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Denisa Sanness is the executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie. The club is moving into Irricana with programming in the youth centre called The Crib.

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Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie to offer programming in Irricana

The Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie (BGC) will be opening its first satellite office this spring. Registration for BGC programming at Irricana’s youth centre, The Crib, will begin Jan. 26 at the Irricana Winter Festival, which will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lion’s Community Hall. Programming will begin the week of Feb. 4.

“We are really excited about it,” said Denisa Sanness, executive director of the BGC. “It is a great arrangement and it will be great for the youth in the area.”

Sanness said the Town approached the BGC last fall and asked if the organization would consider expanding its services to the area.

Starting the week of Feb. 4, the BGC will offer after-school programs Monday through Friday until 6 p.m.

The program will be available for kids in grades 1 to 4. Evening programs will take place for youth in Grade 5 and up three nights a week. Two nights a week, The Crib will host Torch and Keystone, national BGC leadership programs. Torch is for youth in grades 5 to 8, while Keystone is for youth in grades 9 to 12.

The programs focus on leadership, teamwork, giving back to the community, healthy choices and learning for life.

Registration will be required for after-school programming and the Torch and Keystone programs and Sanness encourages youth to get involved.

“They are a great social support system for kids to get involved in,” she said. “They give back to the community… and it’s an opportunity to get kids connected with the community. There is an opportunity for them to network, make new friendships and get together.”

Sanness added similar programs are also planned for Crossfield and Beiseker.

The Crib will also host drop-in programs for youth.

Sanness said the BGC is looking for feedback from the community on what to offer at The Crib location.

“We want to hear from the kids, from their families,” said Sanness. “We want to find out what they want to see in their community.”

Sanness said the BGC will take over the Town’s summer program this year as well. She encourages Irricana youth and their caregivers to get involved with the new programming offered in the town.

“Our organization is dedicated to supporting children and youth,” she said. “Your children will enjoy it and you can feel confident you are leaving your kids in an environment that is safe… and we listen.”

More information will soon be available at www.bgcairdrie.com