The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland is a youth development organization serving 1st -12th graders at two locations. Our Club has four key characteristics that define the essence of the Boys & Girls Club organization. All are crucial in exerting a positive impact on the life of a child in our community. 1. Dedicated Youth Facility: The Boys & Girls Club is a place - a neighborhood-based building-designed solely for youth programs. 2. Open Daily: The Club is open every day after school, and weekdays during the summer when youth are unsupervised and need positive and productive activities. 3. Professional Staff: The Club has full-time, trained youth development professionals, providing guidance, direction and mentorship. 4. Available and Affordable to All Youth: The Club charges $5.00 per year for a membership to allow affordability for all children. Scholarships are available. ACADEMIC SUCCESSOur goal at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland is to ensure that all Club members graduate from high school on time, ready for a post-secondary education and a 21st-century career. Here are a few of our programs that aid in academic success: Power Hour Every day after school Club members have homework support in a designated area to get their work completed. The Clubâ??s strategy is to provide activities, resources and information to create an engaging homework help and tutoring program that encourages Club members at every age to become self-directed learners. Career Launch Career Launch is an opportunity for teen members to explore potential education and career pathways in higher education, trade school, and military. Career Launch is an opportunity for teens to increase their skills, knowledge, and abilities in professional communication. This program gives teen members the tools to be successful today and in the future. GOOD CHARACTER & CITIZENSHIPHelping youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills for participating in the democratic process is the main thrust of these programs. They also develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to Club and community and celebrating our national heritage. Youth of the Year The Youth of the Year program is an opportunity for students to develop professional communication skills. First, the high school members participate in an essay competition. We offer an after school program that participants may utilize in learning how to write a speech and for tips in public speaking. They then experience a series of interviews and eventually interview with three involved community members. After achieving the local Youth of the Year title, the winner has the opportunity to compete again at the state level with other Youth of the Year winners in Michigan. Keystone Club Our Keystone Clubs are chartered small group leadership development clubs for young people ages 14 to 18. Keystone members elect officers, choose their own activities, and plan and implement community service projects. A national charter entitles a Keystone Club to participate in regional and national Keystone conferences. Torch Club Our Torch Clubs are chartered small group leadership development clubs for boys and girls ages 11-13. Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to implement activities in four areas: service to Club and community; education; health and fitness; and social recreation. HEALTHY LIFESTYLESThese Club programs help develop fitness, a positive use of leisure time, reduction of stress and an appreciation for the environment. Kids in Motion This fun program is filled with sports and recreation activities for members 1st through 4th grade. Every Tuesday a team of students from Grand Valley State University come to the South Side facility to encourage our elementary members to live healthy by being active and building healthy habits. The League The League is an intramural sports and recreation program. This program is active throughout the school year for our Junior and Teen members. The League offers flag football in the fall, dodgeball in the winter, and kickball in the spring. The League encourages members to be active after school, plus encourages participants to focus on sportsmanship and teamwork. Smart Girls & Smart Boys The purpose of SMART Girls & SMART Boys is to inspire healthy attitudes and lifestyles. Each group meets separately and is a time and place for members to participate in talks and activities about emotional changes and developing positive relationships. The program is designed for 5th, 6th, and 7th graders, and guided by trained and professional staff members. The Garden During the spring , summer, and early fall, our Club members from 4th through 7th grade meet three to four times a week to maintain two small gardens located at the Clubâ??s South Side facility. These members are responsible for watering, weeding and harvesting, as well deciding what to do with the produce. A portion of the produce is offered to our Club families to take home for free. This healthy living program teaches basic work ethic and patience. On top of that members will use a portion of the harvest to learn how to prepare and cook healthy meals.
