For more than 20 years, the Woodland Boys & Girls Club has been a place for kids to go after school and in the summer.
The club provides a safe and positive environment, fun, opportunities and supportive relationships. Leaders recognize the achievements of the kids.
The Menominee Indian Tribe built the building and leases it to the club for $1 a year. More than 50 children belong to the club, with daily attendance ranging from 15 to 30.
Donna Hora-Schwobe, executive director, said the club’s many programs help children learn.
“The kids don’t even know they are learning,” she said. “We believe learning should be fun.”
Not only are the kids taught good values, they also are exposed to their cultural values.
Tanya Pocan is the part-time program director. Hora-Schwobe said the club could use a full-time person in that position.
Recently, with a donation from Menominee Tribal Enterprise, the club bought an elk hide so the children could make hand drums. When the drums were completed, the children drummed and sang at a MTE meeting.
“They said thank you for helping and supporting them,” said treasurer Gene Caldwell, who works at the mill.
Something the leaders are focusing on now is the nationwide problem of bullying.
“Right now, we are trying to curb bullying,” Caldwell said.
Kids who attend the club are 7 to 18 years old. Ages 7 to 12 leave at 7 p.m. The 13- to 18-year-olds can stay until 9 p.m. There is a teen room, computers, lounge area, arts and crafts area, and an area for physical activity, such as basketball and kickball.
“It’s almost like a safe haven,” Caldwell said. “We’re still in the middle of trying to get a full-fledged kitchen. A lot of kids are hungry after school.”
The kids get a snack after school and a full meal for supper. Samantha Grignon is the cook.
“If you come here at supper, you eat,” Hora-Schwobe said.
In the summer, the club is open from noon to 9 p.m. The members pay a nominal amount to attend the club, with the idea of giving them a sense of ownership.
Most of the children come from Menominee Tribal School and Menominee Indian Middle School, as well as Zoar and Middle Village.
“We won’t turn anyone away,” Caldwell said. “Our motto is it’s a positive place for kids.”
The club took over the yearly Rez Ride, which is the third weekend in September.
The number of riders was down this year, but there are plans to build it up again next year.
The club also has held an annual powwow for 12 years.
The club is funded by grants, the tribe, the county and private donors.
Club leaders say there is a pressing need for more space.
“Right now we’re just crowded,” Hora-Schwobe said. “We need a storage building.”
The board meets every other month. In addition to Caldwell, board members are Ron Corn, Faye Dodge, Twila Peters and Rosemary Simon Kazik. For more information, call 715-756-2439.
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