Federal Way Boys & Girls Clubs host Back to School event

Over 1,000 people attended the Aug. 13 event.

By Olivia Sullivan • August 17, 2022 2:45 pm

Over 1,000 kids and their families attended the Federal Way Boys & Girls Clubs Back to School event on Aug. 13.

The second-annual event was much larger in scope and size than the previous year, said Jayme Hommer, chief development officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County.

The purpose of the event is to make sure youth and their families are prepared for returning to classrooms this fall, Hommer said. But, the event also helps inform parents, guardians, caregivers and families about the Boys & Girls Clubs offerings — and ultimately peace of mind.

“We want families to know this is a safe and production option for their kids,” Hommer said.

Several community sponsors helped provide back-to-school necessities for youth in Federal Way, such as backpacks filled with school supplies and New Balance running shoes. Local barbers Juan Deluna and Kyii McCreary from Life’s Styles Barber Academy also provided free haircuts for youth. Attendees enjoyed Kona-shaved ice, hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and fruit.

Kids played games on the club’s nearby sports field and could also get their faces painted. Lt. Ann Hoag of Station 63 was at the South King Fire and Rescue Public Education Training Engine (PETE) fire truck, handing out badges and stickers to kids throughout the day.

In Federal Way, two club locations (30815 8th Ave. S. and the Ex3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center at 31453 28th Ave. S.) offer after school programming.

For older kids, this means academic support and plenty of time or assistance to complete their homework. For the younger students, academic programming focuses on helping kids learn and retain skills in math, English Language Arts and other areas. Clubs also offer programs for athletics, arts, leadership and more.

Hommer said there are still spots and financial assistance available for any families who would like enroll their child in the clubs’ programming.

Last week at the opening of the Amazon Fresh store in Federal Way, the company donated $20,000 to both of the Federal Way Boys & Girls Clubs locations. These donations were used to support the Back 2 School event, and will also help fund the year-round programs.

Community sponsors included Amazon Fresh, Krusteaz, King County, Good Shepherd Youth Outreach, Northwest Family Enrichment Program, Better Together, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Sound Credit Union, Geico Philanthropic Foundation, City of Federal Way, Bank of America, Federal Way Public Schools, King County Library, Life’s Styles Barber Academy, Kona Ise and New Balance.

For more information on enrollment or about the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, visit positiveplace.org.

Upcoming Back to School events hosted at other Boys & Girls Clubs in the Puget Sound: