Kaila Celeste – Lacey Branch

The Lacey Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County opened in 2004 at Nisqually Middle School, where it began serving approximately 50 youth daily. In 2006, the Lacey Branch relocated to its current building on Tracey Lane where it now typically serves 170-200 youth and teens each day. This 9,500 square foot Clubhouse has a Gym, Teen Center and Tech Lab, as well as designated rooms for Art, Homework and Kindergarten-age members. In 2012, McGimpsey Field, an outdoor playground and sports field adjacent to the Club, was added through a gift from John and Opal McGimpsey.

The Lacey Branch provides programs and activities to prepare young people for real-world success by offering experiences that promote Healthy Lifestyles, Academic Success and Good Character & Citizenship. The Club provides academic support, enriching games and activities, time to play and enjoy the company of peers as well as the opportunity to connect with positive adult role models who are dedicated to supporting the social and emotional growth of the youth they serve.

Family nights are a regular occurrence at the Lacey Branch and include dinner and fun activities for the entire family. Other notable Club activities at the Lacey Branch include the Garden and Cooking Clubs, which meet weekly throughout the spring and summer. Members grow and harvest fruits and vegetables to make nutritious meals. Teens at the Lacey Club are also part of Torch Club and Keystone, programs focused on teens coordinating and carrying out volunteer service-learning projects in the community.

The Lacey Branch partners with many different organizations including the North Thurston Public Schools, the Lacey Police Department, Lacey and Gateway Rotary Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the South Sound Reading Foundation.