The Town of Greater Napanee has entered a five-year partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Kingston and Area (BGC) that starts this June until September 2026.
The new deal will see the Boys & Girls Club oversee operations and delivery of both seasonal day camp programming and community programming within Greater Napanee. The Club will run its summer day camp programming out of the North Fredericksburgh Lifestyle Centre (1178 and 1208 County Road 8, Napanee). The North Fredericksburgh Lifestyle Centre is the ideal location to hold day camps for the community as it boasts a 16-acre sports complex, including three ball diamonds, two soccer fields, a playground and disc golf course, as well as an upgraded hall with washroom facilities. Understanding the accessibility needs of the community, the Club will provide transportation to the summer camp from three designated areas within Greater Napanee, making it easier for parents and guardians to coordinate morning commutes. Parents and/or guardians will only be responsible for end-of-day pick-up from the North Fredericksburgh Lifestyle Centre. This summer, the BGC plans to enable 400 summer camp spots, with operations guided by over one year of experience safely running in-person programs under COVID-19 protocols.
“Summer camp programs provide children aged 4-12 with developmental activities that will keep them learning and engaged while having fun and staying safe,” says Sara Bolton, supervisor of programs at BGC Kingston. “Our Club has a history of employing youth as recreational leaders, in line with our commitment to youth development, and career readiness. We look forward to the provision of quality training and supervision to local youth in search of employment opportunities.”
Further to overseeing day camp opportunities, the Club will be partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of KFL&A (BBBS) to develop in-person matches within Greater Napanee, as well as group programming within the North Fredericksburgh Lifestyle Centre and local schools. “We see first-hand how much mentoring contributes to children’s healthy development and how volunteer mentors gain a new perspective on life,” says Kylie Filion, supervisor of Big Brothers Big Sisters of KFL&A. “We encourage those interested in volunteering and in applying for programs to contact us for more information.”
Lyndsay Tee, manager of community economic development for the Town of Greater Napanee, provides insight of the elements included in this partnership implemented by the BGC that will strengthen youth programming within the Town.
“The Boys and Girls Club provides certified, trained professional staff with extensive experience in the management of child and youth programming,” said Tee. “We are looking forward to their skilled team taking the reins and enhancing programs for youth in our community. The addition of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program allows for an afterschool program, mentoring programs, and educational programs for youth in our area that are educational, safe and fun. We look forward to working with both the Boys and Girls Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters for what is sure to be a successful partnership.”
Information on summer day camps will be available on the Town’s website, www.greaternapanee.com, under the ‘Camps’ page. Greater Napanee residents are encouraged to visit the Boys and Girls Club website, https://www.bgckingston.ca/camps/summer-camps-2021/napanee, for more information on how to register for programs.