To address local needs, BGCGW creatively develops new programs and customizes existing curricula. Every program is designed to be age-appropriate, fun, educational, and character-building, and to draw young people to activities they might not normally try, but undoubtedly will benefit from.
Staff and volunteers break down barriers and establish relationships with patience and creativity. As a result, even the most reluctant participant is drawn in to open dialogue that leads to perspective, problem solving, and trust—the foundations for addressing deep-seated challenges our youth face.
A top priority in all Clubs, programs in this core area help members succeed in school and apply their knowledge and skills to daily challenges.Through activities that are educational and engaging, our members gain the strength they need to achieve their goals.
For one hour before other programming begins, members receive assistance with homework and/or tutoring. Students learn to view studying and academic achievement as a daily responsibility.
An interactive program offered at Virginia Clubs in which elementary school children are tutored and prepared for the state’s Standards of Learning standardized tests.
Funded by a grant from the Freddie Mac Foundation, this computer-based tutoring program specifically designed for elementary school students targets reading and math skills.
Teen members are coached to develop the tools and skills they need to prepare for the job market, including resume preparation and mock interviews.
Empowering youth to become leaders, BGCGW provides opportunities for members to sustain meaningful relationships, develop a positive self-image, participate in the democratic process, and respect their own and others’ cultural identities.
All BGCGW programming includes an element of character and leadership development. The following programs specifically focus on these goals.
Members 14–18 years old elect their own leaders and choose and coordinate their own community service projects. BGCGW’s Keystone programs are regionally and nationally recognized and have received service awards for their project initiatives.
This program, specifically designed for youth 9-13 years old encourages adolescents and tweens to find their voice within their Club, home, school, and civic communities.
Each year, every Club recognizes one member for his or her improvement and participation within the Club, their families, school, and community. Youth of the Year nominees compete with nominees from other Clubs and regions, and individuals selected as regional Youth of the Year travel the country as ambassadors to promote Boys and Girls Club programming.
Today’s youth face overwhelming obstacles that affect their health and well-being. BGCGW gives them the tools—and the strength—to engage in positive behaviors and good decision-making. Programs focus on building self-esteem, and deal with drug and violence prevention, teen pregnancy prevention, fitness, wellness, and disease prevention.
BGCGW helps Club members set personal goals and establish a foundation to live as self-sufficient, healthy, and wise adults.
A health, fitness, prevention/education, and self-esteem enhancement program for girls ages 10-15. SMART Girls encourages healthy attitudes and lifestyles that will enable early adolescent girls to develop to their full potential.
Passport to Manhood promotes and teaches responsibility while reinforcing positive behavior in male Club members ages 11-14. Highly interactive small-group activities concentrate on different aspects of manhood.
Unique to BGCGW, this pregnancy prevention program for 5th-9th graders is nationally acclaimed for its curriculum-based sexual education program, promoting abstinence as a primary means of preventing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. 82% of participants stated they feel better prepared to make decisions about their lives after participating in the program.
Targeting youth ages 8-14, Fit U encourages fitness, nutrition, and wellness to combat obesity. All participants are encouraged to increase their weekly physical activity as well as their health awareness. Funded by GlaxoSmithKline.
BGCGW ’s special gang prevention and intervention initiative targeting youth ages 6-18. Through referrals from schools, courts, law enforcement, and community youth service agencies, the tested and proven Targeted Outreach program identifies and recruits delinquent youth, or those "at risk" of delinquency into ongoing Club programs and activities.
For more information on the Arts programming, contact Regional Artistic Director, Tony Small tsmall@bgcgw.org OR Arts Administrator, Allycia Jones ajones@bgcgw.org. OR visit our website Click for more info on Arts Programming!
Youth who are engaged in arts programs do better in school and in their personal lives. Participation in the Arts promotes self-expression and young people gain the confidence, self-esteem, and motivation needed to reach their full potential.
Club members attend theater and music performances, both in the Clubs and via field trips to the Kennedy Center. Others gain more intensive training through performing arts camps, and events such as ICON, an annual performing arts showcase and fundraiser. Club staff work to inspire and motivate each program participant to build confidence and self-esteem.
TAP launched in October 2007 to serve as a regional performance arts troupe for the Clubs and to provide world-class arts training opportunities for kids pursuing arts related careers or with a keen interest in the arts. The pilot year included African drum and music and Hip Hop dance resident artists and a focus on musical theatre. Program participants enjoy field trips and performances including a debut at the Smithsonian as well as several members participating in a New York Broadway musical theatre project.
The first TAP summer camp in 2008 included 3 weeks of intensive training and Master Classes from renowned artists including Cornelius Jones Jr. (Lion King cast), Glenn Simms (Alvin Ailey dance troupe), Kishna Davis (soprano singer), Mauricio Salgado and performing arts interns from Juilliard and Peabody Conservatory.
The 2010 TAP Summer Session will be held at Camp Ernest Brown in southern Maryland from June 21 – 25, 2010 and June 28th – July 2nd, 2010. The International Juilliard Jazz Summer Workshop session will be held from July 5th – 10th, 2010. For more information and registration dates, contact Mr. Tony Small at 202-540-2344 OR Ms. Allycia Jones at 202-540-2345.
Introducing all youth to the joy of art, members engage in drawing, painting, graphic arts, arts and crafts, and community theater. This program allows for self-expression and boosts the confidence of the artists. Artists' work is highlighted several times a year at showcases open to the community.
BGCGW sports programming gives members a way to channel their energy and enjoy opportunities to play in a safe environment.
Through sports, children learn teamwork, leadership, and responsibility. They experience the rewards of hard work, develop a love for sports and exercise, and learn the benefits of friendly competition. Through recreational games, children elevate their self-esteem and learn the importance of balancing serious and fun activities.
Field trips and specialty programs provide members with opportunities to try something entirely new or different, or to gain more experiences in a specific area.
BGCGW members participate in Police Athletic League (PAL) and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball programs. Many teams, coached by Metropolitan Police Department officers and community volunteers, have held regional and national titles in their age division.
BGCGW is the official Major League Baseball charity for the Washington Nationals. Through this partnership, Club members are able to attend baseball games, participate in pitching & hitting clinics, as well as job shadow with Nationals executives. One Club was also adopted by the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation.
BGCGW holds the Pop Warner charter in the District, operating Club and independent teams which have consecutively won the Pop Warner Super Bowl national title.
The DC United soccer team operates a United Soccer Club program in Washington. One MD Club uses soccer to engage youth in violence prevention discussions.