Published July 04, 2008 11:11 pm -
Teen center needs volunteers
By Cathy Spaulding
Phoenix Staff Writer
Editor’s note: One in a series highlighting volunteer opportunities in Muskogee.
With teens coming over to shoot baskets, play pingpong, work on computers or make music, the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club Teen Center doesn’t lack for activity.
What it does lack is adult volunteers who can commit to a scheduled event, said center director Ken Henshaw.
“A lot of volunteers come in and out to help shoot baskets,” he said. “But what we don’t have is people with time on their hands.”
Henshaw said he’s looking for volunteers to help teach computer classes or supervise dance classes.
“If we can get a couple of hours a week out of someone, that would be great,” he said. “With 60 to 70 kids at the center, it’s enough to keep an eye on them, but I can’t teach a class.”
The Teen Center, located in what used to be the Muskogee Recreation Center at 322 Callahan St., offers a variety of programs in sports, arts, music, career exploration and character development. The program is open for kids between 13 and 18 years of age.
Teens can “work off” the yearly $20 fee. Younger kids are attending a summer day camp through Aug. 9 at the center.
Henshaw said more adults are needed to help with the Teen Center’s growing list of programs.
“Basically, we need people to work in our sports program,” Henshaw said, adding that several programs need coaches and assistants.
The Teen Center has a basketball court and several game rooms. The center is planning leagues in basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, dodge ball and bowling. The center also will work with other facilities to provide programs in tennis and golf.
The Teen Center also is working on setting up an in-house recording studio. Officials hope to set up a digital music production class.