"Participation this year was focused on rewarding members for their involvement in key program areas to show the club's and staff's appreciation for their attendance and for the support of their families and the community," Wilkinson said.
"Many of the club's activities were geared toward reminding the children and youth why they attend the club and what their attendance has done for them or how it has positively affected their lives," Wilkinson said.
Wilkinson said some of the highlights of the week included the following:
The students were led on a photo safaris with cameras and film to capture whatever caught their eye for the second annual IMAGEMaker photography contest," Wilkinson said. IMAGEMaker is a national competition sponsored by Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Circuit City.
Joey Oliver and Brittney Walker were selected to participate in the Youth of the Year program, a national program that offers college scholarship money, Wilkinson said. "This is the first time our club has held this contest. The students will participate in the state and regional competition next year and will be required to give public speeches and write essays on prescribed topics," Wilkinson said.
The Torch Club, a leadership and service training program for club members ages 11-14, attended Oklahoma Boys and Girls Club Day at the state capitol April 5. Clubs from all over the state attended and the groups were recognized on the floor of the House of Representatives by a Governor's proclamation and a House's citation.
Club members also observe the week with a sidewalk art show. Many of the drawings and paintings depicted club activities, friendships, ideals, and the fun the members have. This program will continue throughout the spring and summer, Wilkinson said.
The club also held several tournaments during the week. The club staff holds pool tournaments on a regular basis, but the largest tournament takes place during Boys and Girls Club Week. The club also hosted a jump rope contest and basketball contests, Wilkinson, said.
During arts and crafts creative programming hours, many members entered a spring coloring contest. Club T-shirts were given to the winners in each age group and water bottles were awarded to runner-ups.
As part of a prevention campaign kick-off, which started during Boys and Girls Club week, members are being challenged to create their own public awareness campaigns for alcohol, drug, and tobacco use prevention. "Each team participating will script, direct, and star in their own commerical to emphasize what they have learned in preventive programs," Wilkinson said.
For more information on the club call 775-4659 or come by the club at 113 N. Elm.
Contributions toward the annual fundraising campaign are tax deductible and can be sent to P.O. Box 1028, Sallisaw, Wilkinson said.
