Triple Play: A Game Plan for Mind, Body and Soul

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1. What is Boys & Girls Clubs of America?

For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, 4,300 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide.

Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at Facebook and Twitter.

2. What is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America mission?

Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

3. When and where was the first Club established?

The first Club was established in 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut. Learn more about the Boys & Girls Club story here.

4. How many kids do Boys & Girls Clubs serve?

Each year, Boys & Girls Clubs serve nearly 4 million kids and teens. Our vision is to provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.

5. Why are Clubs important?

Every day, 11.3 million kids (1 out of 4) leave school with no place to go. And every summer, 43 million kids lack access to summer learning programs. This means that millions of our nation’s youth risk being unsupervised, unguided and unsafe. However, research shows that what happens during the out-of-school time can have a significant impact on reversing the negative trends facing youth, including dropout rates, obesity and violence. And that’s what Boys & Girls Clubs are all about – providing youth with a safe, constructive, supportive environment when they are not at home or at school, where they can have fun with peers and be guided by trained youth development professionals.

6. What types of kids do you serve?

Boys & Girls Clubs serve youth ages 6-18 from all communities and walks of life. Clubs are located wherever youth most need them, including rural and urban areas, public housing communities, public and private schools, and Native lands. Clubs also serve military-connected youth through BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide.

7. What age range do you serve?

Clubs typically serve kids and teens between ages 6 – 18. Check with your local Club to find out which age groups they serve.

8. How do I start a Club?

Clubs are started by grassroots efforts when communities identify the need for positive activities for their kids and teens. Click here to learn more.

9. Where’s the closest Club in my area?

Find your local Club by clicking here.

10. How can I find a Club for my child to join?

Find the closest Club in your area here and visit their website for more information.

11. How much does it cost to be a member?

Membership costs vary by Club. Find the Club closest to you here and visit their website to learn more.

12. What sort of programming do you offer to kids and teens?

Boys & Girls Clubs of America offers a host of tested, proven and nationally recognized programs in core program areas that closely align with the developmental needs of all young people:

Career Development
Character & Leadership
Sports & Recreation
The Arts
Health and Wellness
Education

As community-based, autonomous organizations, most Clubs offer a mix of national and locally developed programs that best fit the needs of their Club members. Contact a Club near you to learn about their specific program offerings.

13. What are the benefits of being a Boys & Girls Club member?

Clubs provide a host of benefits to their members. While each Club’s programming offerings vary based on community needs and interests, all Clubs provide youth with a safe, constructive environment where they can learn and grow under the guidance of trained youth development professionals. Clubs encourage members to strive for academic success, lead healthy lifestyles, and exhibit good character and citizenship. To learn more, click here.

14. What’s the relationship between Boys & Girls Clubs of America and local Clubs?

In 1906, the first 53 Clubs banded together to establish a national organization, now known as Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Ever since then, the national organization and local Boys & Girls Clubs have worked together on behalf of America’s youth.

Through its Atlanta headquarters, regional service centers and Government Relations office in Washington, D.C., BGCA provides assistance and support to Clubs in youth program development, board and staff development, organizational planning, resource development, marketing and communications, and administration and management. Key functions include:

Assisting Clubs with outcome-based program planning and evaluation
Providing comprehensive child safety resources to protect youth and position Boys & Girls Clubs as catalysts for child protection
Helping community leaders establish new Clubs and expand existing ones
Providing training experiences, management consultations and resources for staff development, volunteer recruitment, marketing, fundraising, compensation and benefits administration
Promoting greater public awareness about the Clubs’ mission and impact
Addressing legislative and public policy issues affecting young people and the volunteer sector

15. Why should I support Boys & Girls Clubs of America?

A donation is an investment in the future of America’s youth. Boys & Girls Clubs of America creates great futures for the next generation of our leaders by encouraging education and community involvement. Clubs annually serve nearly 4 million youth through Club membership and community outreach.

16. Where can I make donations other than money (school supplies, clothes, books, etc.)?

For information regarding in-kind donations to Clubs in your area, please contact a Club near you.

17. Where do I mail a donation?

Make checks out to Boys & Girls Clubs of America and send your check to the following address:

Boys & Girls Clubs of America
P.O. Box 117431
Atlanta, GA 30368-7431

18. How does my company become a Corporate Partner?

Boys & Girls Clubs of America is always open to new corporate partnerships with companies that will help advance the work of our organization. BGCA is interested in partnering with companies that have solid brand images and reputations, along with a strong corporate mission. For more information on becoming a partner, please visit this page.

19. Have a specific question not answered here?

Please fill out the Contact form here.