From August 19, 2018
John Wellons, President and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware discussed the state of youth, most lack access to summer learning programs, that one in six will not graduate from high school on time, one in five live in poverty, and that juvenile violent crime escalates between 3 and 7pm on school days. According to John, this is why kids aged 6 to 19 need clubs, a safe environment that focuses on art, education and careers, character and leadership development. He discussed the club locations, 15 stand alone clubs in at-risk communities, plus 49 school clubs; he spoke on its operations, structure, run by a small staff and groups of volunteers, as well as youth who have aged out of membership. Membership is just $15 a year. In addition to working on life skills, they still offer sports and sport leagues, chess and field trips to museums, games and businesses. He discussed their STEAM programming and the LEGO robotic competition they hold each year, pairing kids with working, professional engineers to create entries. He also spoke about My.Future, an online community kids can access from anywhere to showcase their work to earn stars and badges. It’s a monitored, safe place free from bullying, where kids can make friends and gain skills. BGCDE offers workshops for learning inter-personal skills, self-awareness and self-respect, for boys they offer Passport to Manhood and for girls, Smart Moves. Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware participate in the Department of Agriculture’s food program, so kids get healthy snacks. They also offer a full-service childcare option for parents, an inexpensive care program for before and after school. Homework help is always available. Finally, a call for volunteers and donations to keep the programming running.
Visit them at BGCLUBS.ORG