Music Program First Spring Concert!
April 10th, 2013
In September 2012, we received a grant from The Barber Foundation to begin a music program. Under the direction of Casey Stratton, Club members are offered different music classes for one hour per week. 1st to 3rd graders have general music class, 4th and higher can attend chorus class. Piano and guitar classes are offered to students in 5th grade or higher. Teens also participate during “Teen Music Time.”
Now, over six months later, we are very excited to announce their very first Spring Concert, showcasing the Music Program students. Music Program Coordinator Casey Stratton will lead the performers on stage.
The concert will take place at 6:30PM on May 16, 2013 at Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids. The event is free to the public. Performances will include singing, piano, guitar and dancing from 1st to 12th graders who are part of the program at their respective Clubs.
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Let's Go Tigers!
April 9th, 2013
Being located in Michigan, we are required to celebrate a very special day every Spring...the Tigers home opener!
This year, for the home opener of the Tigers, Byron Center Wealth Strategies put together an event at Monelli’s Sports Bar where Dave Rozema (former pitcher of the Tigers) and Ray Bentley (former NFL player and broadcaster) signed autographs and memorabilia for people. What a fun day, and to boot, we raised about $1,500 to support programming at our Clubs.
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Thanks for your Gold Heart!
April 8th, 2013
Started in 1991 on Valentine's Day, The Gold Heart Fundraising Program grew from a campaign in Great Britain to a global initiative to support children who have special needs. The symbol of the campaign is a small gold-colored, heart-shaped pin and is a powerful icon of caring and support. Since its inception, the Gold Heart Program has raised millions of dollars in the US and over $100 million worldwide!
For the 2013 Gold Heart campaign, Variety – The Children’s Charity partnered with Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, and Celebration Cinemas to feature the loveable duo from the upcoming Monsters Inc 3D, Sulley and Mike!
This year, the Gold Heart Campaign raised a total of $7,321.07 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth. Thank you to all the community partners who make this program possible!
Photograph: (from left to right) John Loeks, Michelle Wickens, Kelly Nash, and Kathy Gates
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Red Cross Partners with Amway to Provide Babysitter's Training at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth
March 25th, 2013
The Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids has partnered with Amway to provide Babysitter’s Training at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth.
The classes will be provided to youth ages 11-15 in Grand Rapids at the following times and locations:
- Tuesday, April 2, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Seidman Club, 139 Croftmon - Wednesday, April 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Paul I. Phillips Club, 726 Madison SE - Thursday, April 4, 9 a.m. -4 p.m.
Steil Club, 235 Straight Ave NW
Babysitter’s Training typically costs $85 per student. Thanks to the generosity of Amway and the Amway One by One Campaign for Children, about 40 young people will receive valuable Babysitter’s Training free of charge.
Babysitting is often the first job for many teens and pre-teens. Babysitter’s training provides teens with valuable practical skills on how to confidently provide safe and meaningful child care and, if needed, how to handle emergency situations. It is also a great first step to learn entrepreneurial and career development skills. Amway is proud to partner with the Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids on this valuable community program and to continue its 50 year tradition of supporting West Michigan organizations that improve our local community and help its people live better lives.
Visit redcross.org/take-a-class to view babysitting classes offered by location and register online.
For more information on how to give, get trained or get involved with the American Red Cross, visit: redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at blog.redcross.org.
About Amway:
Amway is one of the world's largest direct selling businesses. Alticor Inc., parent company of Amway, reported global sales of USD$11.3 billion in 2012. Founded in 1959 by entrepreneurs Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel, and based in Ada, Michigan, U.S., Amway offers consumer products and business opportunities through a network of more than 3 million distributors in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide, supported by a regionalized agribusiness, manufacturing and logistics supply chain. More than 900 scientists, engineers and technical professionals work in 65 R&D and quality assurance labs worldwide to support the company's product development and create a culture of scientific excellence. Top-selling brands for Amway are NUTRILITE™ vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, ARTISTRY™ skincare and colour cosmetics, and eSpring™ water treatment systems. The company provides product development, manufacturing and logistics services through its Access Business Group. For company news, visit globalnews.amway.com.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth:
Founded in 1938 by Grand Rapids Superintendent of Police Frank O’Malley, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth engages youth in building positive and meaningful relationships with police officers, staff and adults through programs in the areas of recreation, education, leadership development, healthy life skills, arts, education and positive community services. Boys & Girls Clubs offer programs and services that promote and enhance development by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.
