In every community, children and teens are left to find their own recreation and companionship, often in the streets. An increasing number are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need a safe, nurturing place to go during those times when they are most at risk.

The Gene Mack Clubhouse offers this and much more. As part of the Boys & Girls Club of Middlesex County, its purpose is to promote the social, educational, health, leadership, and character development of boys and girls during critical periods of their growth.

Located adjacent to the Chevalier Theatre at 30 Forest Street in Medford Square, the Gene Mack Clubhouse provides a safe place to learn and grow through ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals, and life-enhancing programs and character development experiences.

Kids come for fun, but they get so much more, as they learn:

• To cooperate with and respect each other.
• The value of fair play
• The skills that will allow them to flourish as mature, responsible adults and citizens.

Since 2001, the Gene Mack Clubhouse has been “A Place to Go and A Place to Grow” for young people ages 6-18 in Medford. It is “The Positive Place for Kids.”

Special Attractions
Among the reasons the Gene Mack Clubhouse is special are:
• Dues are so low -- $15 a year -- that all youth, regardless of financial circumstances, can join.
• It’s open during the critical non-school hours of 2:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the school year, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the summer (with extended care hours if needed).
• Its programs are designed to meet the needs of our 21st century children and teens.
• And it is run by a staff of trained Youth Development Professionals.

Facilities and core programs:
The Gene Mack Clubhouse offers something for everyone

Learning Center
Members can get help with homework from an adult counselor and participate in quiet activities.

Arts & Crafts Room
Members can put their creative ideas on paper and learn how to make different projects with adult counselors.

Social Recreation
Members utilize their social skills interacting with other members and staff while learning and playing various types of games.

Gymnasium
Members get a chance to work on motor skills, hand-eye coordination and get important physical fitness activity while participating in various sports activities and leagues.

Technology Center
Members get a chance to enhance their computer skills using various Microsoft Office Programs such as Word, PowerPoint and Publisher. They also learn how to use and search the Web safely on filtered Internet systems.

Teen Center
Members between the ages of 12½ and 18 can participate in various activities (board games, video games, ping-pong, pool, foosball and more) while utilizing their social skills when interacting with peers and staff. Teens can also join peer leadership groups like the Nike Swoosh Club and Keystone Club.

Membership
The cost of membership at Boys & Girls Clubs of Middlesex County is $15 per year. Scholarships are available. For more information, stop in at the Gene Mack Clubhouse, or call 781-391-3619.