PERRY COUNTY AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS LOOKING FOR ADVISORS

Perry County After School Clubs Looking For Advisors...

The Perry County Wellness-Enrichment Program is expanding to include a wide selection of after school clubs and programs in Perry county's middle and high schools this fall.  These after school opportunities will be organized by local Wellness-Enrichment Committees and their coordinators in each of the county's four school district areas.  The local committees and their coordinators are currently in the process of planning these offerings and are in need of interested adults to lead such sessions.  Proposals for after school clubs or after school activities are now being accepted from interested parties.   A substantial stipend for advisors and activity leaders as well as a budget for supplies is available for each club or activity.  Funds for the program come from grants to the four local committees from the Perry-Hocking Educational Service Center and Perry County Family and Children First Council.

According to organizers, the clubs and activities can cover a wide range of topics that enrich the lives of kids and help them develop interests and hobbies that will give focus to their lives during the socially challenge years of development.  Research has shown that pre-teens and teens with a wide range of interests and a variety of positive adult role models are much less likely to participate in "at risk" behavior such as experimentation with drugs and engaging in sexual activity.  Research has also shown that the hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. have now become the most likely time for pre-teens and teens to engage in "at-risk" activity since many children of this age group are without adult supervision during these hours. 

Most clubs and activities are expected to run one night per week for 10 weeks for approximately two (2) hours, generally from 2:30 or 3:00 to 4:30 or 5:00 p.m.  The clubs will take place either in the local school or at a community location.  Organizers are also interested in week long, short term and one time activities as well as continuing the 10 week clubs into the winter and spring quarters of the school year.

A wide range of interests have been expressed by youth surveyed by the program and include a variety of outdooor activities such as horseback riding, archery, golf and model rocketry.   Indoor favorities include cooking, drama, bowling, homwork help, video production and community service projects.  Organizers report that the most successful clubs are led by persons with a particular interest that they are motivated to share with the young people.  The also have learned during the past several years of wellness activities in the county that many youth have very few relationships with trusted adult role models and mentors and that activities where these relationships form are desired by youth.  

Persons or organizations willing to lead after school clubs or activities this fall should contact the following coordinators in each school district area: 

        Crooksville   -  ErinWalters   - 982-9006
        New Lex     -  Deb Allen     - 342-2015
                   or Libby Cardi   - 342-3421
           Northern L. -  Jenny LaRue  - 743-2632
                   or Mickey King  - 743-9343
           Southern L  - Lori Gaitten -   394-1283