BGCA’s Kevina Fullwood is back just in time for SPRING BREAK! We’ll be highlighting tween and teen initiatives here on the ClubX Blog as part of Total Teen Takeover, BGCA’s multi-year strategy to support your work in Clubs.
As the spring break season approaches, teens are looking for ways to spend their time off from school, and your Teen Center could be just the place they’re looking for. Spring break is not only a time for relaxation and fun, but it’s also an excellent opportunity for Teen Centers to attract new members and engage existing ones in meaningful activities. By offering exciting and diverse programs tailored to the interests of teenagers, you can ensure that your Teen Center becomes the go-to destination for spring breakers in your community.
Here are four key strategies to make your Teen Center a spring break hotspot:
1. Reintroduce Your Teen Center to the Community
To elevate your Teen Center into a spring break hotspot, it’s vital to make sure your community knows what experiences you are offering. Host engaging Teen Center tours and open houses, inviting non-members to explore the facility. Encourage current teen members to bring friends, showcasing the diverse opportunities available. Collaborate with current members to lead activities, offering firsthand insights into the Teen Center experience. By fostering community engagement and highlighting the center’s offerings, you can attract new members and solidify your Teen Center’s reputation as the go-to destination for spring break fun.
2. Offering Service Project Opportunities
Spring break is not just about leisure, it’s also a chance for teens to give back to their communities and make a positive impact. By incorporating service projects into your Teen Center’s spring break programming, you can provide teens with meaningful opportunities to volunteer and earn service hours they may need for scholarships or college applications. Consider organizing activities such as community clean-ups, food drives, or volunteering at local shelters or other nonprofits. Not only will these projects benefit the community, but they will also instill a sense of purpose and fulfillment in the participating teens. Plus, it’s a great way to foster teamwork and leadership skills among your members.
3. Structured Program Activities Based on Teen Interests
To keep teens engaged and excited during spring break, offer a variety of structured program activities that cater to their interests. Take the time to survey your Teen Center’s members to find out what activities they enjoy and what they would like to see offered during spring break. Whether it’s arts and crafts, sports tournaments, cooking classes, or gaming competitions, make sure to plan activities that appeal to a wide range of interests. Additionally, consider bringing in guest speakers or organizing workshops on topics that are relevant and engaging for teenagers, such as mental health awareness, career exploration, or financial literacy.
4. Organizing Field Trips or Outdoor Events
Spring break is the perfect time to go outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather. Organizing field trips or outdoor events can provide teens with memorable experiences and opportunities to bond with their peers. Consider planning a day trip to a nearby park, beach, or hiking trail, or hosting a picnic or cookout at a local recreation area. Outdoor activities not only promote physical health and wellness but also encourage socialization and teamwork. Be sure to take safety precautions (especially in hot weather!) and provide adequate supervision during outdoor events to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe experience.
By implementing these strategies, you can transform your Teen Center into the ultimate spring break destination for teens in your community. By offering service project opportunities, structured program activities, and outdoor events, you can attract teens from your community and provide them with a fun and enriching spring break experience. Get ready to make your Teen Center the place to be this spring break! Share your spring ideas and stories with us by emailing teens@bgca.org and follow us and tag us in the fun @bgcatapin on Instagram.
Find more spring break inspiration in this ClubX Blog post:
What are your favorite spring break activities? How do you keep programs exciting for teens and tweens? We want to hear! Comment below, on the BGCA Youth Development Facebook page, or email ClubXBlog@bgca.org.
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