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Camp O'Malley raises $11,000 on St. Patrick's Day with the help of McFadden's and Taco Bell
March 20th, 2013
The Owners of McFadden’s, Mark and Michele Sellers hosted the 2nd Annual Shamrocking Party to benefit Camp O’Malley’s Residential Summer Camp for kids from Grand Rapids on Saturday, March 16th at the Irish on Ionia Party downtown Grand Rapids. Funds raised from this party went directly into the 2013 Camper Scholarship Campaign to help send kids to Camp O’Malley who might not otherwise have the funds to pay for a summer Camp experience. The Shamrocking Party, held in the Pearl Room at McFadden’s, offered Irish on Ionia party goers a fun way to support Camp O’Malley’s program with a selection of Irish appetizers, drink specials, and live music. “The Shamrocking Party was a great event again for the second year to help raise money for Camp and everyone had a great time,” commented Michelle Wickens, Board President for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids.
Volunteers from Camp O’Malley spent hours on the streets of Irish on Ionia selling beads and Irish hats to raise additional funds to send kids to Camp. Bead sales totaled almost $1,000. “A thousand dollars can send four kids to Camp this summer and it was well worth it spending the time outside in order to make Camp a reality for four kids,” explained Becky Missad, Camp Director who was dressed all day in the Good Luck Care Bear costume.
Twenty-two West Michigan Taco Bells also contributed to the cause by selling $1 Shamrock Hat Icons at each of their locations. Stores competed amongst each other on Icon sales to help raise more money for Camp O’Malley. Donated prizes were awarded to the cashier and Taco Bell store that sold the most icons. “We are so grateful to the West Michigan Taco Bells for supporting our organization and helping us raise money to send kids to Camp,” commented Kathy Gates, Development Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs in Grand Rapids.
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Totally Awesome 80's raises over $30,000!
March 10th, 2013
Oh what a night! Thanks to each and every one of you who came out to enjoy "Totally Awesome 80's" at the JW Marriott and helped raise over $30,000! Special thanks to our sponsors, our staff, and our volunteers for making the night possible! Square Pegz rocked it! Gravy, Rachael, Flounder, Marty, and Huge you guys are the BEST! Your amazing support makes it possible to serve the kids we serve everyday at Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth.
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GREAT FUTURES START HERE: Exceptional Grand Rapids teen wins Youth of the Year Honor
February 14th, 2013
Selected among several local outstanding youth, Daniel Vargas will compete against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Michigan Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation. As the new Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth, 18-year-old Vargas is a true example of an extraordinary young man recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community...Click Here to Read More!
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2013 Camp O'Malley Summer Schedule
February 10th, 2013
Pre-Camp Staff Training (You will be notified if you are needed to be in attendance for this): May 22-24
Camp Staff Training (all staff): May 28-31, June 3-7
*All staff report the night before each session (Sunday) at 7pm for a weekly required staff meeting.
Session 1 – June 10-13 – MLK Leadership Academy Session – ages 8-11 year olds – CO-ED
This special session is set aside just for Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy students. Join us for the best of the best camp experience filled with swimming, low ropes challenge course, sports, campfires, songs, rock climbing, nature explorations, and much more!
Session 2 – June 17-21 – X-Treme Team Challenge - 11-14 year-old – CO-ED
Do you crave adventure, challenge and excitement? Tackle a different task with your team every day and challenge your skills at the high ropes course, zip line, team competitions, tubing, archery, capture-the-flag and a first ever “O’Malley X-treme Rally” adventure race.
Session 3 – June 24-28 – BEST OF THE BEST - 8-11 year-olds CO-ED
This will be a week filled with all of the BEST camp activities and super fun experiences! Spend the week swimming, climbing the wall, biking, fishing, teambuilding, camp fires, and playing Capture-the-Flag!
Session 4 – July 1-3 – DISCOVERY CAMP – 6-8 year-olds – CO-ED
This camp is a great week for the first-time camper! Campers will get a taste of what camp is all about with this three day, two night experience! Enjoy swimming, arts & crafts, climbing wall, games, songs, exploring nature, and water games!
