Unique kid book club partnership debuts October 6th

The employees of Salinas-based Progeny Advanced Genetics develop lettuce varieties during the day – and, in a new program with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County, are planting after-school seeds of learning with area kids.  Progeny is fielding a team of volunteers to join in on the KidzLit Book Club that was recently kicked off at the local Boys and Girls Clubs.  Groups of 9-12 year olds and 6-8 year olds signed up at the Salinas and Seaside club centers for a new Book Club designed to inspire a love of reading.

According to Progeny Marketing manager Jennifer Balbas, the partnership with KidzLit was an easy choice for Progeny.  “Our company has long been associated with local youth activities, and we have pledged a portion of our seed sales to support that promise,” said Balbas. “We are committed to helping our area’s youth succeed.  We believe that success begins with solid reading skills.  We want kids to love to read, and the KidzLit approach offers the perfect way to achieve that.”

George Wilson, Boys & Girls Club of Monterey County’s Education Specialist, heads up the program and says it began with the whimsical tree house story, MaeBelle’s Suitcase.  The book was explored in a series of activities that find participants interviewing each other, musing about life in a tree house, exploring the plants and animals that are tree house neighbors and discussing the relationships and behaviors of story characters.  Participants use art projects, word games and other expressive methods to fully experience the breadth of the book.  “The ultimate goal is for learning that is fun,” said Wilson.

The KidzLit book Club is open to Monterey County children who are enrolled at the Boys and Girls Clubs Centers.  The club is meeting meet after school for a period of 12 weeks.