Consider the 'Wakeman Experience' This School Year

The start of the school year is fast approaching and with it a myriad of after-school activities to choose from.

So why not choose Wakeman?

The Wakeman Boys and Girls Club -- a major part of the Fairfield community for a century now -- offers a variety of after-school activities for Fairfield County youths.

From basketball to flag football, cartooning to improv, and opportunities for volunteer work and community service, the nonprofit offers more than 150 programs for children throughout the year.

But Wakeman Boys and Girls Club does more than provide sports leagues and arts and crafts classes. The Wakeman mission is to be the "positive place for kids by offering hope, opportunity, and a sense of belonging to every youngster who walks through our doors," according to the website.

Ruben Goodwin knows a thing or two about the power of the Wakeman experience.

"Kids need to be active, not just sitting in front of the TV, playing video games," the sports, fitness, and recreation program director said. "Kids can meet new kids, make new friends, have fun."

Goodwin, who also heads the Torch Club, a community service component for 7th and 8th grade students, added, "Kids can do whatever they want at Wakeman, but they're in a supervised atmosphere."

Plus, the club offers busing from Sherman School, Mill Hill School, Tomlinson Middle School, and Roger Ludlowe Middle School to the Southport Clubhouse as part of the registration package.

Wakeman's two other clubhouses are situated in the Stratfield section of town and in the west end of Bridgeport.

Registration for fall programs begins Thursday, Aug. 15 and can be completed online.