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In the Life of a Child
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2018/08 - August
Jim Dunn of Cashiers has always been involved in youth development activities, such as coaching, school boards, school principal, and summer camp administration. He is currently co-Executive Director with his wife Denice for Camp Merrie-Woode, and is an active volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau.
“I am particularly proud of the work being done at the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau. Now in its fourth year of operation, it has been remarkable to see the positive influence it has had on so many children and their families,” Dunn says. “With all of the success it is having at the grade-school level, it’s our hope to expand through the high school years and keep those children engaged with hopes of pointing them in the right direction with respect to educational and
career paths.”
One of the ways the club raises funds for their programs is with the Baldaroo Music Festival, set for September 15 at Fairfield Lake in Sapphire Valley.
Baldaroo started in 2016 and given that the location is on Merrie-Woode’s property, they, along with members of their staff, the BGCP staff, and club volunteers, work well in advance to make sure that the site is ready.
“We mow the site, spray the hillside for bugs, put up snow fence around the perimeter, erect the band shell on the deck, set up the fireworks dock, put out garbage cans, stake out the seating areas, put out directional signs, and identify the parking areas,” Dunn explains.
All of the funds raised for this event go to supporting the club’s programs and efforts to serve the children in our community. Camp Merrie-Woode provides the site free of charge. Many of the performers charge discounted amounts to support the cause and food purveyors have been very generous in donating back a portion of their proceeds.
The club would love to have people volunteer during the event, but even more so at the club.
Dunn feels it is one of the most rewarding things that you could do: “To tutor a child and see that light go on when they grasp a particular concept; to teach a child a new sport, or introduce them to a new activity; to guide these children as they explore our natural surroundings; helps you to feel like you are really making a difference in the life of a child.”
If you’re interested in joining Dunn and the many other volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, email them at [email protected] or
call (828) 743-2775.
