South Walton Boys and Girls Club Excited for Big Move

The crew at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast (South Walton Club) is preparing for a long-awaited move to their new building on 20 acres off Highway 331, behind the public library. For the past 11 years, the staff and kids of the club have been in a set of portable buildings on the site, and are extremely excited about their new facility. The first six years were spent on the west end of Scenic 30A, and the last five at the current location. Going from four small trailers to a 28,000 square foot building will be a huge change, but a welcome one.
 

 
The new building is complete with two-court gymnasium, technology lab, art room, teen room, game room, and six educational rooms. There are also three soccer fields in the back that Walton County will maintain in exchange for use by the county's youth recreational leagues. The trailers will soon be gone, the parking lot extended, and the staff and kids will enjoy an amazing facility every day. The South Walton Club currently has 80 registered children and hosts 60 a day at the facility. The new building will be able to accommodate 200 children a day.
 

Volunteers and supplies are always needed, but now more than ever. After the big move, the club plans to triple the amount of kids that attend. School supplies, games, athletic equipment, and arts and crafts are all appreciated and much needed - cash donations are always very welcome. To become a volunteer or to donate to the club, email Stephanie Rhoden at srhoden@bgcec.com or call (850) 622-0602. 

Stephanie is the area director, in her 17th year with the non-profit organization. Stephanie’s passion in life is to help children become better adults - to give them the chance to succeed. Through generous donors and other community partnership grants, Boys and Girls Clubs are able to offer that platform. Some of the largest local donors include the Dugas Foundation, the Pennington Foundation, Rosemary Beach Foundation, Wells Fargo, and Walmart.
 
The Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast provides an environment where children can thrive. Children in grades K-12 are all welcome, and academic success is the most important thing at the club. Upon arrival each day after school, homework is first on the docket. If a child needs help in a subject, teachers provide help and support. Healthy lifestyles and good character and citizenship are two additional programs implemented to build a successful lifestyle.  

Join us in supporting this influential organization. Volunteer your time, donate goods, or simply write a check. Your contribution will enable the club to continue taking care of our community children and to provide them a safe, supportive, nurturing environment.