Who We Are…
In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them.
Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.
Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow — all while having fun. It is truly The Positive Place For Kids.
Four key characteristics define the essence of a Boys & Girls Club. All are critical in exerting positive impact on the life of a child:
1. Dedicated Youth Facility The Boys & Girls Club is a place – an actual neighborhood-based building – designed solely for youth programs and activities.
2. Open Daily The Club is open every day, after school and on weekends, when kids have free time and need positive, productive outlets.
3. Professional Staff Every Club has full-time, trained youth development professionals, providing positive role models and mentors. Volunteers provide key supplementary support.
4. Available/Affordable to All Youth Clubs reach out to kids who cannot afford, or may lack access to, other community programs. Dues are low, averaging $5 to $10 per year.
St Croix Boys & Girls Club Opening New Teen Centers
By Source Staff — March 2, 2010
In their continuing effort to offer a positive and safe environment for young people, the Boys & Girls Club of the Virgin Islands is launching its first Teen Center, designed as a club, run by teens for teens. The initiative addresses a need for a program where youth of this critical age group (13-18 year-olds) can discuss familiar issues, meet new friends, get help with homework and feel free to be themselves, while being mentored by positive adults. The first center will open at the Christiansted Boys & Girls Club on Wednesday, March 10, and will operate tentatively, every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 6-9 p.m.
It is free to all area teens and will feature theme nights, board games, basketball, guest speakers, rap sessions and much more. Attendees must abide by simple expectations in order to participate. Alcohol, tobacco, drugs and weapons will not be allowed. Additionally, teens must be respectful of each other and no inappropriate touching or language will be tolerated.
“We know that this age group is more comfortable sharing day-to-day issues with their peers, and the centers will offer just such a place for them to support each other,” said Julie Landreneau, executive director the Boys & Girls Club. “With the support of community mentors and exposure to new experiences, we hope to meet our goal of developing confident and more positive teenagers.”