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 »

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 »

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 »

Notice of Intent

This is to notify you of the Notice of Intent to Apply for the 2025 Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant. Per federal statute, The Bob Burdette Center is required to inform our community and our stakeholders regarding our intent to apply to the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Grant. The Bob Burdette Center provides after school and summer programs for students in grades ... Continue Reading »

Charley West BBQ Fest

On Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Haddad Riverfront Park in Downtown Charleston! There will be live music on the levee stage throughout the day from Canvases, J. Hatfield, and Emmalea Deel and the Hot Mess. Commercial BBQ vendors will have various BBQ available for purchase on site. Competition and Backyard teams will have BBQ available for sampling in exchange for tasting tickets, which can be purchased on site from 2... Continue Reading »

History of the Bob Burdette Center

The Bob Burdette Center, Inc. (BBC, or the Center) is an after-school program that serves West Side children in grades K-5. It presently operates at four sites – Edgewood Elementary, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary, and North Charleston Community Center. The program began in 1996 as the James Paige Learning Center and operated successfully under that name for two years. Much of the impetus for the program’s ... Continue Reading »