Boys & Girls Club provides important support for children from Troy

The Boys & Girls Club of the Capital Area clubhouse on June 7.^th Avenue in Troy is a safe haven for many children in many ways. The school’s programs have a major impact on developing future leaders in Troy and the surrounding area.

Children as young as 3 years old can participate in the programs. The organization offers general preschool and afterschool programs as well as summer camps. It also offers programs for youth focused on combating violence and building careers.

The clubhouse in Troy features a pool, basketball, soccer and other sports, a brand new media lab, a hydroponic farm.

In addition, it is an important source of food for many children who eat there every day.

Although known for sports and recreation, the clubhouse promotes positive behavior and leadership.

“It starts with the kids coming here just looking for a safe place, and they don’t realize how much they’re going to gain from their experience here,” says Cary Rueppel, the new chief operations officer.

The club fulfills the important task of helping children find an outlet that keeps them on their path.

“There are a lot of kids who are struggling in school, who are struggling at home, and when they come to Clubhouse, they find caring adults and mentors who can work with them individually, they find friends who have similar interests and who are supportive, and that strengthens their ability to really address their own personal challenges and achieve their own personal goals,” Rueppel said.