HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In responding to COVID-19, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson and the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce are collaborating to provide teens with a summer day camp focused on workforce readiness.
The program is called "The Mine" and it’s housed in the former Red Cross office adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce offices. The area has been vacant since late 2014. As the Boys & Girls Clubs worked carefully to plan its summer programs amidst changing requirements on group gathering sizes, it appeared unlikely the club would be able to serve teens during the day this summer. Skip Wilson, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson, approached the Chamber about working together on the program that helps teens find a possible career path.
The two agencies worked together to ready the site in time for its opening date on June 15. Walls were repainted in vibrant club colors. The club brought in recreation activities and comfortable furniture. The Chamber donated conference tables and chairs. The club says 35 teens are engaging in hands-on career learning and participating in recreational activities.
The daily teen program at The Mine focuses on employability skills, career exploration and personal branding. Career lessons are complemented with trips into local businesses to meet business professionals and see career opportunities firsthand. The club hopes its program at The Mine will spark occupational interest for local teens while giving them a productive, fun and safe place to spend their summer.