Pirates invade Boys and Girls Club

Mary A. Castillo

Pirates took over the Laguna Beach Boys and Girls Club this week as

part of the “theme days”that children can help organize throughout the

summer.

The members ran through the building, eagerly searching for hidden

treasures. The prize? Many long, summer days spent with friends, said

Susie Hird, program director.

“There are so many programs this summer it’s hard to keep track of

them all,” she said.

Although attendance drops from an average 150 children per day to only

65, the club still bustles with activity. A good thing as far as Hird is

concerned, because that means there are less chances of children getting

into trouble.

However at the club, children are exposed to something different every

day.

“This is a safe place for kids to be,” Hird explained. “Parents don’t

have to worry about them when they’re here because they’re exposed to

educational activities, sports and arts and crafts.”

Children who are members of the club this summer will also have the

chance to participate in Radio Laguna, an online radio program, as well

as a full schedule of field trips to places like Palace Park, Gameworks,

Lego Land and more.

However, this isn’t a place strictly for the 12 and under crowd. In

addition to opportunities to work at this year’s Sawdust Festival, teens

can also participate in a summer-long series called “Art and Healing”

taught by artist Laurie Zagon.

“The biggest problems with teens today is that they don’t let their

emotions out,” said Will Robinson, assistant teen director. “The program

allows them open up their hearts and minds so their emotions don’t cause

any damage.”

He used one particular piece that spoke simply yet eloquently as a cry

for help.

“We’re going to sit down with the teen and see if we can help with

counseling,” he said.

Membership in the club is $110 a year and during the summer children

can hang out for $15 per day or $60 per week.

“We’re a great resource for single parents or working parents who want

to know that their kids are OK,” Hird said. There are also scholarship

opportunities for families who still want to participate.

“We don’t like to turn any child away,” she said.

The Laguna Beach Boys and Girls Club can be reached at 494-2535.