Boys & Girls Club lounge trip triggers policy change

The Boys & Girls Club of Cape Girardeau is reviewing its existing policies and procedures concerning field trips after some members of the community expressed concern over a June 21 trip to a local lounge.

According to a club news release, the children were taken to the lounge on a day that it was closed for business to be treated to smoothies and dancing.

In the news release, chief professional officer NaTika Rowles stated that, "although the intent was to provide a fun outing, more important is the safety and well being of the young people served by the club. The organization is deeply concerned about the impression that this field trip has otherwise communicated."

To ensure that a similar situation does not occur in the future, the club will reportedly make any necessary changes to existing policies and procedures, which will be reviewed by all staff and volunteers.

"The safety and well being of the community's children remains our number one priority and we pledge to continue our efforts to deliver the best possible service and stewardship in the future," Rowles stated in the release.