KENNEWICK, Wash. – June 24 through June 28 is National Boys and Girls Club Week. It is a week to celebrate local clubs and clubs nationwide for their work supporting kids. National Boys and Girls Club Week has been celebrated since 1941. According to the Boys and Girls Club, over 5,000 locations nationwide support over 3 million kids. There are 29 locations in Benton and Franklin County.
Brian Ace, the Chief Executive officer, says those 29 locations range from school sites–to early learning programs. He said a lot of celebrating is happening throughout the week. The kids are doing art projects, field trips, and learning from guest speakers. Ace says the four areas their more than 200 hundred staff members focus on are health and well-being–character and leadership– academics–and life and workforce readiness. Ace said he’s been with the Boys and Girls Club for over 20 years and is living the dream.
“This is a real opportunity for me to live out a passion for mentoring young people,” Ace said. “Empowering the next generation of youth and really securing that foundation for our community and our nation. Youth, children, they are our future, and they must be invested in.”
Ace said clubs around the country are more critical than ever. Young people face challenges they’ve never faced before, and Ace said uniting around them as adults and mentors helps give them a bright future.
Ace said over 200 staff members serve over four thousand youth, providing a safe place to learn and play. According to a press release, the local clubs served over 170,000 meals to kids and teens in 2023.
Ace tells me the Kennewick clubhouse opened in 2019 after the community raised over six million dollars to give kids a place to go.
“We’re intentionally located in a neighborhood that’s filled with kids,” Ace said. “So that we can connect with them on a regular basis. The community really makes clubs happen. We appreciate all they do to support clubs, not only this week but throughout the year.”
The Kennewick clubhouse is located at 910 West 7th Pl. The five-year-old building has a full gym, a computer area, an arts and crafts room, and a hangout area. Ace says when schools are out, clubs are in. With kids out of school, summer is the busiest time of year for the clubhouse.
He said some summer programs involve field trips to the pool, job shadows, and college tours. Club membership is free for kids under 18 looking to stay bust this summer.
Ace says the Boys and Girls Club of Benton and Franklin counties have served the community for over 25 years and are excited to continue to serve in the years to come.
