Boys & Girls Clubs expands afterschool program to La Pine

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon is expanding their afterschool program to La Pine, with the new program to be hosted at the La Pine Community Center. The initiative will serve students from La Pine Elementary, Rosland Elementary and La Pine Middle School, operating Monday through Friday and ending at 6:30 p.m.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion will take place on Sept. 18 at the La Pine Club. Special guest Ashton Eaton, a retired U.S. decathlon athlete and two-time Olympic gold medalist, will be joining at the event. Community members and families will gather at 2:45 p.m., followed by the ribbon-cutting at 3:00 p.m.

The expansion aims to address local demand for reliable afterschool care for working families. To manage student arrival, staff members will walk La Pine Elementary students directly to the facility, while separate transportation is provided for students attending Rosland Elementary.

Standard annual youth memberships cost $25, with scholarships and financial assistance available for families facing financial hardship.

The program offers academic support and tutoring, active recreation, creative enrichment and mentorship to students. The staff also provides reading assistance through a program called "Power Hour," alongside hands-on technology, engineering, math, robotics and art projects.

Michael Baker, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon, highlighted the initiative's focus on helping local parents and students.

“Expanding into La Pine allows us to directly support working families who need safe, high-quality afterschool care they can trust,” Baker said. “Every child deserves an after-school environment filled with fun, discovery and support. Bringing our programs to La Pine delivers both — offering safe, high-quality care for working families while unlocking exciting new opportunities for La Pine kids.”