Your child may have countless friends on social media, but nothing beats that face-to-face interaction in a new environment. You need an outlet for your kids, and that's where the Boys & Girls Clubs come in. Help your kids meet new people, try new things and have fun. Get them plugged into the Boys & Girls Clubs.
So, you have children between the ages of 6 and 18. You want them active, entertained and in an enriching environment that values education, right? Whether you live on or off the installation, your kids can participate in Boys & Girls Clubs programs.
Since 1991, the military services have worked with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to provide access to youth centers and clubs around the country. Here's what the clubs provide:
- A solid support network that offers a sense of belonging
- Ongoing relationships with caring adults
- A safe and healthy environment to develop lifelong skills
- Other resources
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On installation
If you live on the installation, rejoice. Youth centers on installations worldwide are affiliated with the Boys & Girls Clubs. They offer many of the same programs as traditional clubs and are available to more than 450,000 military children. That means your kids can participate in national events and volunteer on the installation or in the surrounding community.
Off installation
Families that are off installation can also participate in the fun. Because more than 70 percent of military families live in civilian communities without immediate access to youth center facilities, the collaboration allows active-duty, National Guard and reserve children to attend a local Boys & Girls Club free. That means your kids have the same opportunities as on-installation families with the same benefits, and they have a chance to partake in entertaining, character-building programs.
Programs
A typical club has an arts and crafts area, gymnasium, library, game room and multipurpose room. Some clubs have swimming pools, computer learning centers, camps and outdoor play areas, too. All Boys & Girls Clubs are staffed by trained professionals. No matter where military kids participate, the Boys & Girls Clubs offer specific programs just for them:
- Education and career programs help kids develop goals for the future, providing career exploration and unique educational opportunities. These programs include Summer Brain Gain: READ! and the My Future digital literacy program.
- Character and education programs help kids become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills to participate in the democratic process. These programs also help develop leadership skills. The programs include the Million Members, Million Hours of Service program and the Keystone teen club.
- Health and life skills initiatives help kids achieve and maintain active lifestyles. Programs like Date Smart and Passport to Manhood help develop responsibility and healthy relationships.
- Arts initiatives help kids enhance self-expression and creativity, develop skills in visual, performing and literary arts, and develop multicultural appreciation.
- Sports, fitness and recreation programs help build fitness, interpersonal skills, positive use of leisure time, stress reduction and appreciation for the environment. Kids enjoy golf, baseball and other general fitness programs.
If you are wondering about other unique opportunities through Boys & Girls Clubs, take a look at the Military Youth of the Year annual event, which highlights outstanding military kids who exemplify academic success, strong character and dedication to service.
How to Participate
All kids of active-duty service members, mobilized and deployed Guard and reserve service members can take advantage of Boys & Girls Clubs programs.
Families living on the installation may visit their local military youth center to participate.
All children of geographically dispersed active-duty members and mobilized and deployed Guard and reserve service member can visit the Boys & Girls Clubs Military Partnership website and click on Mission Youth Outreach to download an application to join your local club.
For more information, call 800-854-CLUB (2582).