Club offers activities after school

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has space available in its after-school program. 
Boys and girls ages 6-18 are eligible for membership, which runs from September through June. The Club is usually open on snow days and holidays for no additional charge.

A wide variety of programs is available to members and are included in the cost of membership unless otherwise noted.

•            Cheerleading. Learn clap, cheer, and performance cheer. For girls ages 6-13. Practices are 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays beginning Oct. 29. Games are played on Saturdays or Sundays, cheering for the Boys & Girls Club Travel Basketball Team. Cost is $30 and includes T-shirt and shorts to keep.

•           Chess. Chess is one of the world’s most popular games, played by millions of people worldwide. Our Chess Club meets every Thursday night from 4-6 p.m. Led by our long-time instructor, Mario Russo, our Chess Club is open to players of all skill levels. Free.

•            Drama. Have a budding thespian on your hands? Children ages 10 and older can join and participate in this fun, interactive program where children can learn acting, singing, dancing, and musical theater. The Club produces a show each school year, and recent productions include Annie Jr. and Willy Wonka, Jr. Free.

•            KidSafe Karate. Designed to enhance self esteem, self discipline, and safety awareness in elementary and junior high-age children (ages 5-15). Students are placed into classes according to age and ability. A Black Belt instructor teaches beginning, intermediate, and advanced self-defense techniques. Weekly safety flyers focus on a range of topics including stranger safety, fire safety, and more. $10 to register, $8 per class. Uniform not required but recommended; available for purchase for $30.

•            Keystone Club. Keystone is a youth leadership club that offers a unique developmental experience to members ages 14-18. Activities focus on three areas: academic success, career preparation, and community service. With the guidance of an adult advisor, Keystoners aim to have a positive impact on the Club and the community. Our Keystoners have been recognized year after year for outstanding service. Free.

•            Music. Learn how to play guitar, keyboard, or drums with instructor Casey Gorman. Classes begin on October 15 and continue through December 10. Beginner and advanced classes are available for each instrument. Classes are held on Mondays from 4-8 pm. Cost is $30 per instrument for all eight sessions. A limited number of instruments are available for instruction for each class.

•            Smart Kids. This program is designed to help younger children (ages 8-9) identify and understand the importance of self esteem. Your child will learn to describe what makes him or her unique, recognize personal strengths, respond to situations that challenge self esteem, and appreciate his or her accomplishments. Smart Kids meets on Tuesdays at 4:45 pm. Free.

•           Smart Moves. This program is for children ages 10-12. SMART Moves (Skill Mastery and Resistance Training) is a prevention/education program that addresses problems such as drug and alcohol use. More than simply emphasizing a “Say No” message, the program teaches young people how to say no by involving them in discussion and role-playing, practicing resistance and refusal skills, developing assertiveness, strengthening decision-making skills, and analyzing media and peer influence. Meets Tuesdays at 3:45 pm. Free.

•            Smart Leaders. Smart Leaders is comprised of youth ages 13-18 who have completed Smart Moves and now serve as peer advisors to their younger members. Meets on Tuesdays at 3:15 pm. Free.

•            TGIF. Every Friday, October through March for all middle school students (middle school ID required). From 6-9, members can take part in sports tournaments, dance parties, holiday parties, games room tournaments, scavenger hunts, and karaoke. Computers and video games are always available. $10 per year, even if you’re already a Club member.

•            Torch Club. Torch Club is a youth leadership and community service club for boys and girls ages 11-13. It encourages positive community and club involvement by helping others through volunteerism. Throughout the year, our Torch Club collects and recycles ink cartridges, cans, and bottles. Each fall, our Torch Club members hold “A Dinner to Remember,” a full pasta dinner fundraiser open to the community, complete with beverages and dessert. Our Torch Club is an award winner every year, including being named the Number 1 Torch Club in the entire United States. Free.

Membership Information. Six and seven-year olds have their own room and program director. Cost is $160 per month. Eight to 12-year olds cost $100 for the school year. Teen members ages 13-18 cost $50 for the school year.

Transportation is available from all Valley schools. Most Shelton grammar school students are brought by Shelton school bus. 
Shelton Intermediate, Shelton High, and Derby  and Seymour public school members may register for club vans. Cost is $30 per month; first two months are prepaid.

Saturday-only memberships are available for $25 a year. The Club is open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. October-April. Saturdays are included in membership for 6-12 year olds.

Satellite locations
The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley operates before and after school programs at Elizabeth Shelton School and Perry Hill School. The ESS program is open to students from ESS, Booth Hill, and Mohegan schools. 
Staffed by adult employees of the Boys & Girls Club, both programs offer homework assistance, sports, gym games, and fun activities. 
Cost is $125/month for the morning program and $140/month for the afternoon program. A combination rate is available as well as discounts for siblings.

Visit www.BGC-LNV.org/Shelton Clubhouse for details on all programs. 

The above information was provided by the Boys & Girls Club.