BGC Wolf Creek - Rimbey is gearing up for a move to the local elementary school from the Rimbey Nazarene Church.
The change is slated to take place in March, and the new digs will provide more convenient access for students who benefit from the range of BGC's programming, said Ria Lartec, the organization's program director.
Most of the youngsters who access the programming attend the elementary school, so the change will be helpful for many of the youth, she said.
"We have all of our programs going - our after-school program, and our full day program which is called 'School's Out' when we open full days during winter and spring breaks, and professional development days," she said.
Also, last fall BGC Wolf Creek - Rimbey launched a new means of helping to shape young leaders - the Torch Junior Leadership Program.
"Our family counselling is in place as well," she said, adding the mentoring program is also going strong, although more mentors are needed.
Meanwhile, coming up soon is the annual Bowl for Kids - set to run in Rimbey on March 14. The event supports BGC Wolf Creek in-school mentoring programs.
Last year, nearly $7,000 was raised in Rimbey.
Participants are asked to form teams of up to six people, which can include friends, family members, employees, and/or co-workers. There are also opportunities to sponsor teams, donate prizes, or help to provide refreshments.
To register a team for Bowl for Kids and select a time slot to bowl, or to support the event by donating a prize, call 403-704-6641 for further information.
BGC Wolf Creek - Rimbey is a satellite location to BGC Wolf Creek Ponoka which has been in existence since 2001. The Rimbey operation was launched in 2014. BGC of Wolf Creek also serves Ponoka, Lacombe, Blackfalds, and Bentley.
Meanwhile, other club programs include the after-school program, which serves kindergarten through to Grade 6. They also provide full days of activities when students are off due to professional development days at school, she said.
No matter what the program is, the feedback that Lartec receives is consistently encouraging.
Lartec has also produced two videos where both youth and mentors are asked what they appreciate about BGC Wolf Creek - Rimbey.
One girl said there are always fun things to do. "We craft a lot, we play a lot of games."
Another youngster said he liked how the kids are able to do different things every week. Fields trips are also popular feature.
"I like the club because I get to hang out with friends, read some books, and play games," another explained. "And I get to do lots and lots of fun things and activities."
As for the mentoring program, several mentors pointed out how much they get out of their times with their mentees.
"I am a mentor to a young girl at the school, and we do different things like crafts and baking...when we meet, she is smiling, and giving me hugs.She is starting to open up about what she is feeling. I can say that our meetings are very positive, and that we both really look forward to getting together," explained one volunteer mentor.
One of the teen mentors also explained how rewarding the program has been.
"I find it really rewarding to know that I'm making an impact on this boy's life, and that I am helping him in any way that I can."
For Lartec, this kind of feedback aligns perfectly with her vision for the organization.
"We see a very positive impact on the kids. We also see development in their behaviours, their personalities, and their confidence levels - it's very rewarding."
For more about BGC Wolf Creek Rimbey and all the programming offered, call 403-704-6641 or head to rimbey.bgcwolfcreek.com.
