With the intent to better the community, Backus Community Center has reached out to the children of working parents with a fun, safe and productive after-school program.
Backus Kids Club started this summer after a similar program at St. Thomas School closed.
“The people of Backus wanted to continue an after-school program in this community because of the need for it,” said Julie Talmage, who is the coordinator for the program.
Talmage said that prior to the launch of the Backus Kids Club, staff members who helped with the St. Thomas program were consulted to be sure they’d be willing to help again. With a good number of support staff on board, the work to develop the program began.
After a few months of preparations, the Backus Kids Club made its debut the first day of summer vacation with over 50 registered youngsters.
“They don’t all come at once,” Talmage reassured. “They have different schedules and we allow a manageable number at a time.”
Because of the success of the summer program, it was decided to continue Backus Kids Club into the fall. Backus received financial support from the Northland Foundation of Duluth and the Falls Rotary Club to make the continuation possible.
The staff at Backus Kids Club pride themselves in building a strong after-school foundation for students in grades K-6, Talmage said.
“I believe kids will enjoy our program because many of them are at the age where they are too old for day care,” Talmage explained. “Here, they can interact with kids around their age and enjoy themselves after school.”
The staff at kids club offer a variety of both on- and off-site activities with different weekly themes.
According to Talmage, activities have really helped boost Backus Kids Club. Word of the program really spread during the summer after the kids took a field trip to the high school to go swimming.
“Typically when we do a trip like that, we have about three staff members for 20 kids,” she said.
In addition to the fun, games and activities, Backus Kids Club also sets aside time for homework help with a licensed teacher on staff.
“When the kids first get here, they have a snack and do activities and then, once they’ve settled down, we have a homework help time,” Talmage said.
When school is in session, the kids club runs daily from 3:15-6:30 p.m. and on designated days off from school, such as the Oct. 21-22 Education Minnesota Professional conference and winter break, the program runs from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
The cost is $3 per child per hour and there is room for more students.
“We are always welcoming more kids,” Talmage said. “It is our hope to make this program grow and make it the best it can be.”
