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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2011

Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove’s Teens Team up with Calvary Chapel West Grove’s Men’s Group to Build a Stage for the Community

Garden Grove, CA (August 15, 2011) – On Saturday, August 6, 2011, Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove’s (BGCGG) 12 Club members from the Keystone Club, ages 14-18, teamed up with Calvary Chapel West Grove’s (CCWG) Men’s Group to build a stage from scratch in one morning as a “community project.”

The wood was pre-cut and the men guided the teens with the activity, teaching them how to use power tools, drills, screwdrivers, and staple guns. Members also learned how to carpet the stage.

“It was a really great opportunity for our kids to learn a new skill and to be around so much positivity, support, and encouragement. For example, a teen was timid of using the staple gun, but the CCWG men encouraged her, it was great to see the smile on her face that she can do it! It was about accomplishing things they thought they couldn’t,” said Heidi Levesque, Director of Main Branch.

At the completion of the project, Jessica, a 17 year-old Keystone member said, “My dad always said it is hard work being a contractor, and now I believe him. It really is hard work!”

The Keystone group was excited to participate in a project in which they took ownership in and happy to give back to their community. Much to their surprise, the stage was coming back to their Club. The group thought they were helping the church, but the church was giving back to the community.

Now members are thrilled to have a portable stage to perform on and run a year-round performing arts program.

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GARDEN GROVE

For more than 50 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove (BGCGG) has changed and saved lives, enabling young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Striving to help children “BE GREAT”, Boys & Girls Clubs plays an integral role in its community by providing children hope and opportunity through school age, family support, and community outreach programs.

BGCGG serves 6,000 young people daily at 58 sites, from “Diapers to Diplomas,” ages 18 months-18 years old, with programs in character & leadership, education & career, the arts, health & life skills, and sports, fitness & recreation. In addition, BGCGG expands its services to over 10,000 families annually through 5 family support programs to ensure that the needs of the whole child are met.

These programs include Family Campus Preschool, Early Learning Programs, Academy Programs, ARCHES (Access to Resources for Children's Health, Education and Support), and FYOP (Family & Youth Outreach Program).

For more information, please visit www.begreatgardengrove.org.Great Futures Start Here.

ABOUT KEYSTONE CLUBS

This unique leadership development experience provides opportunities for young people ages 14 to 18. Youth participate, both in and out of the Club, in activities in three focus areas: academic success, career preparation and community service. With the guidance of an adult advisor, Keystone Clubs aim to have a positive impact on members, the Club and community.

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