Laserfiche WebLink
Each of the Clubs' core program areas are described briefly below, along with recent program <br />highlights for the organization. The Clubs' contact hours are compiled annually in a Year End <br />Program Report; the report for the organization's 2007 fiscal year is attached. <br />Education & Career Development -Programs in this area enable youth to improve their <br />technology skills; become proficient in basic educational disciplines; apply learning to everyday <br />situations; and research career and post-secondary options. Opportunities include basic and <br />advanced technology programs, environmental education, Club-sponsored scholarships, career <br />inventories and workshops, mentoring, homework help, literacy activities, and junior staff <br />positions with the organization. <br />Health & Life Skills -.These programs encourage young people's capacity to engage in positive, <br />healthy behaviors and set personal goals. Activities focus on instilling appropriate conflict <br />resolution, safety, crime prevention, and resistance skills in members. The cornerstone of this <br />core area is the SMART (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training) family of programs, which are <br />nationally acclaimed for their ability to help young people resist alcohol, tobacco and other drug <br />use; gangs and violence; and premature sexual activity. Each of the programs in this area utilizes <br />collaboration with other community-based organizations, as well as public safety and health <br />professionals. <br />The Arts -Members attend local Club arts and cultural events and develop their own creativity <br />through practice in fine arts, creative writing and photography. Members' abilities are showcased <br />at art regional (BGCA) exhibits and Club talent shows. <br />Character & Leadership Development -Programs in this area empower youth to value <br />themselves and others; contribute to their Club and community; and participate in the democratic <br />process. Members learn about various cultures and are encouraged to appreciate diversity. In <br />addition to Club and community service, this core area includes the Virtues Project; Members of <br />the Month and Youth of the Year recognition programs; and Torch Club and Keystone teen <br />leadership groups. <br />Sports, Fitness & Recreation -These programs have served as the foundation of the Boys & <br />Girls Club movement and are the reason many members first join their neighborhood Club. <br />Emphasizing the learning of rules, good sportsmanship, and teamwork, activities in this area <br />develop social skills, fitness, and positive use of leisure time, skills for stress management, and an <br />appreciation for the outdoors. Young women and men compete against other cities and youth <br />organization teams in basketball activities. In addition, they gain skills in outdoor recreation <br />activities (sailing, fishing, hiking, archery, canoeing, etc.). <br />D. Clubs' relationship with other organizations working with similar missions and role <br />relative to these organizations <br />The organization relies on collaborations with other agencies to reach the young people most in <br />need of the Clubs' services and to provide additional support outside of the Clubs' program areas. <br />The following is a sampling of the groups. included in the Clubs' collaboration/referral network: <br />area public schools, charter schools, alternative learning school, Big Brothers Big Sisters of <br />Central Minnesota, Elk River Parks and Recreation, City of Elk River Police Department, Rivers <br />of Hope, local churches, YMCA, Sherburne County, etc. While minimizing additional program <br />costs, all of these collaborations help the organization to avoid duplication of services and ensure <br />the best possible support for Club members and their families. <br />2 <br />