Teaching
and Learning

Jack, Will and Rob Center

Named for three Camas students who lost their lives in 1999, the Jack, Will and Rob (JWR) Center offers an after-school program that promotes the wellbeing of children in a structured, safe and fun environment.

The JWR is operated by the Boys and Girls Club of Portland. The $20 yearly membership fee allows members access to quality programs in a variety of areas. Additional fees may apply for summer camps, team sports and special events, but it is our mission to keep our programs affordable to all. Members participate in their choice of several programs and activities in the various areas of the club each day.

Education Program

Jackson Room: With 15 computers, a high-speed internet connection and a large collection of educational software, the Jackson room offers fun educational programs such as web design, graphic arts and movie making. JWR staff also offer homework assistance daily through the Power Hour program.

Art Program

Will’s Studio: Members of all ages are encouraged to explore their creative sides in Will’s Studio through the use of clay sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking and more. Members are exposed to all kinds of art year-round through monthly art exhibits and daily instruction. They also get a chance to display their own work through the National Fine Arts Exhibit, a Boys & Girls Clubs of America program that allows kids to see their artwork professionally displayed and judged.

Music Program

Rob’s Playhouse: For students who want to learn how to play piano, drums, or guitar, or who have dreamed of forming a band and recording their own CD, then Rob's Playhouse is the place to be! Professional musicians teach dozens of kids how to play a number of instruments every day at no extra charge (just the $20 yearly membership!). Several JWR members as young as 12 years old have already created their own bands, recorded original songs, and have even performed in front of audiences of more than 200 people!

Games Program

Norm & Audrey’s Room: This is the hub of the Club where members learn the value of teamwork, fair play and sportsmanship through dozens of different games and activities. Offerings include pool, foosball, ping-pong, air hockey, bumper pool, carpet ball and board games. There are daily tournaments, small group clubs such as the rocket-building club and the magic tricks club, as well as on-the-spot games like musical chairs, “hanky wrestling” and scavenger hunts. In the spring of 2004, the Jack, Will and Rob Club competed in the annual State Games Room Championships where they took first and second place in chess, and first place in bumper pool!

Fitness Program

Ray’s Gym: The gym is the perfect place for members to compete in a variety of games including basketball, kickball, dodge ball, and more. It’s also a great place to learn how to stay fit through the national program, Fitness Authority. The center also organizes sports leagues for flag football, basketball and indoor soccer for just $10 per league (includes uniform!).

Character & Leadership Programs

One of the main goals at the Boys & Girls Club is to promote good character values and leadership qualities in its members. This is done by staff setting strong examples, but also by inviting members to participate in a number of character and leadership groups and programs. The center runs two national small group programs called Torch Club (ages 11-13) and Keystone Club (ages 14-18). They also empower our members to run parts of the Boys & Girls Club themselves, such as Games Room Patrol (equipment checkout), Tour Team (tour guides for new members), Swoosh Club (coaching, score keeping or officiating for our sports leagues), and Snack Shack (selling snacks). Finally, members are recognized daily for achievements in character using the Six Pillars of Character (www.charactercounts.org).

Health & Life Skills Programs

Staff at the center feel it’s important to arm students with the knowledge they need to stay healthy and safe, and they do this through a variety of small group clubs for all ages. They offer the award-winning national S.M.A.R.T. (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training) Moves program once a year for each age group. S.M.A.R.T. Moves teaches kids how to resist peer pressure, make good choices, and retain a positive self-image. The program is divided into age-appropriate curriculums (ages 6-7, 8-9, 10-12). The center also offers programs for teens (SMART Girls for girls ages 11-15, and Passport to Manhood for boys ages 11-14).

Teen Nights

Teens are kept busy and off the streets every Friday night from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Activities vary based on the requests of members, but often include full-court basketball games, movies, X-Box tournaments and more!

Volunteers

Volunteers bring invaluable skills to programs while providing adults with the opportunity to change lives! Volunteers ages 18 and up must complete an application, including a criminal background check and FBI fingerprinting. A $15 application fee is requested to cover background check costs but can be waived if needed. Volunteer opportunities depend on the interests of the volunteer, but the most pressing needs are sports coaches, homework helpers, and a Lego Robotics technical mentor for the robotics team!

Transportation

The Camas School District bus barn is located across the street from the JWR building, so any Camas student can be dropped off at the site for free! Parents just need to make arrangements with the student's school!

Hours of Operation

For members in grades one through twelve:
Mondays – Fridays 2:30 – 7:00 p.m.*
Wednesdays 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. *
*we are open until 8 p.m. for teens

On most non-school attendance days, Monday-Friday, we are open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.