STRATFIELD UNIT PROGRAMS
 FALL 2007

Email Update List Want to know latest program additions, openings, gym hours and opportunities for Stratfield Unit members?  Sign up today to join the our Email List. An email will be sent about once each week. Just email tim@wakemanclub.com with child’s name and grade.  You’ll then be added to our list and be one of the first to know what’s going on! 

Click below or scroll down to learn more about the programs!

Contact Outreach Director Tim Cepetelli at 374-1108, stop by the club or email tim@wakemanclub.com for more info about programs at the club.

Complete Fall/Winter Program Descriptions

Tourneys, Vacation & Special Activities

 

DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT          GRADES 3-5        $60/TEAM + 1 FOOD ITEM PER PLAYER

Thursday, September 13th from 9:00-11:30am - no school today!  Get your team of 5 or 6 players together for an action packed morning of dodgeball.  All teams play in same division in round-robin double elimination tournament.  Players will be entered in raffle for prizes based on number of non-perishable food items they donate on night of tourney.  Registration forms are available at Stratfield Unit and online beginning August 23rd.  Only team registrations will be accepted; no individual registrations allowed.

 

DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT          GRADES 6-8        $60/TEAM + 1 FOOD ITEM PER PLAYER

Friday, October 26th from 6:30-9:15pm - get your team of 5 or 6 players together for an action packed Friday night of dodgeball.  All teams play in same division in round-robin double elimination tournament.  Players will be entered in raffle for prizes based on number of non-perishable food items they donate on night of tourney.  Snack stand will be open.  Registration forms available at Stratfield Unit and online starting September 5th.  Only team registrations will be accepted; no individual registrations allowed.  Sponsored by Torch Club.

 

3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT               GRADE 6-8    $35 PER TEAM + 1 ITEM OF FOOD
Monday, November 5th - No school tomorrow, so bring your game and 2-3 teammates for a 3 on 3 tourney at the Stratfield Unit!  Teams of 3-4 players will play minimum of two games in round robin tourney.  Tourney is from 6:15-9:15pm.  There will be a 6th grade division and 7th-8th grade division.  Boys & girls are welcome.  Pizza & drinks will be served.  Players will be entered in raffle for prizes based on number of non-perishable food items they donate night of tourney.  Registration forms and additional information is available at Stratfield Unit and online starting October 3rd.  This is a fun tourney – teams/players of all skill levels are welcome.  No coaches/parents allowed.  This event is sponsored by the Stratfield Unit Torch Club and Keystone Club.

 

BINGO BREAKFAST                   GRADES 1-2 & 3-5      $10 PER CHILD/$20 MAX PER FAMILY

Pancakes, bingo and prizes make for a great morning!  The morning will also include organized gym and gameroom time.  1st & 2nd graders will play in different room than 3rd-5th graders.  All participants will take home a prize!  Bingo Breakfast is sponsored by the Keystone Club and Torch Club.

Tuesday, November 6th from 9:00am-11:00am.  Registration date: October 4th.

Monday, January 21st from 9:00-11:00am.  Registration date: December 4th.

 

KIDS NIGHT AT THE CLUB       GRADES 4-6                $10 + 1 ITEM OF FOOD PER CHILD

Join us for a big night out at the Club full of music, contests, snacks, dodgeball, karaoke, ice cream sundaes, raffles and more!  Earn a raffle ticket for every item of food brought to the Club.  Kids Night Out is sponsored by the Keystone Club and Torch Club.

Friday, November 16th from 7:00-10:00pm.  Registration date: October 3rd.

Friday, December 21st from 6:30-9:30pm.  Registration date: November 6th.

PASTA NIGHTS                               GRADES 3-8                         $3 PER DINNER
Work up an appetite during Open Gym and join us for dinner with the works on the first Wednesday of school each month! Dinner includes ziti, garlic bread, salad and dessert. Dinner is served at 5:45 (be at club and check in with staff by 5:00).  Bring a guest to Open Gym & dinner for $5 fee (normal guest fee is $5 without dinner!).  Pasta night is sponsored by Keystone and Torch Clubs.  Upcoming Pasta Nights are 9/5, 10/3, 11/7, 12/5, 1/2, 2/6.  Registration starts two weeks before dinner.  Pre-registration is important for dinner preparation!

PASTA BINGO DAY                 GRADES 1-2                    $10 PER DAY

Come join us for two hours full of BINGO, pasta and more! Pasta dinner will be served and small prizes awarded to all participants. The day will also have a short period of game room time and organized gym time. Bingo Days are sponsored by the Keystone Club.  Bingo days listed below take place the same day as several 3rd-8th grade pasta nights so all the Wakeman members in your family can have dinner at the Club!

