More than 200 youth ages 5 to 18 took part in an indoor carnival at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County last week. It was healthy and wholesome summer fun as a diverse group of children enjoyed a day of water races, balloon darts and various indoor games. Children who worked up an appetite were treated to plenty of traditional carnival food, as the event was included a pizza party, candy, popcorn and cotton candy.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County have been busy all summer long. Earlier this month, more than 400 people celebrated Unity Day with members and staff of the Summer Fun Club and Teen Leadership Camp programs of the Plainfield, Elizabeth and Union Clubs. Together they shared a great day of food, games and activities at Weber Park in Union.
“All of our members and staff had a great time cooking together, playing sports and participating in activities,” said Russell Triolo, chief executive officer. “It is a wonderful time for everyone at all our clubs to come together and share the spirit of Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County.”
Triolo has served the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for 35 years. Under his leadership, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County have grown from a single clubhouse in 1980 serving 2,000 children to having a presence in six communities in Union County that today provides services to more than 4,000 children annually.
Summer programs are in session through August 29. After-school programs in Union, Elizabeth, Plainfield, Linden, Roselle and Hillside begin in September for youth ages 5 to 18.