The Boys & Girls Club Story

A Very Special Spring Break

Spring break is an annual rite of passage. It gives kids a breather and helps them prepare for the school year’s home stretch. My spring break was a little different this year, which only made it more special.

This Clubhouse is the pride of the neighborhood!

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico invited me attend the grand opening of its 11th Club. It was in a small city called Isabela. CEO Jose Campos and V.P. Eduardo Carrera went out of their way to ensure the ribbon-cutting ceremony was a joyful occasion for everyone, especially the youth of Isabela.

It was a fabulous day in all respects – particularly for the community that the amazing new Club will impact. The facility is a showpiece, for sure. But it’s also a symbol for the transformational experiences that await young people behind Club doors.

The staff and kids were incredibly welcoming.

Previously, Club staff and members met mainly at local schools. But the new three-story Clubhouse has plenty of space to conduct programs and activities. Its 44,000 square feet includes a learning center, a state-of-the-art computer center, art and dance studios, indoor basketball and volleyball courts, and a fully equipped gamesroom. In addition, one more Club will soon open in a subsidized housing development.

The Puerto Rico Club has grown tremendously since being founded 45 years ago. Today, there is an organization-wide focus on the Formula for Impact, outcomes and metrics. Enhancing the Club Experience to attract more young people and keep them coming back is also a priority. That devotion to services extends to the greater community, as well. Club leaders have initiated community conversations about how quality youth development can help all kids to have better lives.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Puerto Rico first lady Lucé Vela and Mayor Carlos Delgado Altieri. Each praised the Club for providing critical support that strengthens the island’s young people, families and communities. Their recognition is important. Having committed, dedicated and strong supporters who understand the life-changing work we do is a societal factor in Puerto Rico.

During my trip, I was able to meet Governor Luis G. Fortuño to discuss Puerto Rico's young people.

Later that day, we met with Puerto Rico Gov. Luis G. Fortuño and local board members. We discussed how the Clubs can provide even greater impact and work together to advance the lives of youth on the island.

I won’t soon forget my visit to Isabela. My thanks and congratulations to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico for your tireless commitment to our youth!

The Teenage Years

As we all know, the teenage years are filled with new challenges, emotions and pressures. These years also provide adolescents with tremendous learning opportunities – the choices they make now can have a life-long impact. Today’s teens also face more complex issues than previous generations. Drugs, alcohol, gangs and pregnancy are just some of the issues confronting them. Ensuring that teens have good judgment skills is more critical than ever.

The number of teenagers dropping out of high school is also a challenge. Nationwide, 1 out of 3 teens will drop out. African American and Hispanic youth will be hit even harder, with 1 of every 2 failing to graduate. These statistics are troubling and unacceptable. They’re further exacerbated by ongoing economic woes, nationally and world-wide, that have resulted in fewer job and career opportunities for teens.

During the National Keystone Conference, I enjoyed getting to know teens who serve as leaders in their Clubs.

This all underscores the role we play at Boys & Girls Clubs to ensure teens have a safe place to productively use their time – and a safe mental space, too. At the Club, they can be confident they’ll encounter positive, productive influences, as well as leadership and service opportunities.

Our Keystone Clubs engage teens in a way that produces significantly more favorable outcomes than the norm. This success was on full display at the recent National Keystone Club Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Some 2,000 Club teenagers joined together for fun, exciting and enlightening experiences. It was my first national Keystone Conference. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

Teens gained valuable information about critical issues in their lives. They learned how to deal with everyday challenges. Teen focus groups provided essential insights on recruitment and technology. Speakers shared inspirational stories of overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve success. In the process, our young people learned that good things come from education, perseverance, hard work and focus.

Teen reporter DeQuan interviews me at my first National Keystone Conference as BGCA's new president and CEO!

Frequently, we see statistics that Club members’ high school graduation rates are often better than those of their peers. Surveys also show that Club teens, especially those in Keystone, do better in life and overcome the many challenges mentioned earlier. It’s no wonder, given the support system and caring Club professionals in their lives.

