TYLER WOODS NAMED BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

YOUTH OF THE YEAR

            Burns, OR, March 28, 2008 – Tyler M. Woods is a true example of an extraordinary young man. At age17, he has just been selected as the Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club of Harney County. Woods is among hundreds of local Youth of the Year winners across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

            Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded over 60 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

            Woods is the eldest son of a single working mom.  Since the age of 12 Woods has held at least one job sometimes and up to three at one time to help out his family financially.  In addition to his work ethics, he has been an integral part of his family, helping his mom out at home and serving as a positive role model for his younger brother.  Education has always been a priority in Woods life and has led him to the pursuit of a quality college education.  His future plans are to attend the University of Oregon with the goal of earning a doctorate in biochemistry.  Following his education he hopes to become a professor or study cures for addiction.  Woods has also shown his commitment to the community by his hours of service at the Boys & Girls Club, Harney County Library, 4-H, Band, Nadzi-Tsa-Ga Lacrosse Club and others.  In 2006 he completed the Ford Leadership Training program and was a member of the volunteer group that landscaped the Harney County Library.  His commitment to the Boys & Girls Club began as a volunteer then grew into a Jr. Staff member and finally found him as Games room, Playground and Athletics Director.  Woods was one of the first members of the Boys & Girls Club and has been an integral part in the development of the Teen program.

“Tyler is an exceptional mentor for our kids at the Club.  He has shown a level of passion and intelligence that will no doubt result in a very successful future.  We are truly proud of all his accomplishments and wish the very best for him,” said Ruby E. Bottom, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Harney County.

This week, Woods will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Oregon Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 scholarship from Reader’s Digest. If Woods wins at the state level, then he will compete for the title of Pacific Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship. The five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2008 to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and is installed by the President in an Oval Office ceremony.

 

February 20, 2008 - Teens Experience Giving Back!

It can be quite a challenge to get teenagers to focus on anything other than the latest fashion and the latest technological gadgets, but instilling a sense of volunteerism and community service can go a long way toward making young people responsible and well rounded. This sense of responsibility and community service will be important, of course, as those teenagers grow and enter the world of college and career. It is never too early to instill a sense of community responsibility and involvement, and children of all ages can benefit from those experiences.

The advantages of such community service and community involvement are many, from a greater feeling of self satisfaction and self esteem to a better perception from college admission officers and hiring managers down the road. Many company managers and college officials are looking not only for the best and the brightest academically but for workers and students with a sense of purpose and a sense of caring for the people around them. They know that those with a strong commitment to volunteerism and community service tend to make the best workers, and the most dedicated and hard working students as well.

Over the last several weeks teen members of the Boys & Girls Club of Harney County have been reaching out to senior citizens in our community by volunteering at The Aspens Living Center.  Teens have helped staff with cleaning, serving meals and visiting with residents.  The teens have enjoyed volunteering so much that they decided to make it a weekly commitment.  The teens will begin holding Bingo at The Aspens Living Center on Fridays.  Donations of prizes are needed to make the events fun and exciting for both the teens and seniors.  Items needed are: hand soap, bar soap, nail clippers, brushes, combs, wash cloths, finger nail polish and dish towels.  Donations will be collected at Thriftway, March 26^th from 1-3pm and at Safeway March 27^th from 1-3pm.  Donations will also be accepted at the Boys & Girls Club of Harney County.  For more information about this or other programs at the Boys & Girls Club, contact Ruby Bottom, Executive Director or Ronda Masson, Program Director at 573-7036.

 

January 4, 2008 - Club Receives Torch Club Charter

  The Boys & Girls Club of Harney County recently received a charter from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Karma is the name chosen by members for the newly formed Torch Club. The Torch Club program is sponsored nationally by Staples Foundation for Learning, Inc. and Staples, Inc. This small group leadership and service club is for Boys & Girls Club members ages 11 to 13. The program is a powerful vehicle through which Club staff can help meet the special needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their development. Torch Club members learn to work together to plan and implement activities in four areas: service to Club and community, education, health and fitness and social recreation.
  Through service activities, Torch Club members identify Club and community needs, develop programs and activities and actively participate in their community. These activities also provide experience in the democratic process. Above all, they give young people a chance to contribute something of value to others.
  Torch Club members also take part in educational activities that focus on personal development. These activities develop socialization, problem-solving, communications, goal-setting and decision making skills. The objective is to have youth develop a moral compass, valuing qualities such as honesty, a sense of justice and fairness, respect for self and others, caring and spirituality.
  The goal of the newly formed Torch Club is to instill qualities of tolerance, civic responsibility, community involvement and leadership that promote an appreciation for the American way and democratic process in adolescent members. Younger adolescents need positive group experiences that help them cultivate good character and effective leadership skills so they can become productive, responsible and caring citizens.
  Boys & Girls Clubs of America recently announced that Boys & Girls Club of Harney County Torch Club had been awarded a start-up grant in the amount of $500.00. Members of the Karma Torch Club will be working with senior citizens, special needs children and Special Olympics. Torch Club members will also help younger children with homework during Power Hour and hold a career day where local professionals will be invited to talk to members about their profession. Karma held its first meeting on January 7th where Club officers were nominated and elected. If you would like to learn more about Torch Club please contact Dee Moore at 573-7036.
 

