As I sit at my parents’ kitchen table, I’m reflecting over the past year. We really did it, y’all.
I talked to a lot of you online, in consultations, and in person (yay!), and it seems to me that 2023 felt a bit like a transition year for a lot of us. After all the deep changes 2020-2022 brought, we are settling into some normalcy, seeing what has gone back to the way it was and what will and should be different. We hired and onboarded new staff, we doubled down on training, and we are now ready to do more BIG THINGS in 2024. But more than anything, we stayed true to who we are and who we serve, building supporting relationships with the youth in our communities.
I love this little corner of the internet, we have so much fun. 🙂 Over the past year we stayed stayed on top of trending topics, rolled out new and updated resources, learned about dynamic music programs, and participated in community service. Putting together this year-end list is always a joy, seeing what resonated the most with you. Here are the top 5 most read new posts of 2023:
5. 8 More Winter STEAM Activities: A late contender that wracked up a bunch of views! STEAM activities continue to be some of the most engaging while also building essential academic skills, so there’s no surprise this round up of seasonal ideas was popular. Winter won’t be over for a few more months so it’s still timely!
4. So Make the Friendship Bracelets… and Other Bead Crafts!: I definitely chuckled when I saw this one made the top 5, because it is one of those that came to me like a random flash of inspiration in the middle of the night. 🙂 I didn’t make it to the Taylor concert, but at every other show I saw this year there were friendship bracelets, really speaking to her impact. I hope this list is just as fun.
3. Three Activities That Will Build Community Afterschool: Looking at the national NYOI data, Peer Relationships continues to be an area of growth for Clubs. Unfortunately social skills took a hit during the COVID years, so fun ways to help promote positive relationships between young people was a opportunity. These activities can help begin that work.
2. Four Resources to Set Your Club Up for Success in 2023: This post has become an annual tradition, so stay tuned for the 2024 edition! The good news is you don’t really have to wait because these resources are evergreen.
1. 5 Tips for Starting an Esports Program Afterschool: I am not surprised AT ALL that this nabbed the number one spot. Esports is the hottest topic right now, especially for teen programs. Esports has it all, its fun and exciting, promotes healthy competition and good sportsmanship, builds camaraderie, and esports and gaming in general is a growing career path. You’ll definitely hear more about Esports on ClubX in the coming year, especially as we continue to roll out Total Teen Takeover.
Only time will tell what ideas and stories we will share in 2024, but I know it will continue to be a deep honor to work alongside all of YOU. I can’t wait to share all of what is new in 2024 with you right here and on our other channels, including the BGCA Youth Development Facebook page, the BGCA Tap In Instagram, and ClubPrograms.org. If you aren’t already, be sure to join the Youth Development Community over on Facebook so that you can directly connect with your colleagues across the Movement.
May 2024 bring more belonging, more impact, more FUN, and more meaningful connection to the youth we serve. Happy New Year!
What were your favorite posts of 2023? What do you want to see on the Club Experience Blog in 2024? Let us know! Comment below, on the BGCA Youth Development Facebook page, or email ClubXBlog@bgca.org.
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