The Boys & Girls Club Story

Can Fun, Active Play Make You Smarter?

For most of my life, all I’ve really wanted to do was play.  As a child, most of the adults in my life preached to me about how I would have to put aside my interests in sports and games for more serious matters.  What if I my instincts were right all along?  What if play wasn’t frivolous?  What if play made you smarter?  New information suggests that while young people are exercising their bodies, they may be exercising their brains.

Two new research finding indicate physical activity improves young people’s ability to perform better in school.  Dutch researchers reviewed 14 previous studies examining the link between physical activity and academic performance.  The findings were recently published in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.  Additionally, the Center’s for Disease Control conducted a literature review which found that out of 50 studies, more than half showed a positive association between school-based physical activity and academic performance. 

Some of the research showed that concentration, memory, self-esteem and verbal skills improved in students who participated in physical activity.  Reasons for the link are unknown.  However, regular physical activity causes increased blood flow to the brain.  More oxygen helps with better brain function. Additionally, physical activity releases hormones which improve mood.  Finally, regular physical activity reduces stress levels within the body making it easier to concentrate on academic pursuits. 

Bobby Fischer, arguably the world’s all-time chess champion, recognized the link between increase physical activity and reduced stress and fatigue.  In 1972, he trained like an athlete in his preparation for his championship match against Russian Boris Spassky.  At the height of the Cold War, this was a huge media event.  Bobby recognized the stressors of being engaged in mental activity over an extended period of time as well as the physically draining spotlight this match up created.  

Pent up energy and stress may be one factor in dropping standardized test scores and increased acting out in school.  One of the unintended consequences of No Child Left Behind is the elimination of gym and recess from many schools.  Critics argue that gym takes away study time from the three R’s – reading, writing and arithmetic.  Ironically, these actions may be counterproductive.  For more on the importance of gym, go to http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/publications/teachingTools/whyPE.cfm.

Wayne B. Moss is BGCA's senior director of Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

My colleagues and I help develop High Yield Learning Activities for Club members.  These are activities with a developmental purpose.  If academic learning is incorporated with physical activities, young people will benefit both ways.  BGCA, with the support of the Coca Cola Company and the WellPoint Foundation, has released a new guide – Back Pocket Program Hints, Too - for Clubs that is chocked full of high yield activities.  

It’s time to get back to the four R’s – reading, writing, arithmetic and recreation. 

Making Moving an Exciting New Mystery to Solve

Moving is an interesting experience, as many of you know. As our family prepares to transition from the area we grew up in, it represents an exciting and adventurous time. Sure, there’s some anxiety: new city, new neighborhood, new schools and soon-to-be-new friends. We try to approach this experience as an exciting mystery to solve.

Preparing for Adventure!
Chase (left) and Grayson (right) are excited to move to a warmer climate that allows them to ride bikes and enjoy playing outside. Samantha (Sam) found a great house in Metro Atlanta and is getting ready for the big move.

Our boys, Chase, 7, and Grayson, 9, are in second and fourth grade. They view the move as exciting, too. Georgia’s mostly mild climate means they get to spend a lot more time outdoors: riding their bikes, swimming, playing tennis, golfing, playing baseball. At their age, the change comes much easier than if they were older. They’ll make the move this summer after school ends in Wisconsin.

Samantha, my wife, has spent time in Atlanta searching for a new home. And I’m happy to report she found one! We’re not looking forward to the packing and the physical move itself, but we hope to get through it as quickly as possible.

Sam joined us for a community reception here two weeks ago, hosted by Bill Rogers, the board chair for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and president and CEO of SunTrust Banks. It was a great way for her to begin acclimating to the community, even if she did have a head start. Sam used to work for Kimberly-Clark and had traveled to their Atlanta-area office a number of times.

Even our pets will have to prepare. I don't look forward to moving a frisky cat, who is much too interested in our fish and who may not enjoy a long car ride to Atlanta.

In the next few weeks, we’ll begin a laundry list of home projects to do once we get settled in. When I asked my sons what they wanted in a new house, Chase asked for a Ping-Pong table, while Grayson requested a beanbag chair. And they both love playing Wii games, so we’ll definitely need room for that, too.

We’re fortunate to have longtime friends in the Atlanta area and reconnecting with them has been fun. Atlanta is a beautiful city whose rolling hills and lots of trees/greenery were a pleasant surprise. And the locals are super friendly, as well.

Family is so important, and for Sam and me, our top priority. I look forward to introducing them to our extended Boys & Girls Club family at our National Conference in San Diego this May. 

