Boys & Girls Club coming to Huron County

NEW LONDON — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio will open eight new clubs, including its first one in Huron County — New London Elementary School, 425 Park Ave. — later this summer. When sessions for New London begin on June 13, coordinators welcome those who just completed kindergarten up until the age of those who just finished seventh grade. Children can expect to take part in many activities, which would include athletics, academic help, arts and music programming, leadership opportunities and field trips. They'll also receive breakfast and lunch each day. There is no charge to join. People can find more information about the clubs and how to register a child by visiting tinyurl.com/bgcneosummer or bgcneo.org. Expansion plans New London's location represents one of eight new spots within the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio territory. Others include those in Akron, Euclid, Cuyahoga Falls and Garfield Heights. "The expansion is the first phase of (the local organization's) recently enacted strategic plan, which seeks to double the number of kids served by 2025," according to a statement. Throughout northeast Ohio, there are about 40 affiliated clubs, making the chapter one of the largest Boys & Girls Club organizations in the U.S. The organization provides safe, fun places for children between 6 and 18 to go after school and in the summer. Clubs focus on healthy lifestyles, academic success and character development. The northeast Ohio chapter was formed by the 2019 merger of clubs in Cleveland, Akron, Lorain County and Sandusky. "There has never been a greater need to prioritize the best interests of your youth," the club's region CEO Jeff Scott said. "This expansion will help more kids and more families in more places in our community. In order to start reversing the worst child poverty rates in the country, parents who are able to work must be able to have free care for their kids while they work to support a family."