Photo by Robby Chakler
In February, the club will offer memberships to the public for use of its facilities.
Ambler American Legion Post 769 marched down Maple Avenue on Nov. 22, 2024 to signify the grand opening of the new Wissahickon Valley Boys and Girls Club, which will serve a vital role for families who need afterschool care for their children.
The new facility, which sits on a 27,000 square-foot lot located at 240 Maple Ave., in Ambler, will serve as a safe space for children to go after school to get help with their homework, play with their peers, and help families out who need after school care.
The organization previously was located in the basement of the Ambler Mennonite Church (90 E. Mount Pleasant Ave.), but the larger, more adequate space will be a game changer for the area.
“We were there for a few years while this was being built”, said Wissahickon Boys and Girls Club Assistant CEO Kelly Curtis. “We started our very small program in 2011 with 16 kids. We outgrew every space that we’ve been in.”
Curtis said the program has been rapidly growing since its simple start.
“We’ve done a phased opening, Curtis added. “This facility is starting with a homework program with kids from Shady Grove Elementary and Wissahickon Middle School. This month, we are focusing on kids who were aged out of the program but were previously in the homework program. They can now join the club.”
The facility is here to help families who need the after-school support and help. When the children are there, they work with a lead teacher and an assistant teacher to help with their homework, their reading, math practice, etc.
“Our teachers communicate with their schoolteachers to make sure everyone is on the same page,” Curtis said. “Our main focus is building a bridge between home and school to support working families.”
Photo by Robby ChaklerThe new building has something for everyone. A brand new, indoor gymnasium (Bob and Judy’s Fieldhouse) with an electric scoreboard makes it possible to play in any weather conditions. There are traditional arcade games, doll houses, an air hockey table, a giant, oversized Connect 4, building blocks, a kitchen, and much more.
In February 2025, the club will be open to the general public for a $25 yearly membership. Kids can come any time after school and have access to all of the amenities. In the summer, it will have eight- to nine-week summer camps for an additional fee.
“The kids are very excited to be in their own space, that’s much bigger, with their own amenities,” said Curtis. “We are excited to welcome all families in February to show families what we are all about.”
The building is named after sponsors Frank and Paige Engro. A Groundbreaking for the facility took place in June 2023. Day-to-day operations are run by two to three directors, plus additional part-time staff to help each day.
“Being able to have a family-like community staff is really important to us,” Curtis said.
Take a look at its new "digs" with these photos by Robby Chakler.
Photo by Robby Chakler
Photo by Robby Chakler
Photo by Robby Chakler
Photo by Robby Chakler
Photo by Robby Chakler
Photo by Robby Chakler
Photo by Robby Chakler
Photo by Robby Chakler
Photo by Robby Chakler
