Students Enjoy “Matilda” Movie Night as Reward for Positive Behavior Matilda Movie Night

On Thursday, September 25, students from the Bob Burdette Center enjoyed a special movie night at the LaBelle Theater in South Charleston to watch Matilda. The event recognized students who have shown positive behavior and strong participation at the Center—our first reward event of the year, with more to come. Families and staff shared a true movie-night experience complete with pizza and popcorn, laughter, and a few lessons in courage ... Continue Reading »

Family Engagement Night Celebrates Healthy Meals and Screen-Free Togetherness

On September 23, the Bob Burdette Center hosted Family Engagement Night at Emmanuel Baptist Church—an evening focused on connection, healthy living, and quality family time without screens. More than 100 nutritious meals were shared as families gathered to eat, laugh, and reconnect in person. Dinner featured a wholesome menu prepared by our on-site chef: beef stew, quinoa salad, and garlic green beans—a balanced mix of protein, grains, and vegetables. Each ... Continue Reading »

Mark Cable Concert

Emmanuel Baptist Church to host free concert

On September 27th at 6:30pm, Emmanuel Baptist Church will host a free concert featuring Mark Cable in the Great Night Out. Emmanuel Baptist Church is the parent of the Bob Burdette Center and is the location of our main afterschool care site. Cable is a Christian singer/songwriter and comedian who incorporates a mixture of music and humor ... Continue Reading »

Family Engagement Night

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You’re Invited!

The Bob Burdette Center is excited to announce another Family Engagement Night! Join us at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Tuesday, September 23rd at 6:00pm for an evening of connection, fun, and board games. Each person who RSVPs to attend will receive a free, healthy meal prepared by our on-site chef. In addition, ... Continue Reading »

Ready, Set, Go!

Pinewood Derby at Bob Burdette Center

Recently, Scouting America brought excitement and creativity to the Bob Burdette Center with a classic Pinewood Derby event. A Pinewood Derby is a racing competition where participants build small, gravity-powered cars from a block of pine wood, following specific size and weight guidelines. It’s a fun and educational tradition that encourages craftsmanship, problem-solving, and a little friendly comp Continue Reading »

New School Year

The Bob Burdette Center Kicks off the 2025-2026 Program Year

The Bob Burdette Center has officially begun its 2025-2026 afterschool programming year, continuing its work serving the children and families of the West Side of Charleston. This program provides students with academic support, learning opportunities, and a safe space following the school day. Each year the Bob Burdette Center partners with local schools, families, and ... Continue Reading »

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s a Dog!

Meeting Hercules

On August 7th, we had a very special guest come visit us. Hercules the airport dog came to visit us at the Bob Burdette Center. Hercules is a border collie who works as a wildlife patrol dog at the West Virginia International Yeager Airport in Charleston, WV. He and his partner in training, Ned, work together to protect the airstrip from other animals ... Continue Reading »

Splash Day was a Home Run

This summer we got the opportunity to attend one of the Charleston Dirty Birds baseball games. Thanks to the generosity of Taylor Raab and Janney Montgomery Scott, our 3rd-5th graders attended Splash Day at the GoMart Ballpark on July 16th. Every kid also received a baseball and the opportunity to meet some of the players as well as get their baseball signed by those players. Splash Day is an ... Continue Reading »

Bob Burdette saves 250 pounds of food from rotting in a landfill…

At the Bob Burdette Center, we believe in building a healthier future—not just for the environment, but for our children and our community. That’s why, through our Community Garden project, made possible by a grant from the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington, we’ve embraced composting as a way to reduce waste, enrich the soil, and teach valuable life lessons. To date, our dedicated personnel have contributed over 250 pounds ... Continue Reading »

Family Engagement Night

Bob Burdette Center Hosts First Family Engagement Night: A Night of Togetherness, Cooking, and Community

The Bob Burdette Center recently held its first Family Engagement Night, bringing together students from our free after-school program and their families for an evening of good food, connection, and support. The event was designed as part of the Center’s “Healthy Habits Curriculum” to encourage families to cook at ... Continue Reading »