Texas-size Takeaways

What a super visit this past week to our Southwest Region and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Meeting the local leaders, staff and board volunteers who work so hard for our young people is always a pleasure. A roundtable discussion with chief professional officers and numerous volunteers from all eight states in the region pointed to the clear vision of our strategic plan to improve outcomes for youth, and how the Formula for Impact will get us there. Asked about expectations for Average Daily Attendance in 2012, most said they anticipate growth. 

Comments and questions were perceptive and timely: How to energize alumni involvement with Clubs? What about an alumni survey supporting FFI? Are training and funding available to maintain the integrity of data collection? Can Clubs get technical assistance with grant writing? Excellent points, all worthy of further exploration. We also discussed rural Clubs and their needs. I committed to visit several in the near future to experience firsthand the significance of these organizations. 

Calls on our Arlington, Collin County, Greater Dallas, and Greater Fort Worth Clubs – and their respective leaders Steve Wurm, Tanya Greene, Charles English and Daphne Barlow Stigliano – provided a great chance to speak with staff members and board leaders. For example, attending a board meeting in Fort Worth, I heard directly from volunteers about how they’re implementing plans to improve our kids’ lives. 

At the Greater Dallas Clubs, member outcomes have been measured since 2009, after a survey revealed supporters’ chief concern was helping members graduate from high school. As a result, the organization overhauled their core programs and made academic enhancement their top priority. Thanks to Collegiate STEPS, a college preparation and high school graduation program, the number of the Club's graduating seniors has tripled since '09. 

In Collin County, the McKinney Clubhouse is their oldest facility, yet now has a new lease on life. Thanks to a recent renovation, the 43-year-old Club looks like new. Outreach programs with the local housing authority and homeless shelter are really special, too. On a regular basis, the Club provides children who reside in public housing with transportation, programs and a hot dinner. 

The stand-out programming at the East Dallas Club was exciting to see. Their teen center provides hands-on learning in areas such as forensic science, robotics and computer science. We can learn a great deal about effective teen programming – and STEM education – from this team.

We have so many wonderful supporters in the region. It was great to visit some of them to say thanks and review our plans for the future. We talked about ever-changing technology and how our kids use it in their everyday world. Remaining relevant is a challenge for all corporations, as well as for us as a Movement, and I believe this is one area where we can work together in a mutually-beneficial way with our partners.   

At AT&T, BGCA National Trustee Bill Blase discussed communications and changes in the world. We agreed to re-visit this in an effort to improve how we use technology and communications with staff, local Clubs and youth. Meeting with jcpenney, a premier partner and one of our largest corporate supporters last year, technology was touched on once again -- in particular, its use in retail and its impact on children and families. Meetings with Kimberly-Clark, Dr Pepper/Snapple, and Fluor Corporation, along with BGCA Trustees and Governors, also provided great perspectives on the region and Movement. 

We have an awesome national staff in the Southwest, led by Teresa Walch. Their objectives surrounding key performance indicators and advancements in 2012 are terrific and will be helpful to local Clubs. Our development team also does a fantastic job, raising awareness and needed resources in the region.

As we look ahead, our voice as the #1 advocate for kids will be supported by outcomes derived from being a Club member. Defining our brand further will also be important in the eyes of new stakeholders.

Thanks to all the Club professionals, volunteers and youth of the Metroplex area for their keen insights and demonstrations of best practices. It’s amazing how much one can learn in a day spent with the Boys & Girls Club family.

Finding Inspiration Right Down the Road

My tour of Clubs continued last week at The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta. Executive Director Andy Copassaki and members of the advisory council board hosted my visit to the Fuqua Clubhouse, only about two miles from our offices. It was also great to meet with Salvation Army leadership, including Josh Knapp. As Territorial Boys Work, Sports Ministry, Camp & Community Center Director, Josh is the organization’s national point person for youth programs.

Our nearly 60-year partnership with The Salvation Army has led to a lot of impactful results for our kids. It was great to get a better picture of today’s Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs, especially how they’ve incorporated the Formula for Impact into programming at all of their Clubs. Additionally, the Club professionals will be attending ALP in the next few months!
 
The board’s attitude on fundraising was impressive, as was their deep commitment to the youth being served. Tough as the economy has been, this board knows they need to work diligently to drive support for the mission. And they’re optimistic they can do so in 2012. As one board member put it, not everyone is aware of the Clubs’ impact on youth, so that means there are plenty of potential new supporters out there to approach. Once they know about the positive change Clubs make in kids’ lives, it’s a done deal.
 
