Rotarian and Grants Chair, Noah Funderburg, continues our review of local programs that receive grants from the Club. Today’s guests are Tracey Miller, Executive Director and Charles Durgin, Senior Counselor from the Rotary Youth Club. The RYC Mission is to empower youth to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Rotary Youth Club offers after school care, summer enrichment and a Pre-K program. As the club doors open each school day at 3pm, members are arriving by school bus or being dropped off by parents knowing that their children have a safe and supportive environment for their afternoons. RYC programs offer an afternoon of recreation and enrichment including art, music and even swim lessons on Fridays. Baldwin County Master Gardener’s work with club members in the Outdoor Classroom Garden raising lettuce, carrots and brussels sprouts that become healthy snacks in the RYC kitchen. The heart of the afternoon is the Power Hour of homework time. Staff and community volunteers help members complete their homework and study. The impact on grades is measurable. So is the impact on lives – as these role models encourage, mentor and connect with club members. Summers at the Rotary Youth Club are exciting for everyone. The program is designed for elementary through high school-aged students to add variety, fun, and education to each child’s summer. The RYC conducts field trips and other special activities planned during the summer. While kids may look forward to summer and not having to worry about school or homework for a few months, a summer completely free of learning may set them back. The Rotary Youth Club includes an Enrichment Academy to help students bridge the gap between the school years. For three hours each morning, certified teachers help students sharpen their skills in reading, math and science.
