Local Boys & Girls Club introducing the Cyber Club

SANDUSKY — When the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio was forced to temporarily close its sites because of the health crisis, nearly 2,000 children a day — including those enrolled in the Boys & Girls Club in Erie County — lost a vital after-school component: the care and support of adult mentors through programming. Now they can reconnect, virtually. Starting Monday, officials will launch what they're calling the Cyber Club, which is a daily digital menu of activities and programs that are aligned with the organization's focal points: academic success, healthy lifestyles and character development. Best of all, the virtual programming will feature some of the same youth development professionals kids are used to seeing after school. Kids and family members can view more information at bgcneo.org. "We wanted to keep our connection with club members by offering content that is not only in line with our mission but is also interesting to them," said Allen Smith, chief programs officer for the clubs in Cleveland. "Many of the videos will feature staff members from around our region, so kids will be able to see and hear from some of the mentors they know and trust." The daily digital menu will include a welcome message, daily fitness challenge, arts and science activities and knowledge-boosting programs. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio was formed by the 2019 merger of clubs in Cleveland, Akron, Lorain County and Sandusky. Boys & Girls Clubs provide safe, fun places for kids ages between 6 and 18 after school. The organization has 39 locations in five counties, but those clubs have been closed since mid-March in response to the closing of all schools and then the shutdown of all non-essential businesses.