Story #6

Bemidji Boys and Girls Club, more than just a daycare

Club praises college work programs

By Andrew Pooch and Nick Jelacie

Word Count: 770

            It’s still morning and the Boys and Girls Club of Bemidji lies dormant.   “Mornings are when I get a chance to get to my administrative duties,” said Karl Mork, Program Director. Once the final bell rings to end class for the day, the Boys and Girls Club of Bemidji comes alive with children of all ages.  “When the kids get here, my job becomes supervisor and sometimes I have to play principal.”

The birth of the Bemidji Boys & Girls Club was made possible by a grass roots movement pioneered by dedicated citizens, local businesses, foundations, the school district, city, state and federal government entities and the non-profit community. The process started when a committee was formed by now Executive Director Leonore Potter, to address the possible reuse of the former Bemidji High School.

  “Former BSU President Jon Quistgaard and I met and decided that this would be a good spot for the Club and BSU would keep the land around it,” said Potter.  She realized there was potential and wanted to move out of their facility at the old Seventh Day Adventist School.

             According to the Boys and Girls Club Web site, Bemidji was the only town of its size in the region that did not have a Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, or a community center.

The mission of the club is to have core programs that support the development of children.  The programs help instill confidence in an environment that helps children achieve their full potential.  Children have the opportunity to participate in the technology center, gaming, sports activities, arts and crafts, and educational activities.

The club is located at the site of the old Bemidji High School on the B lot. The facility was built in 2003 to be a Boys and Girls club.  The two-basketball court gym and locker rooms are the only remaining pieces from the original 1960 structure. 

Since the action by the Club to move closer to BSU, a relationship has grown.  BSU has been able to form work-study, internship and volunteer programs with the Club and the programs are growing annually.  “We started with only one work-study spot when the program began in 2006,” said Mork.  “Last year we had six, and this year we have twelve.”  This gives more one-on-one time for each child and Mork believes the larger the pool, the better chance there will be someone that shares his or her experience with others.

            Sophomore Steve Mayer is a current work-study employee that has worked in the program for two years.  “I’m from Bemidji and did my Eagle Scout work here.  I liked the people I worked with and wanted to continue working here if I got the chance.”  He had the option to work in maintenance, tutoring, technology, lunchroom or supervising.  He chose maintenance work.  “I take care of random tasks that need to be done.”

            BSU is responsible for 75 percent of the wages and the Club pays the other 25 percent.  “It’s an advantage for BSU, because students with certain majors such as social work or education find it complimentary to their studies,” said Potter.

The Club is the second largest employer of work-study students in Bemidji behind the university.  Many students have also done unpaid internships with the club.  Majors that have fulfilled internships include: psychology, education, social work, criminal justice and business.

            Volunteers are also a crucial part of what makes things run at the club.  “We are very fortunate to be next to a college.  Not many clubs can say that,” said Mork.  “The students are young, talented, energetic and willing to make a difference.” 

             Mork explained that many students have come through the club to volunteer.  Many volunteered on a mandatory basis and others for enjoyment.  “The majority will put in their four to six hours then never come back,” said Mork.  “Out of the pool of volunteers there is usually someone who is positively affected and will turn their volunteering into 100 plus hours – that’s something special.”

            

BSU Sophomore Steve Mayer does one of his odd jobs at the Boys and Girls Club before the children show up.  Photo take by Andrew Pooch

The game room at the Boys and Girls Club allows students to participate in foosball, air hockey and a variety of board games.  Photo taken by Andrew Pooch

The Boys and Girls Club of Bemidji offers work-study, internships and volunteering opportunities for BSU students.  Photo taken by Andrew Pooch