The highlight of these visits is meeting and speaking with Club members. It's important to hear our young people's points of views about the Club, how it affects their daily lives, as well as their long-term goals and aspirations. This never fails to enlighten, uplift and challenge me to do more.
 
I left the Club informed and inspired. My congratulations and thanks to all the dedicated folks at The Salvation Army who have worked with Boys & Girls Clubs to "Do The Most Good" and create Great Futures for more than half a century.

Six Tips to Keep the Weight Off

We’re a few weeks into the year and many of the resolutions made are a distant memory.  You may have picked up a few pounds from social gatherings, grandma’s delectable cake or the leisurely pace of the holidays.  Unfortunately, for many the few pounds picked up over the holiday is more than a slight annoyance because it’s on top of the weight picked up through the year.    

What should you do for yourself and family to drop the unwanted pounds?  Over the years I’ve learned there are hundreds of things you can do for weight loss.  However, I’ve also learned that there are only a half-dozen things that make the biggest difference.  Below you will find six things to incorporate into your lifestyle.

1. Move More.  Adults should get a minimum of 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week.  Children and adolescence should get 60 minutes of daily physical activity.  The activity can be in as small as 10 minute increments.  Adults, teens and children should also engage in strength and bone-density building activity.  For more information, go to http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/default.aspx.    

For healthy eating tips, visit http://choosemyplate.gov!
2. Get 5 a Day:  According to the CDC, about 1 in 4 U.S. high school students ate fruits less than once daily and 1 in 3 students ate vegetables less than once daily in 2010. Most students are failing to meet the daily fruit and vegetable recommendations.  For kids who are finicky eaters, hide veggies by pureeing and adding to some of your favorite recipes.  For example, add pureed carrots and zucchini to your spaghetti sauce.
3. Eat Less:  Eliminate trans fats (animal fat). Reduce the amount of sugar, sodium (salt) and refined grains you consume such as crackers and chips.  Sodium is hidden in foods like soup, frozen meals and breads.  Check labels and choose items with lower sodium content.  Ensure half of your grains are whole grains.  Additionally, switch to fat-free or 1% milk.
4. Manage Your Portions:  Enjoy your food but eat less of it.  Avoid “supersized” portions.  Reduce your waist size and save money by sharing a plate when dining out or having dessert. 
5. Avoid fad diets:  Notice none of the above items suggested the grapefruit, cabbage or protein-only diets.  While healthy, there were no recommendations for consuming super foods like berries or bee pollen.  Keep it simple.
6. Drink plenty of water:  People can live only about one week without fluids.  Water helps us digest food, regulate body temperature, move blood around our bodies, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, removes toxins and other waste, keeps our joints from rubbing together and protects our tissues and organs.   Fluid is used up daily for all the jobs it does. Our bodies lose even more when we’re exercising or perspiring.   It’s important to drink enough fluids so that our bodies have enough to function properly.

Proper nutrition is critical components of preventive medicine, and can help to reduce the risk for the three top killers - heart disease, cancer, and stroke.  It can also reduce the onset of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Wayne B. Moss is BGCA's senior director of Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

BGCA has helped more than one million youth get fit, eat smart and improve their social skills through our Triple Play program, made available through the generous support of the Coca Cola Company and the WellPoint Foundation. Because parents play such a critical role in the development of a child’s physical and social well-being, BGCA and its donors produced a Parent’s Game Plan.  Feel free to use activities at home with your family.

Remember, keep it simple and get moving!

The Power of Community Partnerships

Week one on the job at BGCA was filled with memorable moments, meeting wonderful young people, staff, volunteers and partners. It’s been exhilarating, and week two has brought more of the same!

Patrice Broughton, the director of our Greensboro, Ga., Club, presented me with a T-shirt with an appropriate color for the Greene County organization. Thanks Patrice!

On Tuesday morning I drove to the Greene County Boys & Girls Club, a unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North-Central Georgia. Though open only since last June, the Club has already established solid roots in this rural community. This rapid success is due in no small part to the strong partnership forged with the Greene County School District, which provides an entire wing of the elementary school for the Club facility. 

The partnership goes far beyond the facility, though. It also includes deep interaction around academic support and multiple connections to advance learning while emphasizing *fun* and the core of the Club Experience. The spacious setting includes a media room, tech lab, art center and learning center, as well as access to the school gym. Soon, additional space will be remodeled to provide a place for teens from the nearby middle and high schools. 

Dr. Barbara Pulliam Davis, superintendant of Greene County Schools, spent time with us and expressed how the Club is an important part of improving the success of kids at the school. It’s a terrific example of schools and Clubs working together, and focusing on our youth. Thanks to the staff and Paul Schultz, who leads our North-Central Georgia Clubs, for all the great things happening in Greene County.

