School Year Programming
Junior Staff *Teen Center Only
In accordance with the vision of BGCA, we provide services and programs for teens that help them not only get ready for career success, but also develop a strong sense of civic responsibility and a lifelong commitment to serving others. The Junior Staff program assists Club teens in exploring a career in youth development or other human services, with a particular focus on Boys & Girls Club work. Junior Staff provides teen members with age-appropriate skill-building opportunities and hands-on Club work experience.
Torch Club *MS Teen Center Only
Torch Club is a small-group leadership and service club for boys and girls ages 11-13. Torch Club is a powerful vehicle through which Club staff can help meet the special character development needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their development. Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to implement activities in four areas: service to Club and community, education, health and fitness, and social recreation.
Keystone Club *HS Teen Center Only
Keystone is BGCA’s premier teen leadership program. Keystone Club meets teens’ vitally important needs for positive group experiences. With the guidance of Club staff, teens are given opportunities to make leadership decisions, serve others, and engage in experiences that help to shape their knowledge of academics, careers, community service, teen outreach initiatives, projects, and fundraisers.
Passport to Manhood *6th & Up
Passport to Manhood promotes and teaches responsibility in Middle School and High School members; each age group meets separately once a week. Passport to Manhood consists of 12 sessions, each of which concentrates on a specific aspect of manhood to teach young adult males how to act like respectable members of society. The lesson plans focus on preparing them for the real world in various ways. Some of the topics included are “how to dress up for an interview”, “how to present yourself out in public”, “how to act around peers”, etc.
Girls on Track *6th & Up
Girls On Track is a program designed to empower young women to be the best they can be as they transition from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. The 12 sessions consist of lessons focused on making smart, informed decisions and setting them up for success in their personal and professional endeavors. It also encourages them to be more confident as they are going through changes in their life.
Mentoring
Mentoring is a 1:1 program that allows members to get support and guidance from a dedicated mentor. This program is designed to support the individual member, and work on specific areas to help ensure each member’s own great future. Mentoring provides a safe place where the mentee can discuss anything they feel comfortable sharing with their mentor. However, mentoring is more than just talking - the mentee and mentor pairing engage in a variety of activities that include cooking, art projects, sports, or any special interests the mentee may have. The goal of this program is to create a bond between the mentee and mentor that will extend beyond the member’s Club membership. Mentors meet with their mentee once every other week for an hour.
Summer Programming
Learning for Justice
Learning for Justice is a summer-run program designed to teach our members what diversity, equity, and inclusion looks like in community. Through leader-led discussion, groups will cover topics that include race and ethnicity, religion, ability, class, immigration, bullying, rights, and activism. The hope is to provide a safe and brave space where members feel that they can be themselves, learn in a non-judgmental environment, and speak freely as they process these things personally.