The trial unit began operation in October 2005 and the response was outstanding with over 100 students enrolling, Sprouse said.
"The numbers and quality of the program qualified the unit to be nationally certified in November," Sprouse said.
The club meets at Gans Elementary School from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and provides services to between 50 and 60 students daily, Sprouse said.
"The Gans School District Board of Education and Superintendent Brenda Taylor have been instrumental in providing support and resources for the success of the club," Sprouse said.
The club gets to use the cafeteria, where students receive a snack every
day, the gymnasium, playground, computer lab, library, and various classrooms at the elementary school, Sprouse said.
"The club is a good thing for working parents and it is a service to the community," Sprouse said. "We serve students from Head Start to the eighth grade."
"The students in the sixth, seventh and eighth grade have their program called Destinations. They enjoy doing things a little differently. They can meet with friends, play basketball, work on the computers, and do arts and crafts projects with Elizabeth Ackerman, art teacher," Sprouse said.
The club has a staff of four certified teachers and four tutors. High school students also volunteer to help the students with their homework, Sprouse said.
"We are doing the President's Challenge for fitness with the students. We have a ping pong table and a karaoke machine," Sprouse said.
"We would like to invite volunteers with special interests or hobbies to come and share their talent with the students. Maybe someone with an interest in photography or music," Sprouse said.
"We are hoping to provide some activities that the students will enjoy," Sprouse said.
To volunteer or for more information on the Gans Boys and Girls Club contact Sprouse at (918) 775-2236.
