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These initiatives focus on meeting the significant and specific needs identified within Boys & Girls Clubs. Their broad scope complements several or all of our core program areas.
Journeys: Paths to Adulthood is a targeted identity exploration program built to give young people the space, support and tools they need to navigate the journey of adolescence as they grow to emerge as strong, healthy young adults. Journeys: Paths to Adulthood is meant to help young people reflect on their own sense of self in relation to aspects of their identity. Clubs support identity development in all kinds of interactions and experiences, but because adolescence is a key milestone for identity formation, this targeted program is intended for young people ages 10-14. Providing young people with the support they need during these formative years helps them develop healthy attitudes and lifestyles that they will carry into adulthood.
Mental Health is real, especially amongst youth, as we enter a post-COVID world. Teen Talk is a program partnership with I.C.U. Mental Health and Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama with the purpose of providing a safe place for middle and high school-aged teens to engage in discussions specific to their emotional and behavioral needs. Teens are taught healthy coping skills and provided enrichment that can lead to successful lives. For more information on teen mental health, visit www.icumentalhealth.com!
A comprehensive social recreation initiative, strives to improve the overall health of members, ages 6-18, by increasing their daily physical activity, teaching them good nutrition and helping them develop healthy relationships. The Triple Play initiative, sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company and The Anthem Foundation, nurtures the minds, bodies and souls of Club members.
Healthy Habits: A Triple Play Program
Healthy Habits addresses the ways an individual’s health behaviors are influenced by personal beliefs and exposure to positive modeling. In addition to nutrition education, activities focus on helping youth assess, practice, identify, consider, and recognize health behaviors and messages.
The National Fine Arts Exhibit encourages artistic recognition of Club members ages 6 to 18 by displaying drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media and sculpture at local and regional exhibits. A panel of distinguished judges selects works for inclusion in the National Fine Arts Exhibit, which is displayed the ensuing year at BGCA events, including the annual National Conference.
The SMART Moves (Skills Mastery and Resilience Training) prevention and education program addresses problems such as drug and alcohol use and premature sexual activity. Young people ages 6 to 15 engage in discussion and role-playing, practicing resilience and refusal skills, developing assertiveness, strengthening decision-making skills and analyzing media and peer influence.
BGCSA’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.