(Feb. 25, 2016) The Berlin Youth Club provides free activities for children ages 6-11 that are designed to broaden cultural education, encourage volunteerism and strengthen ties to the community.
That was the message during a Berlin Council meeting on Monday night, when leadership from the club, a program of Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, presented an update on activities.
Last year, the council approved $24,000 in funding for the youth program, along with $8,000 for general expenses and $2,500 to hire an intern.
On Monday, WYFCS Director Steven Taylor praised Youth Club Coordinator Amanda Chaffee, a Berlin resident who, Taylor said, keeps a close eye on children in the program.
“When she’s around town, if she sees any of the BYC kids out and about, maybe doing some things they shouldn’t be doing, she goes over to them – no, she charges over to them – and says, ‘What are you doing? Do I need to call your mom?’” Taylor said. “They say, ‘no, Ms. Amanda. Everything is OK. I’m going home right now.’
“She’s very good with the kids, and she’s done an exceptional job,” Taylor added.
Last year, Chaffee said, children in the program made cards for troops, helped with a police department school supply giveaway at Henry Park, and watered and weeded gardens at the Multipurpose Building on Flower Street.
Participants enjoyed field trips to Jolly Roger Amusement Park in Ocean City, the Stratosphere Trampoline Park in Delmar, Regal Cinemas in Salisbury and Assateague State Park. Children also visited three Worcester County towns: Snow Hill, Pocomoke and Ocean City.
In Berlin, several businesses participated in a scavenger hunt, including Baked Dessert Café and Church Mouse, as well as the post office, police department and town hall. The event finished with a picnic at Stephen Decatur Park.
At the Berlin Fire Company, children learned about the equipment used by firefighters and got a lesson in basic fire safety. During a trip to Salisbury University, the kids met several student athletes and watched the football team win its last home game of 2015.
Chaffee said a trip to Shad Landing last year taught her that the majority of children in the youth club could not swim. This year, she’s planning an event centered on swimming lessons.
“We find these trips to be very valuable, as they help teach the children more about their community,” she said.
Coming up, the youth club will hold a “kick-off dinner” on June 23 at Henry Park. Chaffee said BYC is also recruiting new participants, as well as volunteers and interns, and is exploring plans for community service projects in the county.
Last year, 40 area children signed up, and 30 actively participated in BYC programs.
“We’re teaching kids how to give back to the community,” Taylor said, adding, “We’re doing things within our own community, looking at the resources that are here … we’re taking full advantage of what this area has to offer. That’s really the key behind how BYC operates.
“Kids love it,” Taylor added. “They don’t typically get out of their neighborhood too much, so these things that they’re seeing that aren’t that far for the rest of us are quite a journey for them.”
Berlin Mayor Gee Williams said the youth club fostered citizenship and helped build character.
“I think it gives them exposure to a larger community,” he said. “That, I think, is important. It’s good to have good neighbors, but it’s also good to know that there’s a larger community that’s your extended family.”
Councilmember Dean Burrell said his neighbor has grandchildren who are in the youth club.
“Sometimes I’ve had to pick them for her [and] they seem to be very enthusiastic and happy about going,” he said. “That is a true sign that your organization is doing a good job … I thank you for what you’re doing.”
On May 20, WYFCS will have its 8th annual Pirate Party fundraiser at Sunset Grille in West Ocean City. For more information, visit www.gowoyo.org.
That was the message during a Berlin Council meeting on Monday night, when leadership from the club, a program of Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, presented an update on activities.
Last year, the council approved $24,000 in funding for the youth program, along with $8,000 for general expenses and $2,500 to hire an intern.
On Monday, WYFCS Director Steven Taylor praised Youth Club Coordinator Amanda Chaffee, a Berlin resident who, Taylor said, keeps a close eye on children in the program.
“When she’s around town, if she sees any of the BYC kids out and about, maybe doing some things they shouldn’t be doing, she goes over to them – no, she charges over to them – and says, ‘What are you doing? Do I need to call your mom?’” Taylor said. “They say, ‘no, Ms. Amanda. Everything is OK. I’m going home right now.’
“She’s very good with the kids, and she’s done an exceptional job,” Taylor added.
Last year, Chaffee said, children in the program made cards for troops, helped with a police department school supply giveaway at Henry Park, and watered and weeded gardens at the Multipurpose Building on Flower Street.
Participants enjoyed field trips to Jolly Roger Amusement Park in Ocean City, the Stratosphere Trampoline Park in Delmar, Regal Cinemas in Salisbury and Assateague State Park. Children also visited three Worcester County towns: Snow Hill, Pocomoke and Ocean City.
In Berlin, several businesses participated in a scavenger hunt, including Baked Dessert Café and Church Mouse, as well as the post office, police department and town hall. The event finished with a picnic at Stephen Decatur Park.
At the Berlin Fire Company, children learned about the equipment used by firefighters and got a lesson in basic fire safety. During a trip to Salisbury University, the kids met several student athletes and watched the football team win its last home game of 2015.
Chaffee said a trip to Shad Landing last year taught her that the majority of children in the youth club could not swim. This year, she’s planning an event centered on swimming lessons.
“We find these trips to be very valuable, as they help teach the children more about their community,” she said.
Coming up, the youth club will hold a “kick-off dinner” on June 23 at Henry Park. Chaffee said BYC is also recruiting new participants, as well as volunteers and interns, and is exploring plans for community service projects in the county.
Last year, 40 area children signed up, and 30 actively participated in BYC programs.
“We’re teaching kids how to give back to the community,” Taylor said, adding, “We’re doing things within our own community, looking at the resources that are here … we’re taking full advantage of what this area has to offer. That’s really the key behind how BYC operates.
“Kids love it,” Taylor added. “They don’t typically get out of their neighborhood too much, so these things that they’re seeing that aren’t that far for the rest of us are quite a journey for them.”
Berlin Mayor Gee Williams said the youth club fostered citizenship and helped build character.
“I think it gives them exposure to a larger community,” he said. “That, I think, is important. It’s good to have good neighbors, but it’s also good to know that there’s a larger community that’s your extended family.”
Councilmember Dean Burrell said his neighbor has grandchildren who are in the youth club.
“Sometimes I’ve had to pick them for her [and] they seem to be very enthusiastic and happy about going,” he said. “That is a true sign that your organization is doing a good job … I thank you for what you’re doing.”
On May 20, WYFCS will have its 8th annual Pirate Party fundraiser at Sunset Grille in West Ocean City. For more information, visit www.gowoyo.org.