Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger came out last week to the Aberdeen Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County to learn about the Club’s recent updates and talk with the kids about citizenship and the role of politics on community advancement. His intention? To plant the seed of civic duty in our youth.
The young people had an array of questions about why the congressman chose to be in politics and what he has accomplished in that role. While the vast majority of attendees are years away from being able to vote themselves, they left full of intent to exemplify good citizenship, and turn good wishes into goodwill in their community.
After touring the Club and answering more than a dozen questions from the 100 plus kids in attendance, Congressman Ruppersberger reflected, “The Club teaches children about teamwork and leadership while at the same time keeping them away from drugs, alcohol, and gangs. I am proud to support their efforts today and always.”
While at the Club, Congressman Ruppersberger got to talk with many of the kids, staff, board members, and even founder, Vi Ripken, of the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, who is still a strong force behind the growth of the Clubs in the County. He was able to visit the Club’s new STEM Center of Innovation, one of the first 6 in the world to be established in the last year. Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County, Joe McGovern, introduced the Congressman and was more than pleased by the effect of his visit on the kids, stating, “Anytime our children get the opportunity to meet and speak with a community leader with over 30 years of public service, it strengthens al we do each day in helping out youth become productive members of the community.”
The Congressman is no stranger to Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County, just this summer the Club was invited to send an all-girls team to participate in the National Science Competition at the White House. Ruppersberger insisted they pay him a visit at his office on The Hill, where he commended the girls for a job well done.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County:
Celebrating more than 25 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County was established in 1990 by a group of concerned citizens in the Aberdeen area. The organization now serves over 6,000 youth per year and operates Clubs in Aberdeen, Bel Air, Edgewood, and Havre de Grace as well as summer programs at Camp Hidden Valley and the Aberdeen Family Swim Center. Our mission is to inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Club is open to all youth ages 6 to 18 and provides positive youth development programs in five core areas: Character and Leadership Development; Health & Life Skills; Education & Career Development; the Arts; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation. For more information visit www.bgcharfordco.org or call 410-272-0010.
