Lake Chelan kids show off their new digs at Community Center

Rep. Kim Schrier, left, visits Lake Chelan Valley Boys and Girls Club, located inside the Lake Chelan Community Center on July 28.

A tour of the new Lake Chelan Valley Boys & Girls Club, at the Lake Chelan Community Center, was a highlight of Congresswoman Kim Schrier's visit to Chelan on Monday.

Rep. Schrier met with officials from the city of Chelan earlier in the morning - discussing city projects, viticulture, health care and senior services. with the new updated facility at Heritage Heights. Schrier also participated in a pinning ceremony for an area Vietnam veteran.  

The representative says tours like these in Chelan are about connecting with local residents to advocate for veterans, agriculture research and trade, and health care and to hear from constituents on what issues matter most to them.

The Lake Chelan Community Center in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County established a new Boys & Girls Club site in Chelan. The new facility opened July 7.

The partnership significantly expands the resources available to local families, reinforcing the Community Center's commitment to serving as a hub for opportunity, support, and connection in the region.

Despite its name, Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County has expanded well beyond its original territory, now operating 26 locations across multiple counties in Washington State. This established organization already serves communities in Eastern Washington, including Brewster and three clubs on the Colville Confederated Tribes Reservation.

The Lake Chelan location will help fill a service gap in North Central Washington, providing youth development programming in an area that has historically had limited options for children and teens.

"This partnership with Lake Chelan Valley Boys and Girls Club directly addresses one of our community's most pressing needs—accessible, high-quality programming for our youth," said Maribel Cruz, Executive Director of the Lake Chelan Community Center. "By combining our resources and expertise, we're creating a foundation for young people to thrive in a safe, supportive environment."

The Boys & Girls Club will operate in a dedicated space within the Lake Chelan Community Center, located at 103 Bighorn Way, with facilities specifically designed to meet the needs of youth programming. Members will have access to various activities focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, character development, and leadership.

Angela Collins, who will serve as Area Director for the Lake Chelan Valley Boys & Girls Club, emphasized the organization's commitment to addressing local needs.

"Every community is unique, and we're excited to work closely with Lake Chelan families to develop programming that reflects their priorities and aspirations for their children," Collins told KOZI Radio.

The club boats of an open concept, including A 'STEAM' (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) learning section, a podcast studio and gaming room.