Boys & Girls Club of Orchard Park – Boston

Welcome Letter

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the Boys & Girls Club of Orchard Park–Boston After School Program! We are excited to partner with you in providing your child with a safe, fun, and engaging environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive after the school day ends.

Our Mission:
Our mission is to inspire and enable all youth members to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens through active participation in positive youth development activities.

We are committed to ensuring that your child experiences meaningful programs, supportive relationships, and fun opportunities every day. This handbook outlines our policies and procedures so that together, we can make your child’s Club experience the best it can be.

Program Overview

• Hours of Operation:
  • Monday through Friday 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
• Location:
  • Orchard Park – 25 S. Lincoln Ave, Orchard Park, NY 14127
  • Boston – 8550 Boston State Rd, Boston, NY 14025
• Grades Served: Kindergarten – 12th Grade
• Club Contacts:
  • Orchard Park: (716)-662-1941
    • Unit Director: Carli DiNardo (cdinardo@bgclubop.org)
    • Executive Director: Adam Wittmeyer (awittmeyer@bgclubop.org)
  • Boston: (716)-226-4165
    • Unit Director: Kim Estes (kestes@bgclubop.org)
    • Executive Director: (awittmeyer@bgclubop.org) Adam Wittmeyer
• Rates
  • Orchard Park
    • Mighty Mites (K & 1) – $500 per semester
    • Kids Club (2nd – 5th) – $425 per semester
    • Teen Club (6th-8th) – $225 per semester
    • High School (9th-12th) – FREE
  • Boston
    • Kids Club (K-5th) – $425 per semester
    • Teen Club (6th-8th) – $225 per semester
    • High School (9th-12th) – FREE

The Boys & Girls Club of Orchard Park – Boston operates for two semesters. The first runs from the first day of school until the end of January, and the second runs from early February through the end of the school year. Please note, the Club’s last day may not align with the school district’s final day due to snow day make-up schedules and the need to effectively prepare for summer camp. The Club reserves the right to close temporarily for essential building maintenance or facility needs.

Our Staff

Our team of Youth Development Professionals is carefully selected through a rigorous interview process that includes multiple reference checks. All staff are required to pass a background check and are subject to continuous monitoring. All Youth Development Professionals must complete extensive training before working with children, including:

• Boys & Girls Club of Orchard Park – Boston Orientation
• Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting
• Mandated Reporting
• Ongoing professional development hours each year to stay up to date with best practices and evolving safety information

All employees are mandated reporters. By law, they are required to file a report if there is suspected abuse or maltreatment. Reports may also be made anonymously by calling the NYS Child Protection Service system at 1-800-342-3720.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Only individuals listed on your child’s member account are authorized to pick them up from the program. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to keep this list up to date by adding or removing approved adults as needed. Please contact our office by phone (716)662-1941 or email to make additions or changes.

For the safety of all members, a valid photo ID is required at the time of pick-up, and all pick-ups must take place at the front entrance of both locations.

Late Pick-Up Policy:

If a child is not picked up by closing time(6:00pm), a late fee of $20 per child will be charged for each 15 minutes beyond 6:00pm. After 45 minutes with no contact from anyone on the pick-up list, your child will be brought to the Orchard Park Police Department/Boston State Police and the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Orchard Park–Boston will be notified. If late pick-ups become consistent, your child may be dismissed from the program.

PARKING for Pick-up/Drop-offs: (Orchard Park location)

Please do NOT park in any parking space in the lot on S. Lincoln Ave. All of these spaces are reserved for tenants of the building’s apartments. Parents should park across the driveway from the main entrance – in a diagonal pattern, or on the side of the building leading to the main entrance. Additionally, you may park across the street at the OP Middle School. If you are parked in the tenant’s space/lot, your car will be towed.

Transportation

For elementary-aged members to be transported to the Club, an Alternative Transportation Form must be completed in the Parent Portal of your child’s school district. This will inform the school/district of the days you expect your child to attend the Club. This ensures accurate transportation arrangements.

Health & Safety

Incidents & Illness

We strive to provide a safe environment, but accidents may happen. Staff certified in First Aid and CPR are on site at all times.

You will be notified if your child is injured during program hours, along with the type of care that was provided. In the event of a serious emergency, staff will call 911 first to ensure immediate medical attention and then notify you right away. To help prevent the spread of illness, please keep your child home if they are sick. If symptoms of illness appear while in care, you will be contacted to pick them up. Should a contagious illness be identified, parents will be notified and encouraged to consult with their family doctor.

Snacks

Healthy snacks are provided every Friday for all members. Children are welcome to bring their own snacks throughout the week, but for the safety of all members, snacks must be free of peanuts and tree nuts (this includes Nutella).

