In the Community

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities

"We've always been able to count on Gary Kirt and the employees at Bell Mortgage."
-Doug Neville, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities

More than 11,000 local children consider the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities safe havens, where they are accepted, encouraged and valued. The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities includes eight locations. Each spot serves as a secure place for local children to learn and grow through ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals. Organizers say the clubs are so much more than just buildings. They are opportunities for local children to increase their potential at school, make smarter decisions and put their lives on a track toward success- not drugs, alcohol or gang violence.

One of the many ways the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities reaches out to inner-city children is through a summer adventure called Camp Voyageur. The camp is 110 acres of woodlands, located in Mound on the western tip of Lake Minnetonka. Every year, hundreds of children from inner-city areas spend one week enjoying activities like arts and crafts, swimming, sailing and sitting around the campfire. For many of these children it's their first opportunity to get out of the city and enjoy the outdoors, while building strong friendships and life skills. Camp Voyageur is funded primarily by donations.

Mr. Kirt was a "club kid" himself. He remembers many nights at the Boys and Girls Club and many positive experiences as well. Kirt has served on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities since 1980. He constantly donates his time to the Clubs' activities including fundraisers like the Twins Bash and the Annual Benefit Gala. Organizers say the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities depends on volunteers like Mr. Kirt for its survival.

For more information about the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, including volunteer opportunities, log on to: www.boysandgirls.org