Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club uses grant to buy Maker Cart

Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club uses grant to buy Maker Cart
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This group of Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club members worked together to engineer their very own battery-powered car.

                        

The Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club recently was awarded a grant through the Wayne County Community Foundation that allowed the club to purchase a Maker Cart.

“We are always exploring new ways to expand program offerings and improve our members’ club experience,” OABGC resource development coordinator Kelly Krueger said. “We were graciously awarded funding from the Carl E. Congdon Jr. and Susanna Congdon McIntyre Memorial Fund, a component of the foundation.”

The STEM/maker space program was started last year by OABGC CEO Josh Nolan.

“The goal,” Krueger said, “was to allow kids to explore various activities and experience the fun and excitement of STEM subjects without requiring them to be experts. We aimed to offer something straightforward, accessible and engaging for all kids, regardless of their background or experience.”

For those not familiar with the maker space concept, Krueger said, “Our maker space is a place for kids to tinker and try new things in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

Program coordinator Andrew Arnold designs activities that cater to both younger students and more advanced projects and that complement what is being learned in school and in other club activities.

“For instance, if they’re studying shapes or patterns in math, we might have them create something related to that concept,” Krueger said. “The goal is to make learning more engaging and help kids connect their studies to real-world experiences.

“Our STEM/maker space programs offer kids a fun way to learn and grow. It’s not about becoming experts, but about encouraging exploration, experimentation and teamwork.”

A fifth grade club member said, “Thank you for making the OABGC a great place. The OABGC has taught me how to be a better friend and a creative person. Maker studio helps me be creative, and it is fun.”

The club is planning an open house on March 29 for the community to have an opportunity to visit the maker space.

The club relies on community support and donations to keep its programs affordable, and donations of all kinds are always welcome. Monthly sponsorships of the STEM program are needed at this time to be sure the club is able to keep the Maker Cart stocked and always ready. Donations may be made online or by mail. To reach out directly, email Nolan at jnolan@oabgc.org or call the club at 330-683-4888.

Club families and local businesses with STEM experience are needed to volunteer. “Whether it’s sharing best practices or teaching a new skill, you can be a part of this exciting movement,” Krueger said.

Other volunteers are needed for tasks such as setting up after-school programming, preparing for summer camp and performing service projects around the club. For more information about how individuals or organizations can become involved through service or program spqonsorship, email Krueger at kkrueger@oabgc.org.

The Orrville club was established in 1971 by individuals dedicated to bringing a club focused on character and leadership development to children in the area. It began in a small house on Main Street with just a few members.

“Supported by Wayne County leaders and local families, the club quickly became a haven for kids,” Krueger said, “providing them with many opportunities they might not have otherwise had.”

The mission of the community-based nonprofit is to inspire and enable youth to reach their full potential as responsible, caring and productive citizens. The club is open to kindergarten through 12th grade, with students from Orrville, Dalton, Smithville, Rittman and Apple Creek in regular attendance.

“We offer proven and nationally recognized programs focused on academic success, character and leadership development, healthy lifestyles, and workforce readiness,” Krueger said. “We have programs focused on physical fitness and offer a wide variety of sports leagues and training opportunities.”

The OABGC staff is trained in trauma-informed care, CPR and situational safety.

OABGC’s sports leagues draw participation from 10 schools, and over 30 schools participate in their tournaments. Club Athletic Director Bill Thistlethwaite is seeking volunteers to help with scoreboards, concessions, photography/videography, referees and nonparent coaches who may have participated in OABGC sports as kids. Email bthistlethwaite@oabgc.org.

The club is currently hiring as well, seeking part-time employees to serve as youth development professionals. Employment applications are available on the website or by emailing Program Director Brianna (Kauf) Goodard at bkauf@oabgc.org.

In addition to the March open house, other upcoming events include the following:

—Brooks Curtis Polar Bear Jump on Feb. 1. Registration is live on the website.

—Baseball/softball in March.

—Smith Foods Track Meet in April.

—Kids! Benefit Auction on May 17, https://event.auctria.com/472d721d-113c-45ce-9313-d6ecf4791e0e/.

—Baseball tournament June 20-22.

Additionally, OABGC is opening another satellite club this fall. More information will be shared online in the coming weeks.

Find the Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club at www.oabgc.org, www.oabgcsports.com and https://facebook.com/OABGC.


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