Youth Development Programming
Our Youth Development Programming is offered Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm. We offer a variety of programming including:
The Arts
National Fine Arts Program
This year-round program encourages artistic expression among Club members ages 6-18 through drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media and sculpture while providing opportunities for members to create artwork for display in a local exhibit.
Club Tech
Club Tech’s self-directed Digital Arts Suite courseware consists of Web Tech (Web page design), Design Tech (graphic design), Photo Tech (photo illustration) and Music Tech. Movie Tech contains detailed instructor materials for teaching members to write screenplays and facilitating the hands-on process of filming and editing digital movies.
Character & Leadership
Torch Club
This small-group leadership development program is targeted to youth ages 11 to 13. Chartered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, members elect officers and plan and implement community service projects.
Keystone Club
This small-group leadership development program is targeted to youth ages 14 to 18. Keystoners elect officers, choose their own activities and plan and implement commuity service projects. This teen leadership program is funded by the Taco Bell Foundation.
Youth of the Year
Youth of the Year is BGCA’s premier youth recognition program for Club members. All members can benefit from participation in this program, which promotes and celebrates service to Club, community and family; academic performance; moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability.
Education & Career
Career Launch
This fun and exciting program prepares teens for the working world. Club teens 13-18 years old embark on a journey to explore careers, make sound educational decisions and find success in the world of work.
Junior Staff
This is an easy-to-use program for Club teens ages 13 to 18. Thanks to program sponsor AT&T, this completely updated program will provide your Club staff and volunteers with tools to guide young people in preparing for a career in Boys & Girls Clubs and/or other service professions. Through participation in Junior Staff, teens will develop interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic and a sense of community engagement while experiencing on-the-job Club work.
Money Matters
This financial literacy program is designed specifically to help teens expand their knowledge of money management and learn the skills that lead to financial independence and well-being. This program is sponsored by Bank of the Ozarks
Power Hour
Provides youth with homework help, tutoring, educational support, and guidance. Volunteer tutors are used to implement this program.
Health & Life Skills
Smart Moves
(Skills Mastery and Resistance Training)
This nationally acclaimed comprehensive prevention program helps young people resist alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, as well as premature sexual activity. SMART Moves features engaging, interactive, small-group activities that increase participants’ peer support, enhance their life skills, build their resiliency and strengthen their leadership skills. This year-round program encourages collaborations among Club staff, youth, parents and representatives from other community organizations.
Triple Play
Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning in every part of the Club experience, Healthy Habits emphasizes good nutrition, regular physical activity and improving overall well-being. The program, for ages 6 to 15, is the “Mind” component of Triple Play: A Game Plan for the Mind, Body and Soul.
