After-School Branches

• THE DEDICATED STAFF is experienced, qualified, trained and CPR & first-aid certified
• EDUCATION IS A TOP PRIORITY, as we provide our youth with strong educational programs
• WE PROMOTE PHYSICAL FITNESS with our active & fun athletics program
• DEVELOPING CREATIVE MINDS through our popular Arts & Crafts sessions
• NEW LONG-LASTING FRIENDSHIPS develop through participation in our core activities with other children and our staff
• WE HAVE THE EXPERIENCE of serving over 21,000 youth annually in our community for over 42 years
   

Arts

Children take part in a wide range of arts activities at the clubs, where they are encouraged to express talents, develop new skills, and expand individual creativity. Programs allow participation for every child with an interest in the arts at every developmental level. The result is lasting impact. In fact, a 1999 Boys & Girls Clubs of America survey showed that hands-on arts programs ranked second only to sports in what was remembered and valued most among club activities.

Education

Less than half of all American high school students can read, write, and compute well enough to succeed in the current job market. Education programs at BGCSDTO form the foundation of our efforts to prepare youth for productive and responsible lives. Through education, we promote children's academic success and encourage them to explore career options. BGCSDTO programs also stress cooperation, teamwork, and effective communication, which help youth cultivate the qualities that are essential for workplace participation and community involvement.

Leadership & Character

Leadership skills evolve through trust, cooperation and decision-making practice. Leadership programs at BGCSDTO promote democratic decision-making by teaching members to listen carefully, discuss issues respectfully, resolve conflicts, and arrive at a consensus. Children learn to help others through community service by identifying needs within their own neighborhoods, and planning and running service projects. Leadership programs also foster personal initiative as youth organize activities for younger members of the clubs and carry out fundraising projects to make programs at least partially self-supporting.

Life Skills

Children can come to a safe place to talk about issues that concern them. Life skills activities are often structured as discussion groups and workshops, focusing on substance abuse prevention, conflict resolution, diversity, and self-esteem. The groups provide a forum for reviewing interpersonal behavior, changing patterns of interaction, role-playing to learn new skills, and teaching kids about consequences. They are topic-oriented, yet flexible enough to respond to individual needs.

Sports, Fitness & Recreation

Regular physical activity has long been regarded as an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Recently, this has been reinforced by new scientific evidence linking regular physical activity to a wide array of physical and mental health benefits.