Boys, Girls Club holding summer camp

CHRIS PAGANO*cpagano@semissourian.com

The computer technology class at the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau summer camp is enjoyed by Jordan Branhan, front and Brayshon Mercier. The two share common favorites: computers and gym.Southeast Missourian

Kindergartners through 12th-graders are enjoying a daily program of sports, art, reading, technology, math, science and SMART programs at the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau.

SMART, which stands for Skill Mastery And Resistance Training, offers insight on drug awareness, family relations, etiquette, hygiene, goals and violence.

The Boys and Girls Club, on downtown Broadway, aims to be the positive place for kids. A lineup of tested and nationally proven programs that address the areas of education, the environment, health, the arts, careers, alcohol/drug education and pregnancy prevention focus on today's most pressing youth issues. The aim is to inspire and enable young people to realize their full potential and teach them the skills they need to succeed in life.

"I've seen proof that the program works," said Shelly Moore, executive assistant at the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau. She's seen children having problems in school make an 180-degree turn in their academic studies because the after-school program has one-on-one tutoring available.

The program takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. It began June 23 and concludes Aug. 8. An Akidemy Award Ceremony takes place Aug. 9 at the Centenary Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau. The public is invited, and every child will receive an award. Awards recognize participation, interaction with friends, attendance, skills learned in PowerPoint presentations and how to start a business.

This is the first summer for Jordan Branhan, 9, of Cape Girardeau. He said he likes computers and gym the most and wants to come back next year. He wants to be a baseball and basketball player when he grows up, so he likes that sports computer games are available.

Camper Brayshon Mercier, 8, likes to add and multiply, so he practices his math skills on the computer. Brayshon, who would otherwise be bored at home, has spent two summers here and also wants to come back next year.

"When I grow up I want to be a science person or a baseball player," he said.

For more information about Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau, call 335-7141.