A mid-year membership drive for the Boys & Girls Club of Peshawbestown has resulted in an additional $20,000 in funding for teen programing.

Pat Lewellan, director of the Boys & Girls Club Grand Traverse, confirmed Friday that the center, located on the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa reservation, will be able to offer activities specifically for students 12 to 18 years of age.

"We had 80 student members and worked with Suttons Bay school students to get another 126 signed up,’ Lewellan said. "As a result, we were able to secure a $20,000 teen programming grant from Boys & Girls Club of America."

The Boys & Girls Club had a presence in Suttons Bay for several years in the lower level of the Friendship Community Center. The presence was discontinued in 2005 when the agency was forced to make changes because of financial constraints. A grand opening for the Boys & Girls Club of Peshawbestown at the Strongheart Center was held in early October, although the activity center opened in March 2007 and was a child care option throughout the summer months.

The club also works jointly with Suttons Bay Schools, which provides transportation for students after school in two trips — one at 3:30 p.m. and the second at 4:30 p.m. After-school activities are planned for students who are 6 to 12 years of age from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. A $10 annual membership fee per student helps support after-school activities. Summer programing will require a $25 fee.

"It’s a big help to working parents," Lewellan said. "Some of the kids come every night, some just come once in a while."

A concerted effort of attracting some of the teenage population was also made, and as a result the club is offering programs aimed at that age group. The grant funding will allow the club to offer the following activities Fridays from 3 - 7 p.m.: open gym, arts and crafts, creative writing and cooking.

Tonia Bailey is the director of the club and can be reached at 534-7456.