Willits Kids Club

About Kids Club

In 1999, a group of Willits parents and teachers gathered to meet and discuss the horrifying incident of youth violence that had taken place at Columbine High School in April of that year. At several community meetings, parents discussed how youth violence could be prevented by providing a higher level of guidance and expanded recreational opportunities to youth. In 2001, a shocking episode of youth violence here in our own community reinforced the conviction of a few people that more should be done to keep kids safe and out of trouble. On October 28, 1999, the first organizational meeting was held at the Willits Library meeting room. Sixteen people attended, including two people who went on to become founding board members of the Willits Boys and Girls Club, which was later renamed “Willits Kids Club.” Willits Kids Club was incorporated in March of 2000. Our program started with a one-day per week after school program and expanded to a daily after school program as well as summer day camp. The effort to build a youth center in Willits took many years and much fund raising and grant writing.

A community partnership formed and major funding came from grants from the State of California, County of Mendocino, FIRST 5, and many other generous businesses, groups and individuals.

The Willits Kids Club youth center was completed in 2009 and is now “home base” for the after school program that serves nearly 200 children per day

Elementary K-5

Our Elementary Kids Club after school program serves Brookside and Blosser Lane schools offering youth in grades K-5 guidance and enrichment in a safe, supervised place for the after school hours. The Elementary School students from Brookside ride the school bus to the Willits Kids Club Youth Center on Blosser Lane. The first order of business after school is a healthy snack! Monday through Thursday students are given academic support through reading groups. After reading the students are offered free choice time. Choices include creative play, structured activities which include gardening, sports, games, art, crafts, ceramics, cooking, building projects and service projects.

Baechtel Grove Middle School

The Baechtel Grove Kids Club after school program for 6th through 8th graders offers a safe, supervised environment for hanging out after school, getting help with homework, and the opportunity to make and create things. The program runs from the time school is out until 6 PM every day that school is in session. The middle school program works with school sports teams and after school activities. Kids check in at Kids Club, get a snack, do some homework and then go to their sports practice. Leadership and service opportunities are offered.