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Bethlehem Opportunities Unlimited

About Bethlehem Opportunities Unlimited

Bethlehem Opportunities Unlimited (BOU) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes prevention education and safe, healthy activities for the youth in our community. Our ongoing purpose is to prevent drug and alcohol use and other risky behaviors among young people residing in the Town of Bethlehem or attending school in the Bethlehem Central School District. To help meet these goals, BOU awards grants for a wide variety of initiatives targeting students, parents, younger children and the community. BOU also collaborates with other organizations such as Student Senate and Bethlehem Parks and Recreation to promote healthy youth development. To learn more about BOU or join our Board, please contact the BOU Board (boubethlehem@gmail.com). Donations can be made by check payable to “BOU” and mailed to BOU, PO Box 492, Delmar NY 12054. BOU is a 501(c) (3) organization.

List of Events

  • Talking with Your Teen – Thursday, December 6, 2018
    BCHS Cafeteria, start at 6:30 p.m.
  • Life After BC – Thursday, January 3, 2019
    BCHS Room G-100, starting at 6 p.m.
  • 7th Annual Community Spelling Bee – Tuesday, March 5, 2019
    (Snow date: Monday, March 11)
    BCHS Cafeteria and LMC, starting at 6:30 p.m.

BOU Community Spelling Bee – Tuesday, March 5

Bethlehem Opportunities Unlimited’s 7thAnnual Community Spelling Bee will be Tuesday, March 5, at Bethlehem Central High School at 6:30 PM. (Snow date on Monday, 3/11, 6:30 PM). This is BOU’s biggest fundraiser of the year and supports its programs and grants. Admission is free. Here is our flyer with more information. 

Come out for the event! Watch and cheer for your favorite team, test your spelling, enjoy refreshments and craft activities, and take a chance on awesome raffle baskets and a silent auction! When else do you get to see teachers and community members dressed up in themed costumes? Support your favorite team by buying a lifeline! There is fun for all ages. 

There are typically about 20 teams who register for this friendly team competition to be the best speller in town. Come out and support teams of teachers and local businesses and other neighborhood groups. Watch Team Journey Lane vie for another first place title! Better yet, form your own team! Here is the team registration form or you can complete the form online.

Lifelines may be purchased at the event for $10 per lifeline. This is a chance to help your favorite team. Give a team a chance to consult a dictionary or get help with a word stumper by phoning a friend! Please go here to get the Lifeline form, fill it out, and bring it to the event.

The basket raffle features some great items. Be sure to bring your dollars and checkbooks to take a chance on many raffle items and our silent auction. See our Facebook page for pictures of all the wonderful items!

If you are interested in sponsoring a team or donating an item, please see this letter (PDF) or link to our online sponsorship form.

Please BEE there to support a great cause!

Life After BC flyerLife After BC – Thursday, January 3

Bethlehem Opportunities Unlimited (BOU) is pleased to invite you to join them for a panel discussion with recent BCHS graduates about college, work, internships and more!

When: Thursday, January 3 at 7 p.m.

Where: Bethlehem Central High School Room G100 (Choir Room)

Who is it for? Juniors and Seniors along with their parents/guardians, but all grades are welcome. 

What will I learn? Returning BC graduates will discuss college, work and internships in a panel discussion moderated by Ryan St. John, BCHS Guidance Counselor. BOU is pleased to feature our panel of students attending SUNY schools, private schools, and community college. Come talk with recent BC graduates about:

  • College selection
  • Campus environment
  • Healthy habits
  • Dorm life and roommates
  • How to make friends and become involved
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Navigating campus safety
  • Social vs. academic balance

Come find out about academic, social and residential life at college and after-college options and ask your questions!

Please click here for a PDF of the flyer for more event details. Hope to see you there!

**Please note: if you have trouble accessing this document, contact the BOU at boubethlehem@gmail.com.

Grants & Activities

Anyone can apply for grant funding. Most applications are developed by parent organizations, collaborations of District staff, or community groups. Grant application forms can be obtained by clicking below. Submit completed grant applications to bougrants@gmail.com. Applications are reviewed by the BOU Board for consistency with goals, cost-effectiveness, and available alternative funding.

Below are grants that were awarded in the 2014-2015 school year:

  • BC Physical Education Dept. Color Dash 5K
  • BCMS Costume Ball
  • Bethlehem Youth Court Training
  • BCHS Girls Night Out
  • BC Kids Vote Too
  • 5th Grade “Survivor” Day at Town Park
  • Bethlehem Senior Celebration

two yellow note padsSupporting BOU, “Memo to School” Pads for Sale

“Memo to School Pads” are for sale for $3 in the main offices of all BC schools or at any BOU event. Individual donations, fundraising events and these sales benefit the BOU’s youth activities and prevention education programs.