In an agreement with Seymour Heights Christian Church, the Boys and Girls Club of Seymour uses the gym and other facilities of the church on Boyds Creek Highway to provide much needed daycare and a summer program for area youth.
   Many students arrive Monday through Friday as early as 7 a.m. and do not leave until picked up by family members around 6 p.m. They are asked to bring their own lunches, but the BGC does provide a nutritious snack each day around 3 p.m.
  Thomas Whillock, program specialist for the organization, does a variety of things throughout his day. Not only does he supervise students he also interviews potential junior staff members who are club members who want to take on a leadership role.
  "We provide the older students with the opportunity to learn leadership skills," he explained as he conducted an interview with Emily Bradshaw who has shown an interest in becoming a junior student staff member.
  Sara Loveday, a volunteer from the community, has strong ties to the Boys and Girls Club and enjoys helping with the numerous activities.
  "There is always something going on for the 130 students," she said.
  "The students along with chaperones take a field-trip somewhere every day," explained Whillock. "They do not have to go, but they can choose to go swimming, skating, to the Ultimate Frisbee Challenge, to the track for training, to a Smokie's baseball game, or to many other fun-filled activities."
  "Just getting to see the amazing baseball stadium is a real treat for our kids," said Whillock. "They have hours of entertainment during a fun-filled sports adventure."
   Anyone who may be interested in enrolling a student into the Boys and Girls Club may contact Eric Harper at 865 577 1080. He is the program director. There is a small fee charged for the services but the truly needy may apply for scholarships.

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