Editor’s note: This is the fifth of a weekly series of activities happening at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula. For more information, see positiveplaceforkids.net or call 683-8095. — MD
Week of July 18
“My Oh My,” borrowing words from Dave Niehaus, we had a fabulous week and the highlight for our kids was enjoying a beautiful sunny day in Seattle at a Mariners game. The drive to the ferry was made first thing in the morning and our kids walked on and made their way to the stadium for the game winner against the White Sox.
The exciting ballgame went 11 innings and Steve Cishek, who visited our club and members six months ago, was on the mound. It ended in a thrilling walk off home run and turned kids into avid M’s fans.
Morning Camp — Industrial Evolution
The invention of machines, adoption of factories and discovery of new energy sources filled the week. The week kicked off aboard the bus and a trip to Seattle to tour the Theo Chocolate Factory, where they possess a spirit of innovation and excellence. Members learned all about the process from sourcing cocoa to roasting, milling and conch where each flavor is refined and lots of sampling occurred. Following the real life field trip, the members gathered in our clubhouse for a showing of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” The week concluded Friday with a visit from a George Washington impersonator.
Brain Gain — Balloons over Broadway
Most of our kids have seen the Irrigation Festival parade and some have even been in it. Our members looked over the New York City map and reviewed the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade route, where it starts and about the large balloons used in the parade. Members imagined what a float they designed might look like and set to work designing balloons.
Kids were introduced to Tony Sarg, a puppeteer and illustrator, and his vision for parades. The book “Balloons over Broadway” was shared as a group and they discussed parades they have been in, have seen and what they remember, and how Tony, the great visionary, displayed good leadership skills.
Junior Rangers — Lake Crescent Canoeing
Our junior rangers set out on a canoeing expedition this week starting at Nature Bridge and crossing the lake. Two canoes filled with 16 people and the challenge became paddling in unison. The rangers taught members how to develop a rhythm and soon a chant broke out “paddle paddle tap” and on tap their oars tapped the side of the canoe. The kids quickly mastered the skill and made their way across to a cove where they “parked” the canoes and could see deep into the lake down the sides of the cliffs.
Kids were amazed to learn two endemic trout live in Lake Crescent, “Cresneti and Beardslee,” who were indigenous to the area prior to the landslide that cut the lake off from the creek. These trout only found at Lake Crescent adapted to the cold glacier water.
Before the trip was over rangers took the kids on a hike to Marymere Falls where they each did a solo walk venturing 50 yards on their own reading thought-provoking cards designed to engage their senses.
Running Club
On your mark, get set, go! Like the Olympic time trials that recently took place, our kids stepped up to the starting line of Running Club. Sponsored by Seattle shoe manufacturer and running gurus, Brooks Running, members of the Boys & Girls Clubs will meet twice a week to take part in train runs, contests and lessons. Runners received a backpack, water bottle and a pedometer and will receive new running shoes with 75 percent participation.