Pasta Night I: Wednesday, September 5th from 4:15-6:15.  Registration date: August 23rd.

Pasta Bingo II: Wednesday, December 5th from 4:15-6:15.  Registration date: November 6th.

 

2 BALL TOURNAMENT              GRADES 3-8                FREE

2 Ball is an exciting game where teams of two players spend one minute shooting from “hot spots” on the court worth varying amount of points.  Come play at the Stratfield Unit on Monday, January 21st (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) anytime between 12:00-3:00pm.  Bring a friend or find partners at the Club.  Prizes will be awarded.  There will be no 2 Ball tournament at our Southport Clubhouse, so bring all your friends to the Stratfield Unit! 

 

MINI CAMPS                                GRADES 1-2                $20 PER DAY

Mini camps during days off from school and school vacation are a chance for young members to participate in fun gym games, arts & crafts, carpet bowling and ping pong in the game room, baking brownies in the kitchen, and other challenging and entertaining activities.  The schedule changes every day, so kids never know what’s next!  Register for as many days as you like - it’s your choice.  A snack will be provided but members should bring their own lunch.  Mini Camp takes place from 11:00am-2:30pm.  Additional morning programs may take place certain days.  Please inquire at registration.

Days off from school:

Thursday, September 13th from 11:00am-2:30pm  (Rosh Hashanah)

Tuesday, November 6th from 11:00am-2:30pm (Election Day)

Friday, December 21st from 11:00am-2:30pm (Ffld Schools Professional Day)

Monday, January 21st from 11:00am-2:30pm (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

Vacation weeks:  Use your creativity to show your spiritt and join in the themed activities each day!

December Mini Camp (registration date Nov. 6th)

Thursday, December 27th   “Crazy Hat Day”  Yes – you can wear your silly hat in the Club today!

Friday, December 28th       “Rubics Cube Day”  Rubics cube has 6 colors – see how many colors you can wear!

Monday, December 31st     “New Year’s Eve Party Day”   Bring in the New Year with festive party attire!

No Camp 12/24-12/26

 

February Mini Camp (registration date: Jan. 8th)

Monday, February 18th      “Patriotic Day” We celebrate our presidents and country with red, white and blue!

Tuesday, February 19th        “Mismatch Day” Get dressed in the dark – no one will care!

Wednesday, February 20th  “Pajama Day”  Just roll out of bed and into Wakeman -  goofy slippers welcome!

Thursday, February 21st      “I Wish It Was Summer Day”   Ahhh – let’s all pretend it’s a beach day!

Friday, February 22nd          “Sports Uniform Day”  Show your Yankee (or other) pride from your favorite sport!

 

Education & Life Skills 

SMART KIDS MAKE SMART MOVES   GRADES 1-2             $15
This program sponsored by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, focuses on providing children with the knowledge, skills and self-esteem necessary to avoid risky behaviors and/or situations.  Members learn how to deal with peer pressure, participate in self-awareness activities to develop respect for one’s own body, ability to handle feelings and healthy habits.  It is a fun learning experience that provides our youngest members with age appropriate knowledge and skills needed to grow into confident teenagers.  The class will also have time each week to participate in a supervised gym activity and healthy fun snack.  The six week class meets Mondays from 4:00-5:30 on November 12, 19, 26, December 3, 10, 17.  Registration Date: October 4th.

ULTIMATE JOURNEY                               GRADES 1-2             $45
This internationally recognized award winning environmental education program leads members on a fun-filled journey into the world of plants and animals.  Through small-group participation in games, crafts and discovery-based activities, young people will develop a better awareness of the environment.  At the end of each day, members will be able to participate in a fun and gooey science experiment!  The six week class meets Wednesdays from 4:00-5:30 on January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13. 

CPR/BABYSITTER CERTIFICATION      GRADES 6-8             $70
Babysitting/CPR Super Sitters class allows 6th-8th grade boys and girls to become fully certified in infant, child and adult CPR.  Class also helps them gain confidence as babysitters.  The class is taught by registered nurses/EMTs and meets Tuesdays from 4:15-6:00 on November 6, 12, 20, 27 & December 4, 11 at the Stratfield Unit.  In order to become certified, it is mandatory that all participants attend all 6 classes.  Please note first class takes place on Election Day.  It is very important for members to pay serious attention during every class.  This is an excellent class for our young babysitters and future babysitters!  Registration Date: October 3rd. 

BAKING BUDDIES (GRADES 1-2) & CURIOUS COOKS (GRADES 3-5)
Cooking classes have not been scheduled yet for the fall/winter season.  Registration and program details will be posted in the Stratfield Unit Email Update as soon as information is available.   The Club is currently seeking a new head instructor for the classes and welcomes interest from potential instructors.

