World in the Community and the Club member from Nassau County traveled in three busses, courtesy of the Nassau County School Board. Even though it rained during that day, the youngsters had a great time mingling with the famous Disney characters. Our group thought the best fun was the ride “It’s a Small World”, traveling on a boat past singing kids from all over the world.
Then, a dozen older members participated in the First Tee of North Florida program of five sessions at Amelia River Golf Club and North Hampton Golf Club, learning the skills and the ethics of the game of golf, along with the lessons of character that are implicit in the game. Each session includes teaching of golf techniques and, most important, lessons in life-enhancing values. This is the first venture of First Tee into Nassau County and one which will surely expand in the future.
All these opportunites for young people show the value of volunteers working to provide youngsters with the right direction in life and for the essential financial support that makes it happen. Contact Boys & Girls Clubs at bgcnassau.org or call one of the two local Clubs at 261-1075 for the Miller Club on Old Nassauville Rd or 491- 9102 for the Roberts Club on Lime St in Fernandina.
Alan Donaldson, 7/31/18