December 10, 2007 - Project Gathering at Ford Family Foundation in Roseburg

  Leadership of the Boys & Girls Club of Harney County attended a Project Gathering event in Roseburg on December 7th and 8th. The Ford Family Foundation invited eight Oregon Boys & Girls Clubs that are participating in their capacity building grant to a board leadership training event. Those in attendance from Harney County included Executive Director Ruby E. Bottom, Board President Ron Wulff, and board members Pamela Street and Bill Edwards. Clubs were invited to the event to exchange information on the progress and benefits of the three year grant process. Sessions were also offered to further educate volunteer board members. Joyce Akse of the Ford Family Foundation kicked off the event with a powerful session on how nonprofits in rural America have a tremendous impact upon their community and residents. The Ford Family Foundation has dedicated its work to rural Oregon and shared their perspective on the critical role of nonprofit leadership in smaller communities.

  Local and National Boys & Girls Club staff and volunteers conducted the remainder of the sessions focusing on building strong board of directors and how to effectively conduct fundraising activities. Building a strong board of directors for non-profits is a key factor in that organizations success. Selecting the right members and then ensuring they are not only committed to the organization but properly educated ensures the impact and success of the board. One of the hardest tasks board members of a non profit organization face is raising funds for the organization. Board members received instructions on how to successfully solicit donations from the community and also how to cultivate and steward donors following their contribution.
  Trainings such as these have benefited the Boys & Girls Club of Harney County by providing networking and educational opportunities between local volunteers and staff with other Clubs around the state and country. One of the things that set apart Boys & Girls Clubs from other youth serving organizations is that staff and volunteers attend professional training throughout the year. The grant from Ford Family Foundation has enabled our local club to continue this valuable practice by attending regional and national training events. For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Harney County visit our site at www.clubharneycounty.com or call us at 573-7036.
 

November 19, 2007 - Stan Swol: A Community Gift That Keeps on Giving
Stan Swol may be gone physically from this world but his spirit remains active in our hearts.  Stan was always a big supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Harney County.  Recently the Club received a letter from his parents, John & Jackie Swol, presenting the Club with a check for $125.00.  It seems Stan participated in something called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes Fantasy Baseball League”.  Although Stan was unable to defend his 2006 League Championship, the members of his league decided to donate the 2007 winnings to Stan’s favorite charity, the Boys & Girls Club of Harney County.  As a special note, John Swol stated that no matter what Randy Parks says, fantasy baseball IS a FUN thing to do.  Isn’t it wonderful that such a loved man can continue giving even after his untimely departure?  For more information on how you can continue Stan’s charitable work contact the Boys and Girls Club of Harney County at 573-7036.
 

November 9, 2007 - Local Club Participates in WSSA Stack Up Event
On Thursday, November 8, 2007 the World Sport Stacking Association (WSSA) held the 2007 Stack Up challenge. The goal of the WSSA was to attempt to set a NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for: “Most people sport stacking at multiple locations in one day.” At the close of registration on November 7th, the number of stackers signed up for the STACK UP! was 168,226, representing 1,022 schools and organizations in the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Nepal, Columbia, United Kingdom and Switzerland. The 2006 STACK UP! Guinness World Record to beat: 81,252. The Boys and Girls Club of Harney County took part in this World Wide event by holding a speed stacking tournament.
Sport stacking (formerly known as cup stacking) is an individual and team activity played using plastic cups. It originated in the early 1980's at a southern California boys and girls' club and received national attention in 1990 on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. The sport was invented by Wayne Godinet. He shortly thereafter formed a group called Cupstack. Later he worked together with the physical education teacher Bob Fox. He was the man who invented all the formations and gave the name to the cycle stack.
Participants of sport stacking upstack and downstack cups in pre-determined sequences, competing against the clock or another player. Sequences are usually pyramids of three, six, or ten cups. Proponents of the sport say participants learn teamwork, cooperation, ambidexterity, and hand-eye coordination.
Participants at the Boys & Girls Club of Harney County signed up as individuals and as teams competing for not only great prizes but also to try and claim the championship title. For more information about Sport Stacking or other club activities contact Ruby E. Bottom, Executive Director at 573-7036 or visit us on the web at www.clubharneycounty.com
 

