By Michael S. Hoey
Corespondent
The Boys and Girls Club of Walworth County took another step toward opening its first club by hiring Karin Slayton as the unit director for its Delavan site. Slayton started in her position July 15.
The Boys and Girls Club of Walworth County will begin operating at Phoenix Middle School in mid-October. Slayton said a final date has not yet been selected as the club finalizes plans for a grand-opening event.
Slayton said the club is excited to be a part of the Delavan community and to work with the school district.
“I am glad we are moving forward,” School Board President Jeff Scherer said. “It is long overdue.”
Slayton, 40, of Fontana, has two sons ages 5 and 10, so she understands the need for after-school programming.
“There is a large population of youth who need a quality safe place to spend time after school,” she said.
Slayton earned her master’s degree in sociology from New Mexico State University. She has experience as the program director for the YMCA of Metro Milwaukee where she ran before- and after-school programs. She has worked part-time for the past two years for the Geneva Lakes Conservancy and the City of Delavan Recreation Department.
“It is similar to what I did in Milwaukee,” Slayton said about her new role. “The Boys and Girls Club is a great organization and there is a need in Walworth County.”
Slayton said the club eventually hopes to expand to other communities in the county and secure its own stand-alone facility.
“We are thrilled to work with the school district and have this opportunity,” Slayton said. “Down the road, it is a goal to be able to provide a recreation or community facility for the youth.”
Slayton said the school district has been very good about making Phoenix Middle School available as long as scheduling permits.
The Boys and Girls Club will offer an after-school program in Delavan that will include academic support, recreational activities, and other programs like art or clubs based on interest, Slayton said. She said a number of middle school teachers have already volunteered to help. A healthy snack will also be offered every day, and some family events will be offered.
Slayton said the club will charge a $10 annual fee to join. She said the fee is about getting the kids to take some ownership in the club. Most of the operating costs will have to be covered with fundraising.
“We are always looking for donations,” she said. “It is the only way the club will be able to stay open and be successful.”
One opportunity to help is the second annual golf outing at Delbrook Golf Course on Sept. 28. The event will be an 18-hole best-ball scramble event that will start at noon. The event includes golf, a cart, a chance to win a car in a hole-in-one giveaway, raffles and a buffet dinner. Golfers of all abilities are welcome. Tickets for golf and dinner are $75 per person before Sept. 1 and $85 after that. Dinner-only tickets are $25.
Slayton said much needs to be done before the club begins operating. The club is accepting donations of school supplies, furniture or money and volunteer help. Specifically the club is still looking for part-time program staff.
“We would appreciate anything people want to do to help,” Slayton said.
Anyone interested in registering online for the golf outing, making a donation, or volunteering can do so at www.bgcwalco.org, e-mail the club at bgcwalco@gmail.com, or call (262) 726-1242.
“Our fundraising will be a continuing effort,” Slayton said.
