BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB LOOKING FOR A SHOW OF INTEREST

"There's nothing to do" is a familiar refrain among youngsters, who have their own ideas about fun. Adults sometimes join in the nothing-to-do lament, even when the activities in our community offer seemingly endless possibilities (see Gary Rust's column below).

Schools, churches and organized groups such as Scouts do a good job of providing wholesome activities that build character and provide outlets to have fun. But youths these days have plenty of free time on their hands, it seems, and even the best efforts don't seem to provide enough activities or enough options for everyone at loose ends.

And in more and more homes these days, there is no adult on the premises during working hours, not to mention the fact that many parents have interests and hobbies of their own that occupy their time, leaving many children to amuse themselves even in the evenings.

One organization that has been successful in meeting some of the needs of youths around the country is the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Representatives of the group's midwestern division were in Cape Girardeau recently to begin exploring the need for a club here.

Similar efforts have already been made elsewhere around Missouri. Poplar Bluff is about to start a Boys and Girls Club. Preliminary efforts were made last year to serve the area of Dunklin, Pemiscot, New Madrid and Mississippi counties. A Jefferson City club is expected to receive a charter soon.

Another get-together is being planned for July, at which time an effort will be made to determine community support for a Boys and Girls Club in Cape Girardeau. If you are interested in this, give someone you know a call at the Civic Center, Area Wide United Way, Community Caring Council or Caring Communities. Your views would be appreciated.