James Rada, Jr.

The Emmitsburg Boys and Girls Club starts this month on September 3 in Emmitsburg Elementary School.

The club is part of the Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County. It is an after-school program that provides a safe and friendly place for Emmitsburg students to gather, learn, and have fun.

According to Lisa McDonald, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County, a typical day in the club includes a snack, time to complete homework, and an enrichment activity. On occasion, the students will have field trips for different activities.

“Each day is a little bit different,” McDonald said. “We use several outcome-based curriculums to teach things like healthy habits, STEM, and character development.”

The club starts directly after school and continues until 6:00 p.m.

“When school closes early, we open early to accommodate,” McDonald said. Also, on days when school is closed, the club will meet at Christ Community Church in Emmitsburg.

The program, which is funded by a Frederick County Community Partnership Grant, serves 45 students and is open to everyone. The Town of Emmitsburg has also committed around $10,000 to the program, just as they did with the former after-school program.

“We are hoping to grow the program in Northern Frederick County,” expressed McDonald. However, the Emmitsburg Club is currently focusing on students in Emmitsburg Elementary, where a United Way study identified a need for such a program.

Emmitsburg Mayor Don Briggs worked to convince the Boys and Girls Club to come to Emmitsburg.

“Their program is terrific,” said Briggs. “It complements the schools and helps develop a well-rounded person. It’s also another thing for youth in town to do.”

Students can register for the club online at bgcfc.org. The cost of the program is $15 annually and $40 a month for each month school is in session.