Our vision for Boys & Girls Clubs is simple – every youth who enters our doors graduates from high school with a plan for the future. We are focused on three outcome areas: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. The Formula for Impact is the key that will improve results, and transform and save more lives.

At the core of the Formula is the Club Experience. There’s no substitute for ensuring that our young people have fun, have a professional adult in their lives to guide and counsel them, and receive recognition for their achievements. When you see it in action – like those 2,000 teens in Fort Worth – it all comes together.

What a Week!

It has been a blast to join 4,000 Clubs across the country over the past five days to celebrate National Boys & Girls Club Week. The annual event commemorates the magic that happens in Clubs year-round. 

Reports have been coming in all week from Clubs throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide, describing the wide variety of events and activities they’ve presented to show communities the fun and impact of the Club Experience.

On Monday, Atlanta’s Warren/Holyfield Club invited me to join them in kicking off their festivities. The kids were obviously having a ton of fun. Lending a hand as volunteers were our good friends from UPS, who spend time each week reading with kids at the Club. Of course, UPS is also the sponsor of our Road Code safe driving program for teens. 

UPS staff show their true support by joining us for National Boys & Girls Club Week.

We also took advantage of the occasion to launch our new Online Club Tour. The app has already enabled some 3,500 people to explore a Club online! 

Finally, some 700 Clubs took part in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for most participants in multiple games of tag in 24 hours. It started with a game of tag at Major League Baseball’s MLB Fan Cave in New York. I’ll keep you posted on the valiant effort. 

My thanks to all of the Club kids and staff members nationwide who showed their communities why Great Futures Start at the Boys & Girls Club every day of the year! 

Wish I Knew Back Then What I Know Now.

As is the case for many, I received a quality education that prepared me for the academic rigors of high school and college. I was armed with organizational skills, effective study skills and a plan for my life’s professional direction. While those skills were critical to my success, there remained topics such as personal money management that I had to figure out on my own or learn the hard way. April is Financial Literacy Month and provides an opportunity to reflect on our experiences in personal finances, some of which we may want to forget.  

I will always remember how easily I was introduced to the world of credit cards in college. “Sign here and get a free mug, sweatshirt, T-shirt or umbrella.”  It was too difficult to resist and by October of my freshman year, I had already received three credit cards in the mail, even though I had only submitted two applications. (I wondered whether the local pizza and Chinese restaurants were in on the conspiracy, since they seemed to reap most of the benefits of my ignorance.)  

Sure we had covered compound interest in high school, but I don’t recall learning enough about long-term financial goals, distinguishing between needs and wants and sticking to a personal budget. I had even overheard conversations about credit reports and credit histories, but I had no idea that an electronic database was keeping a log of each time I casually paid my minimum balance late.

Possessing credit cards gave me a false sense of power and invincibility, which diminished regularly each month when the bill came.  Eventually I learned that the dining hall, ham sandwiches and canned goods may not have been as tasty, but filled me up all the same.  

But in all fairness, my credit cards also served as a financial safety net when I needed repairs or a last minute flight home. Back then, I did not have the benefit of a Boys & Girls Club or the Money Matters: Make It Count^.SM program. Yet today’s Club members can learn about how to save money, put together a realistic budget, make smart financial decisions, and stay out of debt.

Fortunately, I was able to learn from my mistakes and recover financially. It took me a while to get things back on track, but it is a great feeling when others can benefit from your experiences. 

Johnny DiBartolo is BGCA's assistant director, Program and Youth Development Services

Tag. You're It!

If I close my eyes and think back to my childhood, I can hear the words “tag -- you’re it!”  It was a time that seemed magical when all I had to do was play.   

This week Boys & Girls Clubs of America is encouraging kids to play big-time by breaking a Guinness Book of World Records for the most number of people playing tag.  Starting Thursday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m., members in Clubs and youth centers around the world will play the time-tested game. 

BGCA is no stranger to world records.  Last year, we set a record for the most people doing jumping jacks (or star jumps) simultaneously. Some 20,425 Club members participated, shattering the previous record.

Help us celebrate National Boys & Girls Club Week by playing a game of tag with friends and family.