My next stop was the Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens. I met Mike Hackett, who leads the organization, and Jim Newland, longtime “legendary” volunteer, at the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse, which opened in 2009. Athens School Superintendent Dr. Phil Lanoue took time to describe how Clubs are an integral part of their plan for student success, and credited Clubs with assisting in recent achievements. Opened in 2009, the Smilow Clubhouse has seen average daily attendance jump by more than 50 percent over the facility it replaced. Part of the reason for this increase might be the state-of-the-art recording studio in the teen center. Designed by local musicians and professors from nearby University of Georgia, the studio comes with guitars, drums, bass, keyboards, a vocal booth and much more. It’s a real magnet for teens.

We then headed across town to the brand-new H.T. Edwards Clubhouse. Just as in Greene County, a community effort made this Club a reality. Clarke County School District donated this former high school, with Athens-Clarke County Government and Athens Housing Authority each contributing $1 million to renovate it. Mike and his team have the Formula for Impact embedded in all they do; they even display the poster in their Club so that everyone can see the strategy. Since the Club opened last May, an average of 145 kids have passed through its doors every day – a remarkable 133 percent increase over the former unit. Even more growth is anticipated in 2012.   

I capped the day at BGCA headquarters, where I enjoyed a round-table discussion with 30 board members and Club leaders from throughout our southeast region, followed by a reception with some 50 more Club executives and board members. 

A busy day … and a great one. It left me feeling optimistic about our kids and their futures.

An Inspiring Day in Our Nation's Capital

Spending time at our Clubs with kids is the most rewarding part of what we do, and having the opportunity to interact with Club staff and kids is inspiring. It also continually fortifies what’s important in life, and that’s the future of our youth. Wednesday was no exception.

I was privileged to spend the entire day in Washington, D.C., where the power of partnership became dramatically evident in every meeting and conversation.

Wednesday, Jan. 4, I visited our nation's capital, meeting with military officials at the Pentagon and Justice Department administrators. But the highlight of the day was meeting the great staff and kids at our Andrews AFB Youth Center.

We started out at the Pentagon, an awe-inspiring place to visit in itself.  It was my first time, so no doubt I looked like a tourist as we began walking through this massive structure.  But we soon felt right at home as we met with our partners in the Department of Defense and all the branches of the Armed Services. Since the beginning of BGCA's work with the military, serving the sons and daughters of parents deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, this relationship has been very meaningful to the entire BGCA family. It has been a privilege to serve the needs of military youth, whose families sacrifice so much in service to our nation. My goal was to convey our continuing, steadfast commitment to this powerful alliance. In turn, I heard about the high value the military places on the partnership with BGCA, as well as the many challenges the military faces in these turbulent political and economic times. This is a critically important dialog that will remain among my highest priorities.

One of the truisms of Boys & Girls Club work is that you meet Club alumni wherever you go.  Even at the Pentagon. On Wednesday I met General Darren McDew, an alumnus of the Clubs in Hampton, Virginia. He shared some great stories about those early days -- a common occurence when you meet a former Club kid.

Next we visited the Youth Center at Andrews Air Force Base, an amazing facility with a great staff who offer strong Boys & Girls Club programming in our three key outcome areas of academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. I met two families who talked movingly about how important the Club is in their lives. Brandon Shields, the president of the Keystone Club, told me how tough it is for young people, like himself, whose parents are deployed multiple times, and how the Club served as a beacon of strength and purpose for him and so many others.  I also met Mya Hudson, Andrews' Youth of the Year, a freshman at Hampton University. Mya told me how the Club staff helped her develop strong leadership skills that she is applying now in her college career. 

Later we met with our great friends at the Department of Justice. Laurie Robinson and Jeff Slowikowski are with the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).  Laurie serves as the Assistant U.S. Attorney General, while Jeff is the Acting Administrator for OJJDP  (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention).  OJP is BGCA's single largest supporter, having generated hundreds of millions of dollars over the years to help start new Clubs in distressed communities, and support key programs in existing Clubs. In 2011 alone, despite these tough economic times, OJP generated $48.3 million for Boys & Girls Clubs.  It was a real honor to thank them in person for this incredible longtime commitment, and to reflect on what a difference their support has made in countless lives and communities.

The next two days will be spent in Atlanta, working with staff on our strategic planning for the coming year.  But the first three days as CEO of BGCA will be tough to beat for emotion, interaction, inspiration, and reminders of what is possible when we put our collective minds toward a vision -- Great Futures Start Here!

