Boys and Girls Clubs of Youngstown reopened the Oak Hill site after being closed for three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The facility must practice specific health regulations to limit the spread of germs throughout the building. 

"Kids benefit from structure and having a safe place to go," said Boys and Girls Clubs of Youngstown Executive Director Germaine McAlpine. "They know they're going to come in and see the staff every day and they're just coming in the have fun."

Up to 36 children can be in the morning group and 36 can be in the afternoon group. Because of this, the ratio is nine children to one faculty member, compared to the usual 15-18 children to one faculty member.

The staff must use cleaning kits to disinfect different program areas when kids rotate through activities. The facility is also disinfected between the morning and afternoon group.

"From 12 o'clock to 1 o'clock, they have that opportunity where there's no kids in the building to do a little bit more deep cleaning," McAlpine said.

Staff and children must have their temperatures checked before entering the building. Children also eat their meals in separated areas and must wear face masks at all times to limit the spread of germs. 

"They can play in the gym, do science and brain games," McAlpine said. "Now they can get back out."

McAlpine said having children around the staff and other friends is a great way for them to spend the summer. 

"It's definitely different," McAlpine said, "but we just want them to be able to come back to some fun and be kids."