This year we’re at it again!  As part of National Boys & Girls Club Week (March 15-21), BGCA will embark on this fitness initiative with its Clubs across the country through the organization’s WANNA PLAY?™ program. This program, supported by Major League Baseball, encourages kids to get active and become nutritionally aware.  

BGCA’s attempt to break the world record is to bring attention to the importance of young people staying active and living healthy lifestyles. The WANNA PLAY? program is designed to improve kid’s overall fitness through physical activity and nutrition education.  It also teaches the fundamental skills of baseball and softball through fun and enriching games.

Tag and other chase games don’t require lots of equipment.  It doesn’t require fancy clothes to get active.  Kids will have so much fun playing games that they won’t even realize they’re getting “exercise.”  Those active kids will be happier and healthier young people.      

For lots of kids, biking to the playground or playing dodge ball has given way to playing the latest video game or watching television.  Children and adolescents need at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.  Our young people need role models, so get active yourself and make physical activity a family affair. 

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

Nearly one-third of children and teens in the U.S. are obese or overweight.  Children can avoid many diseases by adopting and maintaining healthy habits early on.  Being physically active every day is important for kids, and it can be through activities as simple as playing tag.  Young people living healthy, active lifestyles put them on a pathway to a GREAT FUTURE.

Remember, play is the work of kids and adults. So join us ... you're it!

Be Careful What You Post!

“Those 11 words changed my life!” said Jake G., a high school senior and a member of the National Honor Society, about the results what was supposed to be a joke posted on Facebook. 

Some 1,600 teens recently attended BGCA's Keystone Conference -- an event created by teens for teens -- in Fort Worth, Texas.

Jake was part of the Internet safety supersession that was sponsored by Sprint at the recent BGCA National Keystone Conference, a gathering of 1,600 teens and their advisors from Boys & Girls Clubs all over the U.S. and on military installations overseas. He shared the story of this past year in his life, which was dramatically changed by a simple posting he put up on Facebook. 

Jake was a high school junior when a mix-up over “Junior Take Over Day” at his high school had him vent his frustration at the turn of events on Facebook with the words “So, do we have permission to brutally murder [the principal's name] now?” Those 11 words meant felony charges that were later dropped, misdemeanor charges that resulted in probation and community service, school-mandated counseling, out-of-school suspension (and almost expulsion) and a host of other consequences that aren’t part of a normal high school senior year. 

Jake has taken full responsibility for his post online and deeply regrets what he said. But as so much in this Internet age, once it’s out there, it’s out there and can’t be taken back. And with more and colleges and employers checking online profiles, teens need guidance in what is appropriate online and what might not be a good idea. 

Boys & Girls Clubs take Internet safety very seriously. Clubs know the importance of adult monitors actively assisting members is using the Internet at the Club and that filters, while not sufficient in themselves to assure a safer Internet experience, are an important tool in a safer Internet experience. But Clubs also know that the only thing the members take with them when they leave the Club is the Internet safety education that they learn in the tech center and other Club programs. 

To help our Clubs provide better Internet safety education, BGCA has partnered with Sprint and works with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to provide the NetSmartz Workshop of Internet safety programs for our Clubs. And, in June, Clubs are looking forward to celebrating Internet Safety Month with their members, to help reinforce the important safety lessons given throughout the year. 

Every adult in the community can help young people use the Internet more safely. If you’re a parent, talk with your children and teens about their online life. Model good Internet safety behaviors in your family and regularly check online profiles and postings for appropriateness. All caring adults can make sure your children your life feel comfortable talking with you if they have a problem online. By working together, a community can help ensure our young people have a more positive online experience. 

Dan Rauzi is BGCA's senior director of Technology Programs.

By helping our members, especially our teens, learn how to use the Internet more safely, Boys & Girls Clubs are also helping to prepare them to be digital citizens who can use the Internet to enhance their lives and as a tool for being better informed citizens of our nation and the world. A single post can change a life and Boys & Girls Clubs are there to help make sure that post changes lives for the better. 

Jake G. is committed to telling his story to teens so they can avoid the mistake he made. Will you make the same commitment to the young people in your life?