Jeff Kroon has been with the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club for about 35 years, the past 12 serving as its executive director. "The nature of a club, when you think about it, is a special little group where you do things together, protect each other, and you belong to something," Kroon said. Photo by Emmily Nelson

Being part of the club is an honor that is passed down from generation to generation. That’s exactly what Jeff Kroon, Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club executive director, has seen throughout the years.

Kroon has been with the Boys and Girls Club for almost 35 years, the past 12 serving as the executive director. In his years with the organization, he has seen many faces come themselves as children, then later as adults with their own children.

The club offers many programs for the public. Their famous slogan states, “Great Futures Start Here,” with a mission to provide a safe, structured and supervised environment to create opportunities for young children, teens and families who need them most. The three areas they focus on most are academic success, good character and citizenship, and leading a healthy lifestyle.

“Even with young kids, looking pretty far down the road to the kinds of skills that they might need to be successful in a job,” Kroon said. “We’re working with kids even at that age level to develop life skills. Do what you say you’re going to do; be where you’re supposed to be; follow through on things; be responsible for your actions and your word. All these things are important.”

“Everyone refers to it as ‘The Club.’ The nature of a club, when you think about it, is a special little group where you do things together, protect each other, and you belong to something,” he continued. “And it’s relatively easy to belong to the Boys and Girls Club.”

A year’s membership is $20. They even accept payments as low as $1 at a time for those who need to spread out payments.

A decision to chaperone the Jamestown High School soccer team in 1983 led Kroon to Sweden, where he stayed for his endeavors with the team and then joined the Scandinavian Seminar program, which allowed him to soak in the Swedish culture and language for an additional year. Once back stateside,

Kroon became involved with the Jamestown Area Youth Soccer program and taught Swedish Language classes at Jamestown Community College.

“I started working here back in 1985,” he said. “The whole plan was to work six to eight weeks to cover a maternity leave for another staff member. That individual, at the end of that time period, decided she wanted to stay home, so 35 years later I’m still here. It’s been a great experience. One of the most rewarding things, now, is seeing young parents coming in with their 5-year-olds — and these are the parents who were ‘Club Kids’ when I was working the halls. It’s probably the greatest stamp of approval you could get for what we do.”

The club offers many opportunities for advancement for children and teens.

There are tutors to help with homework, computers to use, a gym and pool for exercise and playing sports, and many opportunities to make friends. They also serve snacks and lunch foods and are sure to be open late some nights (until 9 p.m.) for those who wish to stay. The idea behind offering a helping hand is to provide for anyone who needs it. The Boys and Girls Club challenges kids to take positive steps toward being the best they can be, but the main focus is to have fun. Making friends and building trust are two very important goals at the Club.

During the day, most of the members are retired adults who utilize the gym and pool. There are also classes available for kids as young as infants: infant/toddler swim classes (ages 6 months to 4 years) and toddler sports activities (ages 3 and 4). More information can be found at bgcjamestown.org.

The slogan of, “Great Futures Start Here” is certainly proven true by Jeff Kroon’s decision to start working for the Boys and Girls Club back in 1985. Kroon leads his position and his community with years of hard work, loyalty and dedication to the youth.

“Our mission is to work with those who need us most,” Kroon said. He continues to build trust within the community and offer a safe place for everyone, because everyone belongs in the club.