Great futures start here

What do Michael Jordan, Hulk Hogan, Jennifer Lopez, Mark Wahlberg, and Denzel Washington have in common? They may all be celebrities now, but they all got their start at the Boys and Girls Club. And the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley is busy supporting the future stars of our nation with programs that focus on encouraging character building and leadership skills.

For more than 20 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley has used Camp Wittman southeast of Lewiston as a location to positively impact the lives of its members.

The camp offers outdoor education and team building programs for Club members. Studies show there’s a number of benefits to members of Boys & Girls Clubs, such as lower school dropout and absentee rates, to name a few, compared to non-members.

In July of 2018, a crew from Avista worked to renovate the challenge course by replacing aging trees with new poles and connecting the structures so they remain reliable for use.

“The years were starting to show on some of the structures of the challenge course and something needed to be done to ensure future generations could benefit from this great resource,” Joshua Paparazzo, director of resource development for the Club, wrote in an e-mail to Avista. “Because of Avista’s efforts, we can continue to help youth build strong character, reach new challenges, and grow in a safe, structured environment.”

“We’ve enjoyed a long partnership with the Club, and so this was an easy one to say ‘Yes’ to,” said Mike Tatko, regional business manager for Avista’s L-C Region. “Today’s youth are our future, so anything we can do to assist with them becoming productive members of society is a win-win for all. The Club is making great leaders out of today’s kids.”

“We are very grateful for Avista’s help in making it possible for youth to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens, especially those who need us most,” Paparazzo said. “We are blessed to have such a caring community like those from Avista to make what the Club does possible. As the title says, great futures start here.


Learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

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