Video: Tupelo Boys and Girls Clubs Host Spring Break Preview

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — While many families are visiting relatives or taking a vacation this spring break, a lot of students are home. To help give those youngsters something constructive to do, local Boys and Girls Clubs are opening their doors, free of charge. WCBi’s Allie Martin visited a Tupelo club and shows us how the spring break initiative is making a big difference in the lives of young people.

All this week, about 40 young people, ranging in age from 6 to 18, have spent each day at the Haven Acres Boys and Girls Club.

“We’re always a positive place for kids to come grow and learn,” said Unit Director, Mattie Mabry.

Mabry oversees the Haven Acres Boys & Girls Club and this week all fees are waived so youngsters can see what the Boys and Girls Club has to offer. There is classroom time, where Skills, Mastery and Resistance Training, or SMART, is taught. It allows participants to learn real life skills.

For years, Boys and Girls Clubs nationwide have opened their doors for free during spring break. It allows students to see everything the clubs have to offer and provides a sneak peek to summertime activities.

“That is off the chain, as the children say, cause we run, in this particular club, our average daily attendance was about 135 per day,” said Mabry.

The spring break schedule offers field trips, a time for lunch and of course, lots of games and other activities. Students appreciate the variety, the lessons learned and the chance to get out of the house.

11-year old Ashton Mcintosh told what she has learned this week: “[That] tobacco and smoking could hurt you and about mathematics and reading.”

12-year old Coland Pickens said, “My favorite part is doing homework and supporting Boys and Girls Club.”

“We learn about don’t do stuff, like tobacco and alcohol, after that we get to have fun,” said 11-year old Stedmon Yates.

Learning real life skills, in a fun safe atmosphere is the mission of the Boys and Girls Club during spring break, and throughout the entire year.

This week’s spring break camp wraps up Friday with a day of fun activities and a hot dog cookout.