By REID TUCKER
DeFuniak Springs Mayor Bob Campbell joined with mayors across the state and governors across the nation in declaring the week of March 23 as Boys & Girls Club Week.
Campbell presented the proclamation at a special gathering and public open-house, held Tuesday, March 25, at the Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast’s DeFuniak location near the Community Center. Campbell praised the efforts of the club’s organizers to provide afterschool programs for the young people in the area and he also had words of encouragement for the students.
“You are all a great blessing to your community and families,” Campbell said.
In addition to giving a brief speech, Campbell held a sort of “press conference,” giving the youths in attendance the chance to ask him questions about comings-and-goings in city government and events around town. One of the items that came up during the impromptu Q&A session was the possibility of a “mayor-for-a-day” program. More information on that process is forthcoming as no plans have been formally drawn up as yet.
Campbell also took a tour of the facility when some of the 66 local kids in the program were in the classroom, with the curriculum focusing on helping students achieve academic success, develop good citizenship and promote a healthy lifestyle.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast is composed of seven clubs in four counties, with nearly 2,000 students regularly participating in club activities. More than 4,000 clubs across the country and approximately 2 million kids will take part in National Boys & Girls Club Week programs, said club President Mick Leatherwood.
“The idea is to get the community involved,” he said. “We want to open up the doors to the club and let everyone see what we’re all about. Having a week dedicated to raising the public’s awareness for the great programs we have here is a fantastic opportunity.”
