Boys & Girls Club Grows Roots in McFarland
In the tranquil landscape of the San Joaquin Valley, a small rural community finds itself on the brink of a transformative journey with the expansion of an impactful youth development program. McFarland, known as the “Heartbeat of Agriculture,” and the home of the popular Sno-White drive-in and Maria’s Pizza, is a tight-knit community that has long cherished its traditional values, strong sense of family, and commitment to its children. It has thrived on the principles of hard work, resilience, and unity, yet they recognized the need to invest in the future—their youth.
Our introduction to the McFarland School District administration in February of 2021 to discuss after-school programs left our team inspired and motivated. By April of that year, we had a collaboration established and began hiring qualified local residents and training them to be youth development professionals directly at Horizon Elementary School. The school embraced our team and we hit the ground running with activities such as cooking, robotics, crafts, and organized sports five days a week after-school. Later “Fun Saturdays” were added to expand services and engage students in fun and engaging enrichment and social bonding activities.
Since the fall of 2021, we have duplicated our model based on hiring and training talented residents in and near McFarland to work with the district team to expand and deliver programs at Kern Avenue Elementary School and Browning
McFarland Youth Safety Team dedicated to keeping their school site safe of accidents.
Road STEAM Academy. This partnership continues to thrive to serve more youth than ever and now includes expanded healthy sports options such as cross country, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and more.
Our Area Program Director, Fanny Gama, gives credit to the tremendous hearts and unwavering commitment that the McFarland community has for its children. Boys & Girls Club has always been about creating an atmosphere of safety, belonging, positive guidance, and nurturing mentorships. We are eternally grateful to the McFarland School District, families and especially the children in our care for welcoming us so enthusiastically and making the Boys & Girls Club part of the community.
Amidst the small-town charm and postcard scenery a wave of hope and enthusiasm sweeps through this endearing community. Community leaders, educators and parents alike envision brighter futures for their children guided by the promise of a safe, engaging, and inclusive out-of-school program.
After School Program site Horizon Elementary School.
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Science fun during after school program in McFarland.
In a world where change is constant, and challenges are ever-evolving, the voice of youth advocacy emerges as a potent force driving progress and shaping the future. The importance of youth advocacy cannot be overstated; it serves as a catalyst for positive change, empowers young voices, and cultivates a generation of informed and engaged leaders.
Youth advocacy is also a powerful tool for civic engagement and democratic participation. By actively participating in advocacy efforts, young people learn about the democratic process, civic responsibilities, and the power of collective action. They become informed citizens who understand the importance of voting, advocacy campaigns, grassroots organizing, and civic activism in shaping public policies and decisions.
The teen advocacy program at the Lamont Boys & Girls Club has worked to bring community partners to a central table to collaborate on projects such as the development of a skate park in Arvin, which opened in 2017, as well as advocating for a Bakersfield College Extension Campus in Arvin (Arvin Educational Center). In
addition, their advocacy work in Lamont has contributed to establishing an affordable housing unit for 41 families with a walking path, the complete renovation of Lamont Park (which is closed during renovations and is expected to be complete in 2025), and campaigning for more stringent code enforcement in public places frequented by families. This year’s focus has been continuing their clean air advocacy. Thanks to the support from
the KDA Creative Corps and the California Arts Council (a state agency), the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County engaged local media artists to document the teens’ clean-air advocacy efforts in South Kern. The resulting short educational documentary, available in Spanish and English, draws attention to the high levels of air pollution in the rural cities of Arvin and Lamont and how local teens are using air monitoring, advocacy, and community education and
Lamont Teens test air at Panorama Bluffs.
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Lamont teens with members of the Kern Dance Alliance during the premiere of “The Air We Breath.”
engagement to improve the quality of life for those living in one of California’s most disadvantaged communities.
“The Air We Breathe” is more than just a short film; it’s a powerful narrative that intertwines environmental awareness, community engagement, and the urgency of collective action. Premiering during the Earth Day Fair at the Lamont Club on April 22, 2024, the film captivated audiences with its poignant storytelling and thoughtprovoking message.
Following its debut, the film embarked on a journey of community engagement and education through additional screenings throughout April,
with the Lamont teens on hand to answer any questions. These screenings provided valuable opportunities for dialogue, reflection, and action, sparking conversations about environmental stewardship and the importance of sustainable practices.
By watching “The Air We Breathe,” you educate yourself and become part of a larger movement toward environmental consciousness and advocacy. Your involvement, awareness, and actions shape a more sustainable and resilient world. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the air we breathe remains clean, healthy, and vibrant for all.
“The Air We Breathe”
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Lamont teens performing air tests in Lamont and Arvin area.
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Lamont teens worked with members from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to test the air quality.
Sunset Middle School students attended the premiere for “The Air We Breathe.”
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Lamont teens demonstrated seed planting during their Earth Day Festival at the Lamont Boys & Girls Club.
