Boys & Girls Club expands in Dayton

After a successful summer pilot program, the Mason Valley Boys & Girls Club will expand its services in Dayton when school resumes in Lyon County on Monday.

The club, which began offering services in Dayton when the county's youth-services program was discontinued June 4 because of budget cuts, initially intended to operate at Dayton Elementary School only.

However, enrollment at the summer program was high enough to warrant a summer program at each elementary school in both the mornings and afternoons.

"We've had tremendous success," said Travis Crowder, director of the Mason Valley club. "Because the numbers were so high, we were able to bring it to all three elementary schools, which makes it easier on the schools as well as parents and the kids."

A similar program is already being offered at Silver Springs Elementary School, where grant funding allowed the Boys & Girls Club to take over from the county.

Organizers had hoped for an enrollment of 100 kids, with about 60 members showing up each day. Instead, more than 200 children enrolled, with an average daily attendance between 80 and 85.

With the higher numbers and fundraising efforts, the club was able to drop its fees to $40 per week. There is a discount for multiple children attending from one family as well as daily rates. Scholarships also are available.

The Boys & Girls Club held a community meeting in March to gauge interest then another in April to answer questions and address concerns.

Announcements will be sent home to all Dayton students and an automated message was sent out through the school district informing parents of the services.