The Positive Place for Kids and Teens wrapped up their busy summer last week. They had fun while learning more about their culture. The facility in Rooseveltown just completed their summer program that approximately 70 kids took part in.

The Club also partnered with Johnson O'Malley and was hosting another summer program held at the St. Regis Mohawk School.

Throughout the summer the Rooseveltown group had a splint basket presentation by Robin Lazore. They learned about all aspects of the tradition starting from the log pounding to weaving.

They learned about the Creation story, which was told by Aroniahies Herne and they designed traditional purses from Tsionatiio Thompson.

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe stepped in and their Justice and Environment departments gave presentations. The entire Boys and Girls Club went to their summer camp in Owls Head and also went on trips to the beach.

To celebrate the end of the program at the Rooseveltown unit, a Fun Day was held and the kids enjoyed bounce houses, games and waterslide. For the gamers there was a mobile gaming tournament. A large cube truck, which held up to 20 Xbox consoles in which the club kids played against each other or alone. This was called the Tournament Mobile Gaming Trailer, and the kids enjoyed it.

Although the ABGC has a no-hands-on policy, with teamwork encouraged, the one exception was the Jousting Bounce House set up. Photo: Derrick Lafrance.

Special guests of the club were a Korean Cultural Exchange group from New Jersey. They attended the ABGC/J.O.M. summer program at the Mohawk school as well, and were treated to a luncheon at Generations Park. At the Rooseveltown site they gave a presentation on their dance and self-defense styles.

With the summer programming wrapped up it's time to focus on the After School registration. That will be on Tuesday, August 15 starting at 12:00pm. Registration packets are available now at the Boys and Girls Club.