 

Character & Leadership Development

 

                                           
 

TORCH CLUB                GRADES 7 & 8         $50

Torch Club is a chartered small-group leadership and service club for 7th & 8th grade boys & girls.  Torch Club is a powerful way for Club staff to help meet the special character development needs of adolescents at a critical stage in life. Torch Club members learn to elect officers, form committees and work together to implement activities in four areas: service to Club and community, education, health and fitness and social recreation.

 
In 2006-07, Torch Club sponsored or volunteered at numerous Wakeman special activities such as Munchkin Madness, Breakfast & Movie Mornings, Four-Thirty Friday Fun, Bake Sales, Fall Cleanup at Red Baker’s house, serving dinner at Prospect House and more!  Torchers also helped the community through fundraising and volunteering in community projects such as Relay for Life, Prospect House and Audubon Society.  Meetings also welcomed speakers from various walks of life who led discussions with the group.

 
Meetings will usually be held bi-weekly on Sundays from 6:30-7:45, with occasional meetings on Thursdays. Tentative meeting schedule: 10/14, 10/28, 11/11, 11/29*, 12/9, 12/20*, 1/3*, 1/13, 1/27, 2/10, 2/24, 3/9, 3/20*, 3/30, 4/6, 4/20, 5/4, 5/18.  Dates with * are Thursday night meetings due to Sunday scheduling conflicts.

Activities will be planned by Torch members and Advisors throughout the school year.  Please make sure you will be able to commit to the Torch Club requirements.  These include attendance at meetings and completing at least 2 hours of community service through Wakeman each month.  Torch Advisors will provide opportunities for members to complete their hours each month.  Only activities set up by Torch Club count for Torch hours.


HOW TO JOIN:  A maximum of twenty members will be selected based on handwritten essay of 125 words or less stating the reason you want to be part of Torch and describe an activity idea that Torch Club can implement during the year.  Members selected will be posted at www.wakemanclub.com on Sept. 28th.  Click on “Stratfield Unit” then “Torch Club”.  All new Torch Club members will receive a Torch sweatshirt and t-shirt.  Essay is due Sept. 21st and must be handed in at Statfield Unit.  

STRATFIELD UNIT KEYSTONE CLUB               GRADES 9-12                       $50
Keystone Club is one of the premier leadership and service programs in America since 1964, meeting young people’s vitally important needs for positive group experience. With guidance of an adult advisor, fun opportunities are created to serve others while becoming more productive citizens and leaders.  Keystone members plan and implement their own activities in six core areas: Character & Leadership, Service to Club & Community, Education & Career Exploration, Free Enterprise, Unity and Social Recreation.  Keystoners attend bi-weekly meetings and plan series of programs, fundraisers and social events for members of the Club and community. Meetings are held bi-weekly on Thursdays from 6:30-7:45. Tentative meeting schedule:  10/11, 10/25, 11/1, 11/15, 11/29, 12/6, 12/20, 1/3, 1/17, 1/31, 2/14, 2/28, 3/13, 3/27, 4/10, 4/24, 5/8, 5/22.

 HOW TO JOIN: A maximum of twenty 9th-12th graders will be selected based on a hand written essay of 125 words or less starting the reason why you want to be a part of the Keystone Club. Also, include a new and innovative idea that Keystone Club can plan this year to benefit Wakeman members or the community. Members selected for Keystone will be posted at www.wakemanclub.com on Sept. 28th. Click on “Stratfield Unit” then “Keystone Club”.  All new Keystone members will receive a Keystone sweatshirt and t-shirt.  Essays are due September 21st and must be handed in at Stratfield Unit only. 

VOLUNTEER TUTORS & MENTORS                 GRADES 9-12                       FREE
Tutors: 9th-12th graders serve as volunteer tutors for small groups of students with homework/reading help after school. Volunteers can help on Mondays and/or Thursdays from 3:30-4:30pm at McKinley School.  Tutors must commit to volunteering for a minimum of one season of the school year.  Tutoring begins in mid September, but new tutors may be accepted throughout the school year.

Mentors: 10-12th grade high school students serve as volunteer mentors to students at McKinley School.  Mentors spend 30 minutes in the classroom with their student learning about what the student is studying, how they interact with classmates and homework assignments for the day.  The remaining 60 minutes are spent together in the school library with other mentors and students for homework help, playing games/sports, or just hanging out with other mentor participants.  Both male and female mentors are needed.  Mentors can volunteer on Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 3:00-4:30, but must attend the same day each week.  Mentors must be able to commit to volunteering for a minimum of two seasons of the school year.  Mentoring begins in mid September, but new mentors may be accepted throughout the school year.

