SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
The new Boys & Girls Club of Fernley kicked off its first week of operations June 7 with 51 youth (ages 6-12) and seven teens (13-18) at two sites on the Fernley Intermediate School campus. The Club’s first foray into Fernley has been made possible through a partnership with the Lyon County School District, as well as the generosity of business and individual donors.
Although it operates under the administration of the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, the Fernley Club is independently staffed and funded. So far, the Club has hired six employees (including a teen aide and cook), along with Fernley Area Director Mary Nolan. Summer operations at the Club will continue through Aug. 27, open daily Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost is just $40 a week for 6- to 12-year-olds and free for teens. The price includes 12 hours of daily supervised programming with breakfast and lunch. Field trips will be offered throughout the summer with some additional costs.
Although the Boys & Girls Club had long considered opening an operation in Fernley, the elimination of county funding for the existing after-school program put it on the fast track.
“We knew this type of service was something that parents and kids in Fernley would need to fill that gap,” said Mike Wurm, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. “And we have been overwhelmed with the reception – it’s great to see the community take ownership of their Club.”
At the end of summer, the Club will transition into before- and after-school programming, with facilities accessible to youth and teens in the K-12 system in Fernley. This programming is made available to parents and kids with only a $20 annual membership, so donor gifts are a cornerstone of the program.
“It is part of the Club’s mission that it will never turn away a member for lack of funds,” Wurm said. “Luckily we have a great support system in the Fernley community providing the resources we need to help kids build great futures.”
Nolan, who brings a strong background working with children and schools, said the Club’s first week has been a ton of work, but also a great success.
“Word has been spreading about the Club, and the response is great,” she said. “And we expect the growth to continue throughout the summer and into the next school year.
“Our partnership with the schools and local community leaders has given us a strong foundation on which to build.”
For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Fernley’s summer camp and after-school programs, or to attend an orientation session, call 775.331-5437, or visit www.BGCTM.org.
