The Importance of Reading

Reading is an everyday activity that occurs countless times throughout the day. Whether it’s a book, a street sign, or a map, reading is deeply ingrained in our society. Many adults check their cell phones multiple times a day, and students often use iPads or Chromebooks provided by schools, which deliver large amounts of information. Much of this information comes in the form of written messages that require reading ... Continue Reading »

One-to-One Tutoring

At the Bob Burdette Center, tutoring is one of the core services we are proud to provide. In the past, we offered a three-to-one tutoring model, where one tutor worked with three students at a time. This small-group approach allowed students to receive targeted academic support and better understand challenging concepts. However, even in a small group, it can be difficult to fully meet the unique learning needs of each ... Continue Reading »

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 com 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 »