LAWTON — After taking the helm in September, Jacobi Crowley asked his staff for suggestions on ways to advance the club and ensure greater success for its 80 members—many of whom are second- or third-generation members.
“I’m really enjoying the club members and parents,” said Crowley, Unit Director of Boys and Girls Club of Lawton.
Like himself, the new director explained that many people involved with Boys and Girls Club have been with the organization since they were kids. With a grin, he recalled playing pool for the first time at the Boys and Girls Club of Lawton in the mid to late 90s.
“There’s a longstanding family tradition here,” he said. “A lot of families have been with us throughout the decades. That speaks volumes toward the organization, the kids, and the people we represent.”
Crowley intends to revamp the facilities and expand on programs.
“Our education and athletic programs give our members the opportunity to have great exposure and experiences they may not get anywhere else,” he said. “Now, we’re in a 21st century approach, with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), we need to take it to a higher level and find ways to capture members’ attention.”
Embracing virtual reality, Crowley said the organization never wants to be “behind the 8 ball” when things are transitioning.
“We want to make sure our kids are presented those opportunities,” he said.
Courtesy of a $30,000 grant, stage one for renovating the facility includes relocating the rec room, adding eight flatscreen TVs and one 100-inch TV to be installed by Lawton’s Coast Technology Group. Another detail-in-the-making is a mural of memories for the club’s main entrance undertaken by FastSigns of Lawton.
Activities and education better prepare members for success, Crowley said.
“We want to blend fun and education. Having those hand-in-hand here allows kids to relax and have fun outside of school or home. This is their fun time,” he said.
Fun activities and educational programs aren’t confined to the 60+ year-old facility, Crowley said as he gathered his keys to drive the organization’s 16-passenger bus used for field trips and extracurricular activities. While most field trips are STEM-based – going to the Wichita Wildlife Refuge or the zoo – earlier this year, Boys and Girls Club members were invited to a Southwestern Oklahoma State versus East Central University football game.
“It was the first time our kids had experienced a college campus,” he said. “I think that was a different opportunity for them to even think about college. And, seeing some former club members now playing college football, it may have motivated them to do better in school.”
Tuition for members is $20 per week for the after-school program; athletics is $40 per week to cover jerseys and additional equipment. After school, each member receives snacks, a nutritious meal, and homework assistance by college volunteers and staff members.
Lawton Boys and Girls Club, 1315 SW F Ave., in Lawton, is a division of The Salvation Army, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may be tax deductible.
For more details and enrollment information, find TSA Boys & Girls Club of Lawton, OK on Facebook or call (580) 357-7541.