Program Information

The Clubhouse caters to tweens in 5th-8th grade and is open Monday-Friday, 3:00PM-5:00PM. Fully equipped with games, computers, books, opportunities for independent, self-directed time, and guided activities, the Clubhouse provides a safe, inviting place where youth in our area can explore and stretch their independence.

Meet the Clubhouse Team and Checkout our Fall Activities Line up!

Ryan Kripp: Magic Club Coach

Ryan Kripp is a high school math teacher that has been an avid Magic the Gathering player for almost 15 years primarily in tournament settings. During the summer he spends most of his time lifeguarding at the Putney Pool or playing disc golf.

Fridays: Magic The Gathering

Magic the Gathering club will introduce players to the basics of the game, from rules to deck building and advanced strategy. No experience is necessary and players will get to take home the decks that they build. Cards and supplies are provided by Magikids

FAQ’s:

  1. What do I need to register and enroll my child at the Clubhouse? You will need to complete the registration form, accept the Brightwheel invitation, and submit the forms included on the enrollment checklist.

  2. I don’t have a printer; are there paper copies available? Yes! There are paper enrollment packets available in the vestibule of the Putney Place. You can stop by to pick one up at anytime (the vestibule is unlocked 24 hours per day, 7 days per week).

  3. Is there a fee to attend the Clubhouse? Yes, the membership fee is $10 per week and is billed through Brightwheel. However our program relies on state subsidy funding, so families are strongly encouraged to sign up for subsidy. Scholarships are available to those who don’t qualify.

  4. Can my child come whenever they want once they’re registered? Yes! We do have families complete a schedule sheet indicating what days their child plans on attending. However “drop ins” are welcome and your students’ schedule can be updated or changed at any time.

  5. How does transportation work? Students can take the bus from Putney Central School to the Clubhouse. They can also walk or ride their bikes. Transportation plans just have to be communicated to staff through Brightwheel.

  6. What’s this “Brightwheel” app I keep hearing about? Brightwheel is how we communicate directly with parents and students. It is also what we use to check students in and out of the program, and it manages billing and attendance records. Families who enroll will need to download the Brightwheel app to their cellular devices in order to participate in the program.

  7. Will there be food available for my child? Yes! Grab and Go Snacks are available and we will also be offering a light supper through the CACFP.

Bobby Thies: Clubhouse Director

Bobby Thies is a passionate music educator and director with over a decade of experience inspiring young performers. He most recently served as Head of the Music Department at St. Joseph Regional School in Keene, NH, and has brought dozens of musicals to life as music director at the New England Youth Theatre and Brattleboro Union High School. This fall, Bobby will begin an exciting new role as a Step Paraeducator at Green Street School in Brattleboro, VT. He's thrilled to be joining the Putney Clubhouse team, where he looks forward to sharing the joy of music, drama games, and creative play with your children!

Thursdays: Drama Games

Enjoy a variety of improvisational activities and games. While some activities may be geared towards performers, everyone who joins in is sure to have a fun-filled time. This group will also rehearse for and perform in the Putney Place’s Spookfest Haunted House!

*Bobby will be at the Clubhouse Monday-Fridays, supporting alternative games and pursuits for those who aren’t interested in the activity being offered on a given day. On days when Bobby is hosting a club or activity, another instructor will be available for those who don’t want to participate.

Evelyn Nitch-Griffin: Gaming Master

Evelyn Nitch-Griffin (she/her) is a math and computer science professor at Landmark College who has been teaching college students for almost a decade. Outside that she's the Dungeon Master, and has been playing and running games like Dungeons and Dragons for over 15 years. She believes in the power of collaborative storytelling for building connections with friends and providing a unique outlet for creativity. Outside teaching or math you may come across Evelyn riding her bike around town.

Mondays: Gaming Club

Come join us and play a roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons. These games are like playing pretend with rules: One person is the Dungeon Master, and starts to tell a story about a fantastical world. The other people are the players, who act as a character in the world. The players say what they'd like to do, while the Dungeon Master tells them how the world around them reacts. If you like games, acting, storytelling, or just having fun try out the gaming club!

Sarah Alain: Martial Arts Club

Sarah has been working with children of all ages for 24 years. She is passionate about education. Her formal training is in behavior analysis, through which she supports students, teachers, and parents to create enriched environments for all learners to thrive.Her other major passion is martial arts and movement. She regards martial arts as a way of building strength, character, creativity, and healthy living. She loves laughing, hiking, camping, snowboarding, kayaking, and spending time with her family.

Tuesdays: Martial Arts

In the Martial Arts group, students will learn to explore and control their bodies while centering their focus through fundamental principles of Systema martial art. Systema is a martial art based on 4 principles: breathing, movement, relaxation and structure/posture. Unlike other martial arts, Systema has no form, no special moves. The purpose is to learn how to move naturally, for each person. Through movement and play, students learn how to be connected to their breath, bodies and emotions. Once we learn how to move naturally and establish safety in our bodies, we then move on to the more martial actions and concepts.