What used to be a fire station is now a place for kids to learn and have fun.

The Coupeville Boys and Girls Club opened recently on North Main Street near Whidbey General Hospital.

The new club is open four days a week and caters to elementary, middle and high school students. Approximately 50 youth and teenagers are already registered to participate in Boys and Girls Club programs with more students coming in every day.

“Right now our prime focus is to involve kids and increase community awareness,” said Sherri Hansen, site director.

On a recent visit to the club, elementary school children spent the afternoon completing their homework and playing games. After signing in and washing their hands they started the afternoon with a snack. They enjoyed juice, cheese, crackers and grapes. After that, it was homework time. If they were done with their homework, then they could play games until closing time at 6 p.m.

“We like it because everybody is really nice,” said 10-year-old Matthew Hampton as he was playing Connect Four with his brother Caleb. “It’s the bestest Boys and Girls Club I’ve ever been in.”

Caleb added, “We get snacks and it’s really fun.”

Housed in a cinder block building that still has a working garage door that used to welcome fire trucks, the club features computers, foosball tables and a lounging area where, on this particular day, several children played Twister.

More than fun and games, there are variety of educational activities that are also available, Hansen said.

Using computers, the club offers a basic money awareness course. Other club members will participate in a comprehensive photography program where their work will be entered in a national contest.

Another program, called smart moves, teaches youth and teens to make healthy and informed choices.

Even though the club doesn’t have a gym, Hansen said she hopes to start a basic physical education program.

Coupeville Boys and Girls Club is affiliated with the Snohomish County Boys and Girls Club. Hansen said the Snohomish County club is well established and could provide the support needed to get the Coupeville Club off the ground. She is looking for community support to sustain the program which currently has two paid staff members.

A grand opening celebration in mid March recognized community efforts to start the new club. The Coupeville Lions Club donated $6,000 plus furniture, Soroptimist’s International chipped in $10,000; Coupeville Festival Association donated $3,500; People’s Bank donated $750 and the Coupeville Elementary School PTA donated $500. Whidbey Island Bank and the Methodist Women’s Association each donated $1,000.

The Coupeville Boys and Girls Club is currently open four days a week. They also share the building with Gifts from the Heart food bank, which distributes food to needy families two Wednesdays a month.

Hansen said she hopes to do a joint program with the food bank sometime in the future to give students an idea of what the building’s other tenant does.

She is still looking for volunteers to help with programs and to escort students from the elementary school to the club’s building. For information call 678-5640 or visit www.coupevilleboysandgirlsclub.org.