Aprils feature in the KCN Growing Up at the Boys & Girls Club of Kingston.

Having the chance to write this article about Kiarra feels like coming full circle, not just for her story but for my own life as well. In 2015 I was a mom nervously dropping my boys off at summer camp for the first time. It can be a scary thing trusting someone else with your kids. Kiarra’s mom, Chelsea, who ran the club before handing the reins to her daughter, helped make that first day easier. Standing right beside her was a sweet young girl helping welcome the kids. That girl was Kiarra. Now years later, she is the one I will be handing my boys off to again for summer camp. This story feels like the heart of Kingston, Washington, a community where our lives and stories are often connected in ways we never expect.

The Boys & Girls Club has been part of the Kingston community since 2002, originally operating out of Kingston Middle School. In 2016 the club moved into the Village Green Community Center when it first opened, creating a dedicated space where local youth can gather after school, build friendships, and explore new opportunities. For Unit Director Kiarra Tate, the club is more than a workplace. It is the place where she grew up.

Kiarra first walked through the doors of the club as a fifth grader. Like many kids in Kingston, it quickly became a safe and welcoming place to spend time after school. As she got older she wanted to give back to the place that had such a positive impact on her life. She began volunteering at 13 and was hired as a Youth Development Professional when she was 16. In 2019 she represented the organization at the State Youth of the Year competition, an experience that helped shape her leadership path.

At 19 Kiarra stepped into the role of Program Director, ready to take on more responsibility and serve the club in a new way. Not long after, the Unit Director moved on and Kiarra stepped in as interim director to help guide the club through the transition. At first she was unsure if she was ready for such a large leadership role. After doing the work and seeing the impact she could make, she decided to apply for the position permanently. The organization offered her the role, and she officially began managing the entire club operation in January 2025. May 27 will mark her fifth anniversary working for the club.

Kiarra says what she loves most about the club is its commitment to making sure every child has a place to belong. No child is turned away because of financial struggles, which means families from all backgrounds can access the programs and support the club provides. Watching kids grow into confident young leaders is one of the most rewarding parts of her work. Some of the children who once walked through the doors shy and uncertain later become mentors to younger members, creating a cycle of leadership and support.

Since stepping into the director role, Kiarra has introduced several community events that bring families together. One favorite is the club’s Grinchmas Party during the holidays, a parents night out where kids enjoy dinner, crafts, games, and a visit from the Grinch before ending the evening with a movie. Another popular event is the club’s annual spring egg hunt, taking place this year on April 4 with support from Grocery Outlet.

Running a youth organization comes with challenges, especially balancing the needs of kids, families, and staff. Kiarra says one of the biggest lessons she has learned is trusting her team and empowering staff members to take on leadership roles within the programs. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand opportunities for teens in the community through leadership programs, job skills training, and mentorship. Strengthening partnerships with local businesses and community members is also a priority.

For Kiarra, investing in young people is one of the most important things a community can do. The club that helped guide her childhood is now the place where she helps guide the next generation, making sure every child who walks through the doors feels supported and has the chance to grow.