Students raced their way through an inflatable obstacle course, concluding with a quick ride down the slide. Others stood in line for their chance at bowling to "Strike out Tobacco" while others participated in a coloring contest or a tobacco trivia game.
These and other activities at the Sugar House Chapter of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake marked the centennial of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America April 2-8.
Various activities were held throughout the week culminating with a birthday celebration and open house April 7. The theme for the Sugar House chapter's
celebration was tobacco education and prevention.
Carrie Francis, director of the Sugar House site, said the site serves around 3,000 children between the ages of 4-18 each year. Being in the club is a way to help improve children's decision-making skills.
"What I think is great is that we're able to do so much with the kids," she said. "We teach them how to make good choices and contribute to society." The club offers a variety of services from child care to sports to life skills. However, the program is primarily for after-school activities, Francis said.
The organization's emphasis areas include swimming, arts and crafts, academic skill sharpeners, sports, park activities, field trips, computers and more. Francis said the variety of activities the club offers is part of what makes it such a good program. "What's great is that it's a life skills program for kids," she said.
Students also appreciate all the different activities. Danikah Elliott, 10, and friend Candice Nkoy, 9, both said they liked getting dressed up for the club's Halloween party. Briana Ochoa, 11, said she enjoyed making arts and crafts and going on the different field trips, especially the trip the club took to the Mayan restaurant in Sandy.
Participants also enjoy making new friends. "I make new friends every day. This stuff is awesome," Candice said.
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Greater Salt Lake has been an important part of the city for more than 36 years. For more information about the BGC of Greater Salt Lake, go to www.bgcgsl.org.
E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com