For the past five years I have had the pleasure of being able to share my love of musical theatre with members of the Souhegan Valley Boys & Girls Club. The staff there is a delight; providing children with many opportunities to learn and grow in many fields.
I have taught/choreographed many other venues and never have I felt so at home as I do at this club. My children (now grown) once attended the club for it's afterschool programs, they, too, felt a great sense of belonging. Two years ago my daughter had the opportunity to volunteer in the afterschool homework help and absolutely loved her experience. The children still remember her when she meets up with them around town.
The staff brings a fun, inspiring sense that is passed on through the memebers.
I have lived in this community for 22 years and often look at the Boys and Girls Club as a model for their program organization, ways to engage parents to be involved and ideas on keeping kids inspired.
The Souhegan Valley Boys and Girls Club has provided me with many opportunities. As students in high school, two friends and I were able to direct our own show. This amazing opportunity would not have been possible without the support of the Boys and Girls Club. With their financial support and guidance, we were able to grow from an eleven member cast, to an organization that has worked with over seventy kids. I am so happy that the Souhegan Valley Boys and Girls Club is here and is so supportive of the local kids.
The Boys and GIrls Club of Soughegan Valley has been a wonderful experience for my entire family.... especially our kids!!! Our first involvement was with the wonderful theater program that the Club offered. I home schooled my three children and it was a great way to connect them with the community. They eventually went off to public school but are still very involved at the Club, participating in theater and Keystone and volunteering for various events. My son volunteers there helping with the youth. My oldest daughter worked there until she went to college, but still values her relationships with the staff and considers them as her mentors as she ventures into new territories. She has used many of the skills which she aquired at the Club working in the theater at her college. Overall, our experience has been very postative - the kids have learned life long lessons and skills and have developed friendships that will carry far into the future.
My two children have attended the Boys & Girls Club afterschool and during the summer for over 5 years. The staff is incredible. They take the time to get to know the children - with hundreds of kids in the program it's amazing to hear them calling the kids by name!
The theater arts programs are wonderful. It's amazing to see what the kids can do with guidance and mentoring from caring, talented adult professionals.
