Jasper, AL – Since 1901, thousands of children have taken part in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama (BGCCA). For many, this is their home away from home. This summer, the Walker County chapter is providing an opportunity for children to be a part of the organization through a summer program held at Eastside Baptist Church.The mission of BGCCA is to provide facilities, programs, and leadership that motivate all youth to reach their full potential in accordance with Judeo-Christian principles. BGCCA programs promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character and leadership development. By providing a positive place for kids, the staff at BGCCA is opening new doors for them every day.The summer program at Eastside Baptist Church will be held every Monday-Friday from May 31 to August 4. The daily schedule is from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All children from ages 6 – 14 are welcome to sign up for the program. Program attendees will receive a meal and a snack each day. Each week will be filled with activities that promote character development, healthy habits, and academic success (following the STEM curriculum). Students will be able to participate in field trips, swim days, and arts and crafts.Walker County BGCCA Unit Director Cassie Crowell is excited to bring the summer program back to the area. “I get excited about summer because we are there all day, everyday. We get to really know the kids and build strong relationships with them,” she says. Crowell further described the program as a “stable, safe, and encouraging environment.”BGCCA currently hosts an after-school program at TR Simmons Elementary School. In the future, the organization is hoping to expand to several other schools in the Jasper and Walker County school systems. Crowell says, “We are working really hard to build up our after school programs. We hope that the availability of the summer program will bring attention to us, and we will have more kids sign up during the school year!”If you are interested in registering your child for the BGCCA Walker County Summer Program, please visit the TR Simmons Elementary School Gym anytime between 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday during the remainder of this school year. Registration is $300 for the first child, and $250 for each additional sibling.Crowell says, "I have always loved working with young people. However, having this opportunity to be an active participant in directly impacting so many local children has lead me to realize that serving children is truly my passion. We are growing here in Walker County, and I could not be more excited or proud to be a part of this organization that is flourishing here."For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama, please visit BGCCA.org or email Cassie Crowell at ccrowell@bgcca.org. 78