New Boys & Girls Club to Serve Youth in Yelm

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC) has approved a memo of understanding (MOU) with the City of Yelm to establish a Boys & Girls Club in the recently vacated City Hall building. This decision comes after an invitation by Yelm Community Schools administrators and months of planning and collaboration with community leaders and supporters.

“Our board and staff are excited to answer this call to serve Yelm youth and their families with a new Boys & Girls Club, but this is just the beginning,” said Chris Woods, BGCTC CEO. “Continued engagement with our community partners and Yelm residents will help us to grow the new Club and serve all youth who want to attend.”

The Yelm Boys & Girls Club will be the sixth Thurston County Club to serve school-aged youth during out-of-school hours with quality programs led by highly-trained youth development professionals. The Club experience helps youth see that success is possible and ensures they are on track to graduate from high school with a plan for future. Young people attending the Club participate in fun and nurturing activities focused on supporting academic success, living healthy lifestyles, and demonstrating good character and citizenship.

Following BGCTC board approval, several initiatives are now underway to determine readiness of Club operations and the number of youth served: fundraising, facility adjustments, staffing, and further collaboration with the Yelm community. “Our priority as we grow is to work with Yelm Community Schools to make sure kids who most need the support and safety of the Club have a place to come,” added Woods. 

Updates on potential dates of operation and registration details will be posted on this website and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Facebook page (@BGCTC).