The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County says they will remain open, with extended programs, as schools close because of coronavirus.
Bakersfield, CA (March 16, 2020) – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County will align with local school districts where the Club operates on school campuses. Approximately 59 locations in Kern County will be impacted. However, the Club will continue to operate at three separate facility-based program sites and extend hours from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm to create day camp settings while schools are closed. The three Club locations, Armstrong Youth Center (East Bakersfield), Stockdale Club (Southwest Bakersfield), and Lamont Club, will be accepting new members, extending programs, and serving meals. Our primary goal is to provide full-day activities for school-age children of first responders, healthcare professionals, essential community personnel, and those parents/guardians who must work to maintain employment.
Armstrong Youth Center
801 Niles Street
Bakersfield, CA 93305
661-325-3730
Lamont Club
8301 Segrue Rd
Lamont, CA 93241
661-845-4523
Stockdale Club
5207 Young St. Suite 200
Bakersfield, CA 93311
661-663-8733
“We want to support working families who may be experiencing challenges due to school closures in our area,” said Zane Smith, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County. “We are working to be cautious and responsive as possible to our family and community in this challenging time.”
The Clubs have no evidence of anyone there having contracted the COVID-19 virus, and have instituted the following policies at all Clubs:
Families and staff will be asked to discontinue participation if they have had symptoms of illness; fall into one of the vulnerable/risk categories; or come in to contact with anyone who has a confirmed case of the coronavirus and/or is awaiting test results in the last 14 days.
Youth and staff are required to wash their hands upon arrival and will wash thoroughly before eating meals, snacks, or after using the restroom. Also, the Club is instituting hand washing breaks and program environment wipe downs during scheduled activities.
If the Club experiences a confirmed case of coronavirus — in a staff member or youth — the Club will close down for 24 hours to allow the disinfection of all surfaces. However, the Club cannot guarantee that the Club environments are germ and virus free.
Capacity will be limited to fewer than 250 people, including staff. The Club will maintain a minimum of 20:1 ratio between attendees and staff.
These services are fee-based to cover the costs of overhead directly reflecting extended operation hours, increased staffing, increase program supplies, and meal services.
Parents are advised to call their neighborhood Club (listed above) to confirm the dates/time or visit bgclubsofkerncounty.org.