June 8, 2007 - End of School Year Activities by Ruby E. Bottom, Executive Director

  The Boys & Girls Club of Harney County celebrated the end of school with special activities last Friday. A 3 on 3 basketball tournament was held with 6 teams participating. The first place team was called Basketball Babes and consisted of Haylie Saldivar, Caitlin Masson and Taylor Crafts. Chance Roark, Matthew Githens and Chance Masson made up the second place team called Bones. Sabrina Haines, Coltin Roark and Christi Chamberlain were the Heartbreakers and took third place. The Soda Pop Girls made up of Danika Kimble, Bryn Tummonds and Jenna Haines took forth. Other teams included The Purple Panthers: Clio Rodriguez, Mariah Strong and Matiya Bottom; NY Champs: Wyatt Johnson, Keith Kramer, and Daniel Haines. First through forth place teams won prizes donated by the Portland Trailblazers.
  There was a dance camp held at the Club from June 4th – 7th. Dance auditions were held Friday afternoon for the summer dance team. This dance team will be doing a country dance performance at the Harney County Fair in the fall. Dance team members will include Caitlin Masson, Jane Vermillion, Matiya Bottom, MaKomas Bottom, Haylie Saldivar, Mariah Strong, Allysa Burri, Taylor Crafts and Clio Rodriguez. The Club will re-open with summer programming June 25th. Summer hours are 11am – 5pm Mon – Fri. For more information about any Club activities call Ruby E. Bottom, Executive Director at 573-7036.
 

May 7, 2007 - Boys and Girls Club Overnight Camping Trip by Kyle von Holtum, Volunteer

  Adventure Kids had its final outing under the direction of Kyle von Holtum this past weekend. Kyle will be moving to New Mexico in July. 16 kids and 4 adult volunteers made thier way to the Boy Scout cabin for two days packed with activities. There were a couple of people without whose help or donations the weekend would not have been a success. Gina Schauland of the Bend Boys and Girls Club loaned us several climbing harnesses for the rapeling class.  Rhonda Mason was instrumental in helping with many details on the days preceding the trip. Both Tyler Woods and Dillon Banton served as both mentors and guides for the entire weekend.  Roy  Sutcliff and Cheryl Woods of the National Forest Service gave time out of their busy day to give presentations. Steve Sparks of Harney County EMS volunteered his time and expertise to be with us for the entire trip.  He was indespensible the entire weekend...from stove repair, chef, hiking guide, and super handy on the rapel belay we are very grateful he offered up one of his free weekends.  Thanks to Safeway of Burns for donating food and drinks to keep the kids from starving.  And finally Ruby Bottom, the clubs Director always goes the extra mile to ensure the success of any Boys and Girls Club activity.

  The children participating this weekend were:  Jacob Nelson;  LaVelle and Wyatt Johnson;  Daniel, Jenna and Sabrina Haines; Dillon Bursell; Matiya and Komas Bottom; Tony and Lena Halford; Drew Moody; Dillon Banton;Cole McGee and Victor Kegley.

  The trip began early Friday morning with a "gear shake-down" making sure all the kids would have everything they needed for the weekend. The trip was planned as ecologically sound as possible.  All materials brought for the trip were recyclable.  Meals were planned and carried out with minnimun impact to the enviornment.  Almost no trash was generated as a result of careful planning.

  After an hour of preparations at the Club we finally made our way to the cabin, and the excitement began without ceramony.  For starters Ruby Bottom gave a basic First Aid and CPR class with demonstrations of various methods of carrying an injured person.  She capped off her class with a set of relay races where the kids used what they learned in the demonstrations to carry thier campmates accross the field.  Next Cheryl Wood and Roy Sutcliff from the National Forest Service gave presentations on forest fires and wildlife habitat respectively.  Roy brought along a box of pelts to show the kids and got many oohs and ahhs for bringing out the cougar and fox skins.  After a quick lunch, the kids took a hike to the waterfall in the canyon behind the cabin, and a couple of brave souls got roped up to climb a very short pitch of rock.  During dinner the kids played the ultimate game of kick the can, and after that there was a brief fire lighting ceremony and around a blazing campfire the kids made quick work of the SMORE'S.