Active 20-30 Club of Bakersfield
Vince Aguilar
Justin & April Ahart
Paul Andre
Timothy & Caitlin Ashlock
Ariel & Abby Auffant
Alan Avery
Alex M. Balfour
Larry & Kay Bardin
Adam Belter
Cathy Bennett
Aimee Blaine
MacKenzie Boone
Greg & Rose Broida
John & Jean Browning
Charles & Theresa Bush
Tina Cantelmi
Chris Caratan
Juan & Sabrina Cazares
Elsie Collins
Gary & Donna Cross
Mickey & Alex Cushine
Mike & Maggie Cushine
Matt Damian
Chelsea Dow
Ken & Marjorie Dow
Karla Espinoza
Mark & Becky Evans
Alexandria Fabbro
Melissa Fortune & Bruce Beretta
Christine Frazier
Fanny Gama
Justin & Megan Garant
Monica Gonzales
Renee Goodwin
Diana Gordon
Robert & Jerry Haner
Matthew & Shelly Hewett
Barry Hill
Cynthia Huggins
Edgar Jacobs
Larry Koman
Allan Krauter & Anna Agenjo
Bernie & Lynn LeBeau
Michael Lewis & Barbara Rycerski
Ryan & Frances Lewis
Andrew Lopez
Quon & Marivic Louey
Zachary Martindale
Erlinda Martinez
Natalie Martinez
Renee Massey
Janice Meek
Karinna Mendoza
Peggy Miller
Ruth Miranda
Chris & Jovan Molina
Alex & Kristin Monsibais
Jonathan & Mary Anne Mueller
Dale Oprandy
Randy & Mary Richardson
Bruce Saathoff & Tony Cervantes
Saber Insurance Agency
Darin Schwicker
Tim & Christy Simmons
John & Christina Sistrunk
Paul Skarphol
Zane & Amy Smith
Mark Steele
Bryce & Ashlyn Sterling
Keith Stonebraker
Carol Sugimori
Linda Sullenger
Robert Tafoya & Sandra Serrano
Josh & Susan Wall
Gloria Williams
Deborah Wood
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A sense of community, belonging, and enjoyment are at the forefront of what the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County aims to create for their young members and that is what esports is at its very core. Igniting enthusiasm among players, this initiative provides a platform for youth to engage in competitive gaming while fostering teamwork, strategic thinking, and sportspersonship.
As someone who’s made friends and life-long bonds, I feel that esports create a positive and supportive community for participating youth. I was fortunate enough to bring this new aspect of education and enrichment through the esports program when I had the opportunity to facilitate it at the Armstrong Youth Center. There I saw something wildly special unfold right before my eyes.
As the youth were learning the skillsets and tools for competition, they were coaching and supporting one another, giving each other advice, and becoming friends in minutes. It didn’t matter who was sitting next to whom, or what grade they were in, they were sharing the experience and growing. Along with that growth came tact, friendships, and personal development.
Finally, when it came to running the big
tournament event, they got to feel the joy of success. Playing on a stage in front of an audience. Hearing the cheers. Testing their skills against their friends who they were getting to know better throughout the week. And even though there can be only one winner, they all conducted themselves with honor and grace. They all finished that day stronger, excited to challenge each other again, to become better players, and to become better friends.
This new and exciting world of esports not only offers skills building, knowledge and social bonding, but it also creates a path for healthy lifestyles and potential careers. Parents can rest assured knowing their children are engaging in a structured, educational, and inclusive program that prioritizes skill-building and camaraderie. I, for one, can’t wait to see what they do next.
As esports continues to surge in popularity globally, initiatives like this one are vital for nurturing the next generation of competitive gamers while providing a safe and constructive space for them to thrive.
Armstrong Youth Center members enjoyed esports during Spring Break Camp.
Spring Break intersession members kicked off esports at Bakersfield City School District campuses.
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Around the fun-filled classrooms of the local Boys & Girls Clubs, triumphant tales are often told, but some of the most profound are those of individuals who have traversed the path from “Club Kid” to Club Staff. Such stories embody the essence of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of the Club. Let’s meet Ruth Miranda, a beacon of inspiration whose own journey illuminates the life-changing potential that resides within the walls of a Boys & Girls Club and its programs.
Ruth’s adventure began in her early adolescence when she first joined the Boys & Girls Club at Emerson Middle School. As a shy and introspective young girl, she sought solace and guidance amidst the challenges of adolescence. The structured activities and nurturing environment provided by the youth program served as a sanctuary, offering her the support and encouragement she needed to flourish.
“It was my safe space and the lessons learned at the Club have helped shape who I am today,” says Ruth. “I was like a sponge, absorbing everything the program had to offer.”
Under the mentorship of dedicated staff members, Ruth blossomed, discovering her strengths, passions, and aspirations. She eagerly embraced every opportunity for growth and self-discovery. More importantly, she found role models who believed in her potential and challenged her to reach for the stars.
Fortunately, Ruth’s journey with the Club didn’t end at Emerson Middle School. Inspired by the profound impact of her mentors, Ruth felt compelled to pay it forward and become a beacon of hope for the next generation. A little over a decade ago, Ruth started working at the Club part-time as an Activity Leader while attending college perusing her life-long dream to become a teacher. Then after receiving her bachelor’s
degree from California State University, Bakersfield, she decided to continue to stay with the Club.
“It’s a part of me. It felt like home,” Ruth reflects. “I wanted to give back to the Club that was there for me as a child.”
After being promoted to Site Coordinator, and now, an Senior Area Program Director, Ruth currently oversees 42 schools with 6 direct reports. Additionally over the last two years, she’s also been leading “Career Launch”, the Club’s summer paid-internship program for teens to help prepare them for their first jobs. “Working at the Club has been wonderful,” commented Ruth. “There’s always a team behind you ready to support you and help you succeed.”
For Ruth, the most rewarding aspect of her work lies in witnessing the journey of transformation of other “Club Kids”– the same journey she once traveled herself. Ruth’s story serves as a testament to the profound impact of youth development programs and the enduring power of mentorship.
As is true with most great leaders, Ruth hasn’t been on this journey alone. Her inspiration and motivation are strengthened every day by her husband, Jorge, and her three children, Jorge, Lilyanne, and Vivyanne. “A simple smile or hug from any of them makes me the happiest person on earth.”
Ruth and her family enjoying time together.
Ruth’s children sharing a moment.
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Ruth and her family enjoy celebrating birthdays together.
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