Medication

We understand that some children may require emergency medication (EpiPen, inhaler, Benadryl, etc.). According to NYS OCFS REGULATIONS, Club staff members do not have the authority to administer medications unless MAT certified (we do not currently have anyone on staff MAT certified). If your child needs a self-administered medication during club hours, an Authorization for the Self Administering of Medication Form is a required from your physician & must be signed by the physician and parent/guardian (this form is attached and can be made available by emailing cdinardo@bgclubop.org or kestes@bgclubop.org). This form and the medication must be turned in on the first day of the Club. Medications must be clearly marked with the child’s name, dosage and time for self-administering. When self-administering medication, the member must do so in the presence of an adult staff member. All medications must be in their original container and will be stored in a locked storage area designated for medications. If the administration of any drug prescribed by a physician requires a specific training, the Staff at the Boys & Girls Club of Orchard Park – Boston are not MAT Certified and do not have the authority to perform duties that are beyond their certification, therefore are unable to administer the medication according to NYS OCFS Regulations.

Toileting

All members must be able to use the toilet and manage toileting independently. Staff are not permitted to be alone with a child in the restroom but may provide verbal prompts and coaching from outside the bathroom if needed. If a child soils themselves and is unable to clean and change independently, a parent or guardian will be contacted to pick up their child immediately.

Emergency Plan

We conduct regular emergency drills throughout the school year to ensure members and staff are prepared. In the event of an evacuation, children will be escorted to a secure nearby location under the supervision of Youth Development Professionals. Club staff will then contact parents to inform them where members have been evacuated to. Several designated evacuation sites are identified for each clubhouse.

Emergency Closing Procedures

In the event of an unforeseen emergency, the Club may need to close. Circumstances such as loss of power, heating, or water, fire, natural disaster, or other safety hazards may require program cancellation. If schools are closed due to an unforeseen circumstance, the Club will also be closed. If a closure occurs during program hours, parents and guardians will be required to pick up their child immediately. The Boys & Girls Club of Orchard Park–Boston reserves the right to close sites if there is concern for the safety of members and staff.

Inclement Weather

When weather conditions close schools, the Club will also be closed for the day. If after school activities are cancelled, the Club will remain open – unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Code of Conduct

Safety is a priority as we seek to create the healthiest environment for all of our members and staff. Please review the following expectations with your child.

• Members will take the direction of any staff member.
• Members will exhibit appropriate behavior without excessive individualized attention
• Members will be respectful of all Club property, be mindful of disposing garbage in proper receptacles, and leaving “no-trace.”
• Members will refrain from any behavior that might harm (physically or emotionally) another member or staff member, including Social Media posts.
• Members will be respectful of others’ ideas and values even if they differ from their own. Their actions and language must have a positive impact.
• Members will refrain from having any drugs/alcohol/weapons.

Behavior Management

We are dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment. Our approach to behavior management begins with prevention. We set clear and reasonable guidelines for all members, reinforce positive behavior, and redirect negative actions. Additionally, we help members recognize and express their emotions to navigate their feelings effectively. If a child’s behavior poses a risk to themselves or others, we will step in to ensure safety. We make every effort to communicate and address individual behavior challenges; however, if a problem persists, we reserve the right to remove a child from The Club.

Safety is our number one priority, as it lays the foundation for a fun-filled year. By maintaining a secure and structured environment, we ensure that every member can fully participate in activities, build friendships, and create lasting memories. Our staff is committed to fostering a positive atmosphere where children can explore, learn, and grow while feeling supported and protected throughout their experience.

In extreme situations, a member’s behavior may result in immediate suspension or removal from the program. This includes the use of profane or abusive language, as well as any aggressive actions that threaten or cause harm to other participants or staff. Bullying in any form is strictly prohibited, including physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual aggression intended to harm another person.

Cell Phones/ Devices:

Cell phones / Chromebooks / Tablets / iPads / Nintendo Switches are STRONGLY DISCOURAGED at The Club.

***Cell phones are an exception if used for medical reasons***

If a member insists on bringing their device to The Club, Club staff will do their best to eliminate the use of devices during the day. If devices become a distraction or it is being used inappropriately, staff will confiscate a members’ device. We will place the device in the office until a parent/guardian comes for pickup.

Photos, video, youtube, tiktok & facetime is prohibited. By minimizing electronic distractions, we create an environment where members can embrace new experiences, develop meaningful friendships, and cultivate essential life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience. Our aim is to foster a sense of adventure, curiosity, and independence in each member, laying the foundation for lifelong memories and personal growth. Club staff will do their best to make sure members do not have their devices in use during club hours.

*The Boys & Girls Club will not be responsible for any lost, stolen or broken items while at The Club.

If your child decides to bring a device to The Club, it is at your own risk.

STAY INFORMED:

Follow Us on Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates:
OP: https://www.facebook.com/bgclubop/
Boston: https://www.facebook.com/bgclubbostonny/
Instagram: bgclubop_boston

CONTACT US:

Adam Wittmeyer: Executive Director awittmeyer@bgclupop.org, (716)662-1941,ext 101
Carli DiNardo: Unit Director, Orchard Park,cdinardo@bgclubop.org, (716)662-1941
Kim Estes: Unit Director, Boston, kestes@bgclubop.org , (716)226-4165
Lori Stein: Business Dev. Manager, lstein@bgclubop.org, (716)662-1941, ext 102