Over the past few months, our art programming has had to adapt to the times. Thanks to the family of William Hinckley, GBBGC held a its first Virtual Art Contest in May. How fitting it was that the Hinckley family who stepped forward to sponsor the event to provide a fun way for our kids to stay positive and creative at home. After all, no one was more instrumental in developing the curriculum at our Club in its early days than our first executive director William Hinckley.
During our “COVID shutdown,” Amanda, our art instructor, incorporated fun virtual lessons in art via Zoom with fun crafts for our kids to do at home using common household items. These creative projects have run the gamut, ranging from rocket ships to flowers.
To encourage kids to keep participating, we created a Virtual Art Contest with the theme: “What advice would you give to someone to be safe, happy and healthy during quarantine?” The Club received 36 entries from kids ages 5 – 18 and the submissions included artwork, videos, poems, and essays. After careful consideration, an esteemed panel of judges awarded prizes to the winners in each age group. On May 21 and 22, the staff stopped by the homes of all of the winners to drop off their prizes. 
One very special presentation went to two sisters in kindergarten and third grade, who won awards in their respective age groups. Their mother Laura wrote the Club: “Thank you for making the girls feel like rock stars today! They were so excited when they found out they were winners and the front porch award presentation made it extra special.”
The girls warmed everyone’s hearts by choosing to donate their winnings to NOSH, the local organization that helps feed families in need. We were happy to hear that mom and dad will be rewarding them with some ice cream for their generosity! “Thanks to you and the entire GBBGC family for all you do!” wrote Laura. “The Club is such a special place and we feel so fortunate to have it in our community. All our best to everyone. We hope to see everyone again very soon!”