Learn more about how to invest in the staff who show up for young people every day.
How a Culture of Learning Supports Staff (and Youth!)
Season’s Meetings: Simple Ways to Plan Better Meetings
Learn how thoughtful planning and simple touches can transform your meetings into welcoming, inclusive, and productive spaces. Crystal Dixon offers practical strategies from BGCA’s Youth Development team.
We Still Don’t Know What 67 Means… But We Found Fun Activities for Afterschool Anyway
The 67 trend has hit the Club! Check out these easy activities that turn viral chaos into creativity and connection.
Why Teen Voice Matters in Planning Events — and How to Make It Happen
Want to make your teen events better? Get out of the way!!
Youth Suicide Prevention: Equipping Staff to Recognize and Respond
Learn how Club staff can recognize the warning signs of suicide and take action to keep youth safe
Three Board Games to Teach Financial Literacy
Kids can learn money management through board games—turning budgeting into a fun, competitive sport!
From Lame to Legendary: Field Trips That Don’t Miss
Shane Arch shares awesome low-budget field trip ideas for teens that are fun, meaningful, and budget-friendly!
Bend, Twist, Learn: Easy Pipe Cleaner Crafts, Games & Literacy Fun
Have these ever actually been used to clean pipes?
Five Issues Teens Care About in 2025
Teens have a lot on their minds, including these five topics chosen by the 2025 Keystone Conference Steering Committee.
The Un-Chill Zone: Five Tips for Regulating Sensory-Seekers
Ideas for helping sensory-seeking youth engage their bodies and calm down effectively.
Reimagining Peer Connection Through Creative Expression
Arts programming can be one of the best ways for youth and teens to build relationships with others
Keeping the Best: Tips for Youth Development Staff Retention
Making sure youth development staff feel safe, supported, and valued so that they will stay.
What I Learned From Visiting 35 Boys & Girls Clubs in One Year
🚐 35 Clubs. Countless lessons. A whole lot of hope.
Summer Learning, Self-Expression, and the Courage to Be Different: Lessons from “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed”
Summer is for exploring identity and courage, inspired by Wilbur's quirky self-expression adventures.
You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup (Even if It Was Full of Coffee): Self-Care Tips for Youth Development Professionals
You are vital and deserve joy, breaks, and care too.
Where Do You Stand with Life & Workforce Readiness? A Call to Action for Clubs Ready to Elevate Teen Experiences
How to take the first step in elevating your LWR strategies, plus stories from Clubs that are making a difference.
5 Learning Solutions That Boost Youth Development Staff Performance (Without Another All-Staff Training!)
Before you plan another all-staff, explore these 5 smarter learning strategies that actually work—faster, cheaper, and better
“Stop Talking Down to Us”: Club Teens on Respect, Listening, and Support
What teens told us through the Youth Voice Survey and how we can respond
“Adolescence” on Netflix: A Youth Development Perspective
What the viral Netflix hit says about online youth culture, and what we can do.
UnBEANlievable! Creative Activities Using Beans
Activities for throughout the Club using all kinds of lovely legumes.
6 Ways to Empower Yourself to Empower the Next Generation
Take hold of your career journey with these inspiring ideas.
Play Your Way Through Essential Skill Development: 17 Games and the Skills They Build
Can youth learn impulse control, communication, planning, and more essential skills through games? YES!
Four Resources to Set Your Club Up for Success in 2025
This post contains GAME-CHANGING ideas!
Bold Beginnings: Good Words for the New Year
BGC Springfield CEO Brandy Harris shares the power of the Movement and words of encouragement for 2025.
More Low-Prep Activity Ideas For When Plans Have to Pivot
Winter boredom busters: minimal setup, maximum fun, and a side of strategic thinking shenanigans!
From Page to Program: Stories That Shaped Me With Activity Ideas for Afterschool
Alexis shares how three transformative books shaped her life and offers ideas to engage youth inspired by them.
What Now? Helping Youth Respond to a Difficult Election Season
Get tips on supporting youth as they process the past few months, and what to do next to affect change.
See STEM Differently: Diverse Heroes & Fun Activities for National STEM Day
Three diverse STEM voices with activities for afterschool inspired by their work.
How to Help Teens Decide if College is the Right Move
Six points to consider when talking with teens about post-secondary options.
Mapping Your Workforce Squad: The Secrets for Building Strong Partnerships
Learn how to identify potential Workforce Readiness partners and build programs that will make a difference.
Reel-y Great Team-Building Ideas From Instagram and Tiktok for Youth
Activities for team-building, collaboration, and fun from social media.
Designing Teen-Centered Work-Based Learning
Your Workforce Bestie is back with tips on crafting meaningful workforce experiences for teens.
Five Issues Teens Care About in 2024
Teens have a lot on their minds, including these five topics chosen by the 2023 Keystone Conference Steering Committee.
Three Low-Prep Activities to Promote Summer Learning
Three simple ideas that are fun and keep youth learning.
Social Media Tips for Teen Directors: Launching a Channel for Your Teen Center
Seven ways to get started with ideas from Clubs!
Three Ways Afterschool Can Support Foster Parents
Learn how to partner with foster parents to provide safe and welcoming spaces for youth in their care.
Three Ways to Support Youth in Foster Care
Learn how Clubs can protect, honor, and be a part of the stories of youth living in foster care.
How Do You Build a Culture of Learning?
Three tips for encouraging a growth mindset for your organization, plus get the Culture of Learning Guide.
Fun Math Games to Combat Summer Learning Loss
These fun games for youth of all ages will have them practicing math skills all summer long.
Four Powerful Ways to Celebrate Graduates Afterschool
Recognize the hard work youth and teens have accomplished with these impactful ways to celebrate.
Four Ways to Make Your Teen Center the Ultimate Spring Break Destination
Get teens engaged and having a blast during their school break with these four ideas.
Where Did the Sun Go?!? Safely Exploring the Eclipse
Grab your safety glasses! We've got info and ideas for the upcoming solar eclipse.
Cozy Ideas for Afterschool Programs
Young content creators are embracing the cozy aesthetic, focusing on simple pleasures. Bring this calm vibe to the Club with these great ideas!
Have Fun (and Build Skills) With Playing Card Activities
A roundup of games and high-yield activities using playing cards for afterschool
Social Media Companies on Capitol Hill: What Youth Development Needs to Know
Learn more about recent Senate hearings and what we should do to keep youth safe online.
Four Resources to Set Your Club Up For Success in 2024
No boring stuff, just good vibes and exciting possibilities!
Taste of Tradition: Boys & Girls Club of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Kitchen Refresh Sparks Cultural Connection
Delicious, fun to make, and a powerful tie to history? Get the Three Sisters Salad recipe in this new post!
Are you in the Race?: Good Words for the New Year
BGC Brazoria County's Britney Harris gives us tips to stay motivated in 2024.
2023 Year in Review
Learn the most read new ClubX Blog posts of 2023!
8 More Winter STEAM Activities
It might be cold outside but it's FUN in here!
