2017 is YEAR of the TEEN

TEEN PROGRAM INCREASING EFFECTIVENESS

In conjunction with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Clubs across the country, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County is making TEENS a priority in 2017.

In 2014, Boys & Girls Club of America noticed a decline in teen attendance at Clubs nationwide. It was then that they made a three year commitment to increasing Boys & Girls Club impact on teens. Boys & Girls Clubs are proven that they help teens lead healthy lifestyles, avoid risky behaviors, and excel in school and self-expression.

In 2017, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County’s call to action continues to be to strengthen our Clubs and programs, so that they are not only a safe haven for our teens, but also serve as a place where teens: 1) want to engage, 2) will benefit from the relationships they have with peers and adult mentors, and 3) receive support and education to make informed decisions about their lives after they leave the Club.

BGCSCC is prioritizing efforts to increase our outreach to teens to serve them more effectively. We are focused on:
– fostering teen development
– sustaining our teen involvement
– cultivating meaningful programs for our teens (12+).

In a survey BGCSCC sent to teen members and teen non-members we learned:
Teens asked for extended hours on the weekends and during the summer.
45% of teens look to the Club for help on homework, learning how to handle their finances, and/or to create a resume to apply to college.
53% of respondents struggled with feeling stressed and overwhelmed (from grades, not getting enough support at school or at home, and/or family issues).
All respondents shared that the Club helps them follow their interests in: art, sports, music, drama, dance, technology/social media, fashion, life skills (cooking, grocery shopping), gaming, and reading.
36% respondents felt like the Club is a safe space that provides mentors they trust.

Using the results from our teen survey, BGCSCC is better prepared to provide programming that our teens want.

Our Teen Directors Amy (Live Oak Branch) and April (Downtown Branch) work with our Programming staff to create engaging activities for the teens such as:
– Passport to Manhood/Bro-Code
-SMART Girls
-Teen Art Program
-Teen Night (such as League Night)
-Field trips into the community
-Volunteering at Community Events
-Outdoor, teamwork based games
-Money Matters
-Homework help (including quiet spaces for homework time beyond Power Hour)

All teen activities center around broadening the teens’ understanding of art, technology, encouraging them to make healthy lifestyle choices, and ultimately giving them the space to feel safe and become successful.

April Ochoa, Teen Director at Downtown Clubhouse

“I love getting to know them. Just the bond that we have. I love knowing that they have a safe space to go too. It’s the most rewarding and the best job in the world. For instance watching young women participate in SMART Girls and seeing the sisterhood they are able to create, it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Amy Childers, Teen Director at Live Oak Clubhouse

“I want my teens to be good human beings. I want this space to be a place where teens can be ever mindful and feel comfortable communicating with us and my co-workers. We discovered that creating small groups is an excellent way to allow teens to feel safe and be heard.”

Highlighted Teen Members

Downtown Clubhouse: Coral and Tya

Live Oak Clubhouse:

Ryder Bravo

Miranda Hernandez-Valdez

Calendar of Events

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pacific Region Art Exhibit
Sunday, February 26 from 11:30am-1:00pm. Stop by the Downtown Clubhouse Gym to view over 800 pieces of art from the entire Boys & Girls Clubs Pacific Region.

First Friday: Pacific Region Art Exhibit
On First Friday March 3rd from 5pm-9pm, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County is proud to host a celebration of the arts in honor of all regional Club member artists who participated in this year’s Pacific Regional Arts programs and competitions: the National Fine Arts Exhibit, Image Makers, and Digital Arts Festival.

Join us at the Santa Cruz Art Center Food Lounge front dining area and atrium for food, music, and art. The 90 featured artworks include Boys & Girls Clubs National qualifiers from the Pacific Region and our own local regional qualifiers.

Youth of the Year Banquet
Thursday, March 23rd Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County will be hosting its annual Youth of the Year Banquet, celebrating local youth’s achievements and growth. RSVP to Alexandra at alexandra@boysandgirlsclub.info or 831-423-3138 ext. 26.

Heart & Sole Run
Sunday, March 25th at Santa Clara University, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County will be benefiting from this 5k happening from 8am-10:30am. Tickets available here.

National Boys & Girls Club Week includes our Live Oak Clubhouse’s First Year Anniversary Party happening Thursday, March 30th. Time TBA.

Comcast Cares Day is coming to our Downtown Clubhouse on
Saturday, April 22, 2017 for a day of volunteering.

Comcast California will be partnering with us for a clean-up and beautification day, and you’re invited to join us and pitch in! It’s all part of Comcast Cares Day, the company’s annual day of service, when Comcast employees, families, and friends partner with local organizations nationwide on projects that benefit the communities where they live and work. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Contact Alexandra at alexandra@boysandgirlsclub.info to sign up.

Amy supporting her Teens in the Technology Center

Amy shocked at the outcome of a team inspired game

Wish List

Featured wishlist items for Live Oak Clubhouse:
– 3-5 sewing machines
– zippers
– thread & needles
– dress forms

To visit our complete wish list go here.

DONATE TODAY!

Note to Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County Community, we have modified our newsletter schedule so that we will be sending out newsletter’s once a quarter. Expect newsletters in May, August, and November.