Session 5 – July 8-12 – HIGH SCHOOL CAMP – 14-17 year-old – CO-ED
This will be a week filled with all of your favorite Camp experiences! Spend the week tubing, canoeing, archery, doing the high ropes course, swimming, biking, teambuilding, and playing an extreme game of Capture-the-Flag! Come and chill with us, meet new people and have a blast!
Session 6 – July 15-19 – GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN for 12-14 year-old – GIRLS
“Girls just wanna have FUN!” Join this all-girls camp for arts and crafts, swimming, dance parties, late nights, high ropes, tubing, talent shows, relaxing and all your other favorite camp activities!
Session 7 – July 22-26 – SUPER HEROES CAMP – 8-13 year-old – BOYS
Kapow! Spend the week like a superhero would! Join forces with the staff to become the ultimate superhero! Climb walls, make your own comic book, catch a super villain, dress in disguises, swim, and capture-the-flag!
Session 8 – July 29-Aug. 2 - GIRL POWER for 7-11 year-old – GIRLS
During this totally awesome, girls-only session, you will be able to relax by the pool, get papered at Spa Night, express yourself at the talent show, exercise to hip hop, make new friends, and tap into your inner girl power! Red carpet dinner night is also the annual highlight of this week! Don’t miss out!
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#1 April Boyd said:
I would like to know what the cost would be for Session 6 and Session 7 please.
Thank you
#2 andrea holsey said:
Thank you for having an overnight camp for 6-8 year olds.
#3 Dawn Helms said:
How do I register for sessions 4 and eight? And what is the cost?
#4 Destiny Stevens said:
WHat is the cost for session 2
#5 kati-lynn said:
i need a rgistration
#6 kati-lynn said:
i need a registration for session 5. and i woul like to know the cost.
#7 Jill said:
Registration form with fee scale is on their site:
http://www.bgcgrandrapids.org/uploads/files/2013%20Camper%20Reigstration%20Form%20PDF.pdf
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Wear your Heart on your Sleeve!
December 5th, 2012
Started in 1991 on Valentine's Day, The Gold Heart Fundraising Program grew from a campaign in Great Britain to a global initiative to support children who have special needs. The symbol of the campaign is a small gold-colored, heart-shaped pin and is a powerful icon of caring and support. Since its inception, the Gold Heart Program has raised millions of dollars in the US and over $100 million worldwide!
For the 2013 Gold Heart campaign, Variety – The Children’s Charity has partnered with Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, and Celebration Cinemas to feature the loveable duo from the upcoming Monsters Inc 3D, Sulley and Mike! Not only do these hearts raise money for children in need, but they also make wonderful gifts for friends and family!
These very special gold pins will be available starting December 7th and only available for a limited time. Pins are available at all Celebration Cinema locations.
Your donation will open many doors for youth in our community. This year’s proceeds will go towards supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids! Please support Variety and Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids, and show everyone your Heart of Gold!
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Camp O'Malley became ACA-Accredited®!
November 15th, 2012
The American Camp Association® (ACA) announced today that Camp O’Malley has received ACA-Accredited® Camp status for the 2013 summer camp season.
"ACA Accreditation means that Camp O’Malley submitted to a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its operation by the American Camp Association (ACA) — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management — and complied with the highest standards in the industry," said Cindy Moore, National Standards Commission.
"Parents expect their children to attend accredited schools. They also deserve a camp experience that is reviewed and accredited by an expert, independent organization," Moore said.
Camp O’Malley and ACA form a partnership that promotes summers of growth and fun in an environment committed to safety," said Becky Missad, Director of Camp O’Malley, "ACA accreditation demonstrates our commitment to quality camp programming."
Camp O’Malley was founded in 1942 by the Grand Rapids Police Department’s Chief of Police, Frank O’Malley and is located in Alto, Michigan. The camp is a program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth. Camp O’Malley operates from June to August and offers scholarships to all who qualify. Sessions typically last from three to five days for eight weeks. For more information, parents can contact the camp at 616-233-9370 ext. 106, or visit the camp's Web site at www.campomalley.org.
ACA is the only independent accrediting organization reviewing camp operations in the country. Its nationally-recognized standards program focuses primarily on the program quality, health and safety aspects of a camp's operation. ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. For more parent-focused information about accreditation, visit ACA's www.CampParents.org.
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