On a recent stop in Santa Barbara with CEO Mike Baker and the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County team, we spent time at two Club sites. What was really awesome was taking part in a ceremony that rewarded members for their attendance.
To start the year, each member gets a red membership card. When he or she reaches 52 days of attendance, they get a silver card. When they hit 105 days, they receive a gold card. And those who reach 200 days of attendance are awarded a blue card. Mike and his team were so kind to present me with my own honorary "Blue Card.”
Numerous parents joined Board Chair Eloy Ortega and several other board members for the presentation. Clearly, it was a significant moment for all involved, but especially the kids who were honored. You could tell they were proud of their accomplishment. What a great example of the power a Boys & Girls Club membership card holds. And kudos to Mike and his team for tying that power to attendance. Congratulations to all the Club members who received their new cards last week and to Club staff who’ve elevated the importance of attendance.
The day finished with a joint meeting of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County board and the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara board members. We had a great discussion about the Great Futures 2025 Strategic Plan and how Clubs in Santa Barbara look to implement the four priorities to create even greater Club Experiences for even more youth.
On a final note, about a week after my visit, the Club was directly affected by raging wildfires in the area. In fact, the fire is believed to have originated at the Club's Camp Whittier property in the Santa Ynez mountain range, where they hold their summer camp and other activities. Thousands of campers in the area were evacuated. While the fire destroyed one residence and a maintenance shed at Camp Whittier, Mike says that fire abatement work they'd done in June saved the camp from total destruction. What a blessing.
To start the year, each member gets a red membership card. When he or she reaches 52 days of attendance, they get a silver card. When they hit 105 days, they receive a gold card. And those who reach 200 days of attendance are awarded a blue card. Mike and his team were so kind to present me with my own honorary "Blue Card.”
Numerous parents joined Board Chair Eloy Ortega and several other board members for the presentation. Clearly, it was a significant moment for all involved, but especially the kids who were honored. You could tell they were proud of their accomplishment. What a great example of the power a Boys & Girls Club membership card holds. And kudos to Mike and his team for tying that power to attendance. Congratulations to all the Club members who received their new cards last week and to Club staff who’ve elevated the importance of attendance.
The day finished with a joint meeting of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County board and the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara board members. We had a great discussion about the Great Futures 2025 Strategic Plan and how Clubs in Santa Barbara look to implement the four priorities to create even greater Club Experiences for even more youth.
On a final note, about a week after my visit, the Club was directly affected by raging wildfires in the area. In fact, the fire is believed to have originated at the Club's Camp Whittier property in the Santa Ynez mountain range, where they hold their summer camp and other activities. Thousands of campers in the area were evacuated. While the fire destroyed one residence and a maintenance shed at Camp Whittier, Mike says that fire abatement work they'd done in June saved the camp from total destruction. What a blessing.
