Boys & Girls Clubs of North County celebrate Lights on After School

FALLBROOK –From Oct. 21 through Oct. 23, the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County celebrated 'Lights on After School' by bringing together teachers, students, and families to shed light on the importance of after school programs in the community.

At Vallecitos Elementary School, teachers volunteered their time to join with club staff in reading to the students and preparing fun and interactive activities while eating s'mores next to paper maiche fires.

At Live Oak Elementary, parents worked with staff to host a potluck for the students after school. Potter Jr. High held a sleep over for the fifth through eighth graders at the main club on Ivy Street.

Each gathering was part of more than 8,000 such events across the nation emphasizing the importance of keeping the lights on and the doors open after school. With more than 15 million school-age children on their own after school during the peak hours for juvenile crime and experimentation with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and sex, the hours of 3 to 6 p.m. are critical for supervision.

"The Boys & Girls Clubs of North County is proud to provide before and after school programs to nearly 700 children a day in our community," said Allison Barclay, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County.

"Our goal is provide a safe environment where every child in our community can learn, feel safe and have fun," Barclay added.

For more information on the programs and services that the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County offers, visit www.bgcnorthcounty.org or call (760) 728-5871.