Core Programs

Core Programs  R.E.A.C.H.

Recreation, Sports, & Fitness: Promotes fitness, positive use of leisure time, builds character, develops skills for stress management, enhances one's appreciation for the environment, and teaches positive social skills. This is accomplished through athletic leagues, golf instruction, weight training/conditioning, camping trips, nutritional education and more.

Education and Career Development: Enables youth to become proficient in basic educational disciplines, applies learning to everyday situations, plans for higher education/careers and embraces technology. Members can participate in “one-on-one” reading programs, receive homework assistance, computer instruction, and enjoy a state-of-the-art Science Center.

The Arts: Enables youth the opportunity to express their creativity and explore cultural awareness through knowledge and an appreciation for the visual and tactile arts & crafts, performing arts, and creative writing. This includes a diversified fine arts program, arts & craft classes, music and dance instruction.

Character and Leadership Development:  Empowers youth to support and influence their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self–image, participate in the democratic process and respect their own and other’s cultural identities. Our programs, such as Leaders in Training, Teen Speakers Bureau, Torch Club, Keystone, and Smart Girls accomplish these goals.

Health and Life Skills: Develops young people’s capacity to engage in positive behaviors that nurture their own well-being, set personal goals and develop the competencies to live successfully as self-sufficient adults.  This core area encompasses a wide range of activities and programs: from Club Banking systems, Activity Room tournaments, and Club Meetings, to etiquette courses, talent shows and field trips.

Youth Development Strategy

Boys & Girls Clubs strive to instill.…

a sense of competence... the feeling there are things boys and girls can do, and do well.
a sense of usefulness... the opportunity to do something  of value for other people.
a sense of belonging... a setting where an individual knows he or she has a place where he or she “fits”, and is accepted.
a sense of power or influence...a chance to be heard and to influence decisions.

When our strategy is fully implemented, the self-esteem of girls and boys is enhanced and an environment is created which helps them achieve their full potential.

Using three basic methods...

Individual - Individual assistance is a purposeful contact made by a Club worker with a girl or boy on a one-to-one basis.
Small Group - Small numbers of members who meet regularly with an adult leader for a specific program or purpose.
Large Group or Drop-In Activities - provides informal and individual involvement to help achieve a high level of social skill, confidence and participation.

Youth Development Outcomes

The Boys & Girls Club Movement…

seeks to help all youth live full, satisfying and productive lives. The outcomes summarized below describe our expectations and goals for young people in our Clubs. These outcomes encompass behaviors, knowledge, skills, values and motivation. We must pay special attention to ensure that outcomes are achieved inclusive of ethnicity and gender. Youth who enter the world with the capacities described here can become responsible citizens and leaders, able to support themselves and live successful lives.

Positive Self-identity. Youth have a healthy self-concept and a strong belief in their own self-worth. They have a sense of hope about their future and are adept at setting and attaining goals. They have the confidence to pursue their dreams and goals and make the necessary decisions to achieve their life plans.

Competencies. Youth have the knowledge, skills, strategies and attitudes necessary to have a positive foundation for success. They become competent by mastering tasks and thus, demonstrating to themselves that they can do things well. Youth need to develop competence in the following areas:

• Educational. Youth are proficient in basic educational disciplines and have the capacity to utilize technology. They have graduated from high school and are motivated to pursue learning opportunities throughout their lives.
• Employment. Youth have the skills and attributes to be successful in the work force. They are motivated to constantly develop new skills and hone existing skills to maintain a competitive edge.
• Social. Youth are able to develop and sustain positive relationships with others.
• Emotional. Youth are able to recognize, reflect on and appropriately express their emotions, manage stress and cope with positive and adverse situations.
• CULTURAL. Youth are taught about the many different cultures that exist in society, which teaches them a tolerance and understanding, and enables them to co-exist and express their own lifestyles.

Community and Civic Involvement: Youth have a sense of belonging to their community, family and/or group and are willing to take civic responsibility. They work closely with others to contribute to the greater good.

Health and Well-being: Youth live healthy lifestyles, take part in regular fitness activities and are able to access health care resources. They are able to manage stress and positive behaviors. They use sound judgment about personal safety, nutrition, avoidance of alcohol and other drugs, and premature sexual activity.

Moral Compass: Youth have values that enable them to develop positive relationships with others. These values include honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, a sense of justice and fairness, respect, caring and spirituality.

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