WESTFIELD-A unique program for kids with parents serving in the military is offered during “drill weekends” once a month at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield.
This past weekend, a Boys & Girls Club bus departed Barnes ANG filled with young people eager to meet up with friends they have made over the months and years that they have attended the program titled “Operation Military Kids Club.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield hosts an Operation Military Kids Club each month for kids whose parents serve in the military. On Sunday morning, Charisse Angco and Janis Rodriguez, both site coordinators, were overseeing the arts and crafts class.
In Massachusetts, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America initiative is conducted in collaboration with UMass Extension 4-H, UMass School of Public Health and Sciences, the state Department of Education, the Massachusetts National Guard, the U.S. Army Reserve, and the American Legion as well as military spouses.
There were close to 20 kids who participated in the weekend festivities which ranged from game room tournaments, arts and crafts and a computer lab to basketball and soccer drills. Additionally, kids learned about “Triple Play/Healthy Habits,” a national Boys and Girls Club program that teaches healthy habits through physical activity.
On Sunday morning, site coordinators Charisse Angco and Janis Rodriguez were instructing the children on ways to create 3-D Halloween decorations prior to lunch time.
For Rodriguez, offering this type of program hits home.
“I’m very pro-military,” said Rodriguez, noting her father and husband are veterans and her sons have served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. “The kids in this program can relate to each other on a different level.”
For Alessandra Fopiano, 14, of Huntington, attending the club for several years has been a welcome diversion from everyday life.
“Both of my parents serve at Barnes,” said Fopiano. “Attending this club is a big stress reliever and I enjoy seeing my friends. This place is really fun because there is always something entertaining to do.”
Danny Casineau, 6, of Westfield, concurred.
“My mom and dad are in the military,” said Casineau. “I like coming to the club because I like to go to the gym and play games.”
For Haleigh St. Jean, 8, of Westfield, the club offers a lot of options to have fun and make friends.
“I’ve been coming to the club for more than one year because all of the kids are friendly and there are a lot of nice people here,” said St. Jean, noting that swimming, playing Poly Pong, and using the computers are highlights of her weekend visits.
For Sean Hall, 7, of Westfield, who is new to the club’s “family,” he enjoys the gym, doing back and front flips in the swimming pool, and playing chess on the computer.
“I like the club and all its games and the swimming pool,” said Hall.
Rodriguez said a conversation on Saturday with a young girl put the program into perspective.
“The girl said she has friends in school but she enjoys coming to this program because everyone here understands the military commitment that their parents are making,” said Rodriguez. “What we see each drill weekend is the camaraderie that is shared by each of these kids.”
Angco added that the club is an opportunity for children of National Guard, Reserve and Active Duty families who do not live near active duty installations to enjoy a free membership. Upcoming drill weekends include Nov. 5-6; Dec. 3-4; Jan. 7-8; Feb. 11-12; March 4-5; April 1-2; May 6-7, and June 3-4.
For more information on the club, call (413) 562-2301 or visit www.bgcwestfield.org.
