West Valley Boys & Girls Club Is a Center of Youthful Activity

Her high school classmates spend their time hanging out at one another’s houses. She spends hers surrounded by overly energetic middle school students.

Rachel Barillas wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’d rather be here than out with my friends,” the Canoga Park High School freshman said.

For Rachel, “here” is the West Valley Boys & Girls Club’s Columbus Unit. Since it opened in November, the youth center, located in the old metal shop at Columbus Middle School, has attracted more than 275 young people between from 10 to 18. It serves about 140 students each day, mostly from middle school.

Rachel, 15, said going to the center each day after school gives her a structure to stay focused on her studies because there’s a designated study time scheduled. Also, she said, she likes to help the younger students with their homework or with arts and crafts.

“I love kids. They are cute and fun to play with,” Rachel said, adding that she hopes to become a pediatrician. “This is good experience.”

This summer, the West Valley Boys & Girls Club will provide members, who pay $20 a year, a place for arts and crafts, recreational activities and field trips.

The goal, said Bob Gross, executive director, is to have a “safe place for kids to spend their summer.”

The center is equipped with two pool tables, two pingpong tables, two foosball tables and two air hockey machines. There’s also a computer lab, arts and crafts area and television lounge.

The center is open six hours a day, Monday through Friday, but the summer schedule has not been finalized, Gross said.

Rachel said she’ll probably spend most of her summer days with her younger friends. She’s already developing into quite a billiard player.

“I’m pretty good and I’m getting better,” Rachel said. “I play a lot.”

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WISH LIST

West Valley Boys & Girls Club, Columbus Unit

(818) 340-3561

* Pingpong balls, 1 gross: $25

* 8 billiard cue sticks: $30 each

* Assorted board games: $15 each

* Dictionary and thesaurus: $20 each

* Toner cartridge for computer lab printer: $75 each

* Basketballs: $45 each