Seeing Club Impact -- Up Close & Personal -- in Atlanta

How do you follow a first day like the one I enjoyed on Monday, visiting our Clubs in the very birthplace of Boys & Girls Clubs, historic Hartford, Connecticut?  

Tuesday was actually my first "official" day (given that Monday was a holiday), and it was another special experience.  It started with an orientation with Roxanne Spillett, my predecessor who led a transformation of our Movement during her incredible 16 years at the helm.  I could not have asked for a more helpful, collegial, and supportive partner in this adventure than Roxanne. 

Next I met with our amazing national staff, in person in Atlanta and via teleconference with our regional and Government Relations teams, to express my appreciation for their commitment and support, and discuss our challenges and opportunities in the year ahead.  It is truly an honor and thrill to lead this group, one that any CEO would envy. 

On Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, I visted one of the Clubs in Atlanta and received artistic direction from several young aspiring artists. Here, we drew self portraits with mine receiving quite a few critiques!

Later, I toured one of our finest local units here in Atlanta, the A. Worley Brown Boys & Girls Club, and was greatly impressed by the staff and youth I met. The Club integrates learning into every activity area, and has made impressive strides in outcome measurement. After painting my self-portrait (not something you'd want to see) with several budding DaVincis in the arts room ... creating my own avatar with the help of some young computer wizards in the tech lab ... and enjoying an original song produced and performed by teen members in the Club recording studio, I had a great meeting with members of the Keystone Club. Their insights on the challenges and needs of teens are critically important, and I will be continuing this dialog with these teens and others throughout the country in the weeks and months ahead. 

We tackled math problems and ran our hearts out, but to no avail. While we didn't win the relay race, our team demonstrated great teamwork with lots of laughs. (And I got to wear running shoes with a suit!)

During the visit, I joined Missy Dugan, chief professional officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Rodney Close, vice president of (BGCs of Metro Atlanta) Field Services, and about 20 youth members in a unique event called a problem-solving relay race.  Each of the teams in the race draws a slip of paper with a math problem; only when the team has come up with the solution, and handed it to the referee, can a member of the team run a leg of the relay. It's a great example of how the Club integrates learning and fun into every activity. Full disclosure:  my team did not win.  But running in sneakers and a suit is always interesting ... and I had a blast with these very smart kids!

On Wednesday, we traveled to D.C. to meet with our military friends and partners.  It's a unique, amazing relationship that dates all the way back to 1991, and has impacted the lives of millions of military youth and families.  Please check back for the Wednesday blog entry for a report on another unforgettable day.

 

Hartford: Where It All Began

Happy New Year to all!

Everyone's first day on a new job is filled with excitement, enthusiasm and reflection. Thinking about the past few months leading into today, I can't begin to express my thanks and gratitude for all of the support and encouragement you have given me. As my first day as your President & CEO comes to a close, I'd like to again say thank you for this privilege.

On Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, BGCA President and CEO Jim Clark (center) visits with teen reporter Damian Gunn (left) and Connecticut Youth of the Year winner Martha Olang (right) in Hartford.

The day was spent in a special place: at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, Connecticut. Being at the birthplace of our Movement was very meaningful and symbolic, to feel and reflect on what has evolved over the past 152 years. Sam Gray (President & CEO of the Hartford Club) and his team were wonderful and gracious hosts as was the community. Of the greatest significance was the time spent interacting with our youth members and ambassadors for the day. They were fabulous and terrific examples of the return on investment our members derive from being part of the Club. Martha Olang, the Hartford and State Youth of the Year, served as a brilliant emcee for a press conference attended by the Mayor, Governor, U.S. senator, state representatives, community and civic leaders, corporate supporters, local board members, staff and other stakeholders. Damian Gunn, a member of the Keystone Club, conducted a terrific interview for myclubmylife.com, a website for teens.

On his first day on the job, BGCA President and CEO Jim Clark visits Hartford, Conn., the birthplace of Boys & Girls Clubs. While there, he talked to Club members about their aspirations and key issues affecting their lives.

Thank you Sam and your entire team for a very special and meaningful first day that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Our Movement has a deep and rich history filled with so many magnanimous triumphs and successes. We also have many challenges in front of us to tackle and a strategic plan to bring about even greater achievements in our kids' lives who need us most.  It will take all of us as a family to advance the Movement to realize even greater achievements for our youth. Great Futures do start here, and with each and every one of you!

Thanks again. 

Jim


Jim Clark
President and CEO
Boys & Girls Clubs of America