Each location incorporates BGCA programming daily, and each location's weekly programming focuses on the five core areas of youth development: Character and Leadership; Health and Life Skills; The Arts; Sports, Fitness & Recreations; and Education and Career Development. Here are some examples of BGCA national programming that are utilized in our programs:
Character & Leadership Development:
Torch Clubs- These clubs within our clubs are chartered small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls. The program is a powerful vehicle through which Club staff can help meet the special needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their development. Torch Club members learn to work together to plan and implement activities in four areas: service to Club and community; education; health and fitness; and social recreation.
Youth of the Year- This recognition program is the cornerstone of BGCA's Character and Leadership core program area. It promotes and celebrates young people's service to the Club, community and family; academic performance; moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking abilities. A mainstay of the Boys & Girls Club experience, the year-round program helps young people develop the skills needed to be successful Youth of the Year candidates and productive adults.
Education & Career Development:
Power Hour- To help young people develop academic, behavioral and social skills through homework completion.
The Arts:
The National Fine Arts Exhibit- Club members can take part in the National Fine Arts Exhibit which is designed to enable them to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through visual arts. The exhibit has ten categories including monochromatic drawing, multicolored drawing, pastel, watercolor, oil/acrylic, print making, mixed media, collage, sculpture and group project. This program also gives Clubs the ability to showcase the artwork of their Club members in the community. Approximately 950 local Clubs participate annually.
Sports, Fitness & Recreation:
Triple Play- To improve Club members' knowledge of healthy habits, good nutrition and physical fitness; increase the numbers of hours per day they participate in physical activities; and strengthen their ability to interact positively with others and engage in healthy relationships.
Health & Life Skills:
SMART Moves- (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training) is a nationally acclaimed comprehensive prevention program that helps young people resist alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and avoid premature sexual activity. The program features interactive, small-group activities designed to increase participants' peer support, enhance life skills, build resiliency and strengthen leadership skills. This year-round program uses age-specific modules that engage Club staff, parents, community members and older teen members in a team approach to prevention .