 Tutor and mentor volunteers should email Tim@wakemanclub.com or call Wakeman’s Stratfield Unit Clubhouse 374-1108 with interest or questions about volunteering.  All volunteers are initially interviewed to match with McKinley students based on compatibility of interests and personalities.  A pre-year training will be held for all volunteers and chaperones are present to assist mentors/tutors at all times. 

FRESHMEN AS STAFF TRAINEES (FAST)        GRADE 9                   FREE
 Wakeman is searching for a few good young men and women to serve as volunteer “junior staff in training” for the Stratfield Unit.  FAST participants will volunteer after school at least one day each week for a total of ten hours a month.  Athletes who have one or two off-seasons will also be considered.  The primary responsibility of a FAST is to help 3rd-5th grade members in the Club’s Open Gym drop-in learn to play by the rules, make new friends and have fun, particularly in the game room, gym and on the field.  The weekly volunteer schedule will be arranged around volunteer’s schedule.  Other responsibilities may include assisting with classes, setting up for programs, creating bulletin boards and mailings.  FAST participants will meet one hour each month for training and discussion to improve their skills working with children in the Club.  Participation in the FAST program will also better prepare candidates for paid staff positions when they become sophomores.  Applications for the FAST program can be printed from Stratfield Unit web page on www.wakemanclub.com or picked up from the Stratfield Unit.  Applications should be submitted to the Stratfield Unit on or before September 5th for fall consideration and December 5th for winter consideration.  The FAST program will only take place at the Stratfield Unit this year and is limited to ten members each season.
 

Sports, Fitness & Recreation

 

SMALL FRY FRIDAY                     grades 1 & 2              $30 per 3 week session

This program is a chance for all our "small fry" boys and girls to participate in supervised athletic games and free play in a friendly non-competitive environment.  Participants will be given snack and drink each week in addition to a t-shirt.

Session I: Fridays from 4:00-5:30 on September 28, October 5, 12.  Registration date: August 28.

Session II: Fridays from 4:00-5:30 on October 19, 26, November 2.  Registration date: August 28.

  

MUNCHKIN MADNESS               grades 1 & 2             $25

This class organized by our volunteer Torch Club members (7th/8th grade community service club) enables 1st & 2nd grade boys and girls an opportunity to participate in fun sport games, group challenges, scavenger hunts, gameroom activities and more.  Each week features new activities!

Session I: Fridays from 4:00-5:15 on November 30, December 7, 14.  Registration date: October 4th.

Session II: Fridays from 4:00-5:15 on January 17, 24, 31.  Registration date: December 4th.

 

PTS-PREPARING FOR TEAM SPORTS                grades 1 & 2           $50

The goal of PTS is to teach the fundamental skills needed for boys and girls to play a variety of sports, and to introduce the members to the concepts of teamwork and sportsmanship.  Sports will include basketball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, capture the flag and more!  All participants will receive PTS t-shirt.  Class is held Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00 on September 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17.  Registration date: Aug. 28th.

BASKETBALL SKILL BUILDING            grades 3-5                   $50     
This four week class is for boys and girls with little to average basketball experience.  Instructors work with youngsters at 1:6 ratio to help learn the following areas as they apply to Wakeman basketball: rules, ball handling, lay-ups, and defense.  Players scrimmage every day!  As skills improve, so will self-confidence!  Class is held Mondays from 4:00-5:15 on October 1, 8, 15, 22.  Registration date: September 5th.

 

The Arts

 

ARTS & CRAFTS                             GRADES 1-2                $30 PER 3 WEEK SESSION
Come splash paint, mold clay, make a bit of a mess and create masterpieces!  Classes are offered to help boys and girls express their creativity through a variety of projects.  A list of projects will be sent home at the first class.  Bring your imagination – we’ll provide the smock!  This class is taught in three week sessions. New projects are introduced and completed every week.

Session I: Mondays from 4:15-5:30 on September 17, 24, October 1.  Registration date: August 23rd.

Session II: Mondays from 4:15-5:30 on October 8, 15, 22.  Registration date: August 23rd.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY                             GRADES 3-6              $60
Snap the perfect fall foliage shot!  This 6-week class for boys and girls focuses on basic beginner concepts of photography.  Participants learn about various photo-taking techniques, a little photography history, and tips for taking amazing pictures while following components of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Photo Tech program.  Our photographers-in-training will also experiment with their photos using computer photo art, cropping, and other art media to create long lasting works of art!  Participants must bring their own digital camera each week.  Class is held Thursdays from 4:00-5:15 on September 20, 27, October 3, 11, 18, 25.  Registration date: August 23rd.

 

Click here for Keystone Club web page

 

OPEN GYM
Open Gym is for 3rd-8th graders. Click here for Open Gym Hours at the Stratfield Unit!

 

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