You're Never Too Young
Most kids dream of accomplishing something big, but they usually have to wait till they’re grownups to do it. Not so for the members of the Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes.
“They’re participating in Torch Club, a leadership program,” says Nicole Anderson, Educational Director. “When I asked what they’d like to do for a service project, they didn’t hesitate –they said, ‘Nicki, we want to build a playground.’ They began to describe a space that was “brand new, handicapped-accessible, and fun for all kids.”
Looking at the existing playground –a metal slide and a few baby swings –Anderson was doubtful. There were only 7 kids in this group, ages 11-13. There was no money and she had no idea where to start. “Many of the families that live on this end of the community are lower income; they can’t afford the kinds of things that people in other communities expect.”
But the kids already had a strategy. They’d seen a show about KaBOOM! on a local TV station and wanted her to find out more. “I signed up for a
U Play! Event in Foster City, but didn’t really expect much. I never dreamed I would get so much from the experience!”
Armed with enthusiasm and her toolkit, Anderson came home from the event and set up the portal for the
Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes Community Build Playground. She also began putting her new fundraising knowledge to work. Things looked promising -- in the first two months, the group raised $1000 through a series of small events –car washes, hot dog stands, craft fairs, and bake sales.
Hoping for wider exposure in the community, Anderson developed the group’s portal, posting an introduction, a mission statement, and photos. “I couldn’t figure out how to upload articles at first, but I just emailed KaBOOM! They answered me right away and helped me through it.”
The response to the group’s fundraising letters was disappointing at first. “Most of the local business owners didn’t respond, and the others declined.”
Anderson, who is 22, says that she and the kids took turns cheering each other on when their progress slowed. “These kids never give up! They wouldn’t let me give up, either.”
Anderson went on to obtain a 3-1 matching grant from the city. She also contacted the Detroit Lakes Tribune, which has been following the group’s progress ever since. “I wanted to keep the attention focused on the kids because, when adults are involved in something, it usually winds up being political. I just wanted the kids’ faces to be seen. They’re the ones who are making this happen.”
Business owners responded with large donations; with 2 months to go, the group has already reached its fundraising goal. The number of build day volunteers grows daily, and there are now 13 kids involved in the project.
“I’ve been so inspired by these kids,” Anderson says, adding that she’s also been inspired by her experience with KaBOOM! Since beginning this project, Anderson has decided to change her major from education to landscape design. When she graduates this fall, she hopes to work with organizations to develop similar community spaces around the country.
“These projects are about more than building playgrounds,” she says. “They’re about developing imaginations.”
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We'll be on the lookout for great applications of the portal technology. We'll be combing local portals for good ideas, engaging graphics and insightful stories. We'll also be launching a new training and support initiative where we will be actively reaching out to you to help you get your portal in great shape. Stay tuned for details.