The first Suffolk unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Hampton Roads opened at John F. Kennedy Middle School on June 17.

Dennis Barnes, unit director, said that he is excited

about the first summer session and looks forward to good participation.

Brian Basnight Sr. is the program director.

The club is open year around, The summer session will end on Aug. 22 and the fall session will start Sept. 2.

&uot;The Suffolk unit has actually been here getting organized since May 1,&uot; Barnes said. &uot; We will serve youths from ages six to 18 in a 10-month program and will be opened

from 8 a.m.-6

p.m. from Monday-Thursday.

Basnight said that the club offers a variety of programs that improve educational opportunities and character building.

&uot;It also offers recreational programs aimed to equip youth with the proper skills and knowledge needed to become productive and responsible citizens within our society,&uot; he said.

Since Basnight is so involved with the program, his two sons have attended the Boys and Girls Club in the Colonial Building in Norfolk ever since they have been old enough.

Brian Jr., 10, who attends Mack Benn Jr. Elementary School, said that he loved the fact that he learned how to play several games along with kick ball and basketball.

&uot;I think that the club is a whole lot of fun,&uot; he said.

Ian, 8, echoed his older brother’s sentiments. &uot;I’m glad that a club has come to Suffolk because it’s closer to home,&uot; he said. &uot;I really like playing kickball and baseball.&uot;

There are also several arts and crafts and finger and mural painting included, and a girl’s program that focuses heavily on good health.

According to Basnight, there are now five teachers employed in the program and one of them, Willie Covington, will be heading a Nike Swoosh Club — an athletic and community program. In this activity students will take part in an &uot;Adopt A Highway&uot; to learn about community service.

There are six units of Boys and Girls Clubs in Norfolk and one in Virginia Beach.

&uot;At the present time, we have about 50 students enrolled at Kennedy but have more teachers who have applied for summer work,&uot; Basnight said. &uot; We will increase positions as we increase in the number of students who enroll.&uot;

The club is still accepting members to the summer program. To register, go to the gym at the side entrance of J.F.K. Middle School from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Fees for the program are as follows: $10 membership, $10 registration and $30 bi-weekly to take part in activities.

For more information about Boys and Girls Clubs of Hampton Roads contact Barnes and Basnight at 934-0349.