Reveille was at 0730, but somehow all were out of bed and motivated to play some more kick the can by 0630.  After a quick breakfast of cereal and milk everybody pitched in to help clean up and "Leave No Trace".  Finally, the coup de grace, an in depth class on repelling. Each child donned proper equipment (including helmets), a belay brake knot (Muenter Hitch) learned about rope safety, belay and proper repelling technique before being let loose on a small incline where they got a chance to practice a "self-rescue belay" as if they were stuck on a small ledge and had to belay themselves down the hill.

  The author would like to thank all of those in the Burns/Hines community who have supported his efforts with Adventure Kids over the last six months.  Especially the parents of the children who participated in the trips, for giving their children the opportunity to not only try something new and broaden their horizons, but also for the opportunity to demonstrate courage and self-confidence while growing through challenges and teamwork.  Adventure Kids is not only about getting outside, but also about having opportunities to grow.

  On an additional note, a very big "Thank You!!!" goes out to Bryce Mertz of Harney County GIS.  The GIS folks donated a series of special topographical maps for the Boys and Girls Club of the Theimer Canyon area which have been used on every outing.

  The author would like to challenge someone in the Burns/Hines community to step forward and take over the Adventure Kids program.  The children are willing to follow you where ever you will lead them; all they need is the chance.  Interested applicants can contact either Kyle von Holtum at 573-7832, or Ruby Bottom at 573-7036.

 

April 2, 2007 - National Boys & Girls Club Week by Ruby E. Bottom, Executive Director

  Every day after school, kids from across our community have a safe place to go and grow – the Boys & Girls Club of Harney County.  Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the Club provides guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full and part time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development, education and career exploration, financial literacy, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and family outreach.

  March 25-31 was designated as National Boys & Girls Club Week.  Every year at this time, the nation celebrates our organization, which has steadily and methodically saved lives and changed futures of young people for more than 100 years. This year the State of Oregon also recognized the benefit of the Boys & Girls Clubs with a proclamation from Governor Theodore R. Kulongoski naming March 25-31 as National Boys and Girls Club Week.  There are thirteen Boys & Girls Club Organizations in Oregon – in Albany, Bend, Burns, Coos Bay, Corvallis, Eugene, Florence, Grants Pass, Hillsboro, LaPine, Lebanon, Madras, Portland, Prineville, Redmond, Roseburg, Salem, Sweet Home, Terrebone, Warm Springs – providing services to more than 71,000 young people annually.  Using a tried-and-true method of attracting kids with fun, wholesome activities, then involving them in a wide array of education, cultural and character-building programs, Clubs have helped millions of kids overcome barriers, dream of a brighter future and grow into responsible, productive citizens.  

  The Boys & Girls Club of Harney County celebrated the week with a variety of special activities throughout the week.  On Monday winners of the inside out contest were: 1^st place Andrew Snyder, 2^nd place Matiya Bottom, 3^rd Place Jenna Haines.  Winners on Tuesday for wearing the most red were: 1^st place Kaitlin Bennett, 2^nd place Sabrina Haines, 3^rd Place Dylan Vermillion.  Wednesday was pajama day and the kids enjoyed a movie on the big screen television donated by Steve & Stephanie Finlayson.  1^st place winner of the pajama contest was Paitin Powning, 2^nd place was Daniel Haines and 3^rd place was Cole McGee.  Crazy Hats were easily found on Thursday as kids got to show their creativity with hats.  1^st place for the craziest hat was Chris McGee, 2^nd was Haylie Salvidar and 3^rd was Elina Jenks.  Friday was a BIG day at the Club because it was not only the last day of Spring Break but it was also the last day of Boys & Girls Club Week.  Kids dressed up in styles of the 50’s, and participate in many 50’s contests such as the twist and hula hoop contest.  Best dressed for the day were Komas Bottom, Chance Masson and Caitlin Masson.

  Studies show that the most dangerous time of the day for kids are the hours immediately after school, from 3-8 p.m. As a community, we’re lucky to have the structured environment of our Boys & Girls Club to keep our children safe. We’re lucky to have support from local political figures and generous donors. And we’re lucky to have caring adults to lead the Club and its members. Boys & Girls Club of Harney County is grateful for your support which makes it possible to fulfill our mission. Thank you for celebrating National Boys & Girls Club Week with us.  For more information about the Club you may contact Ruby E. Bottom, Executive Director at 573-7036.