2025 is here in full force. It has NOT entered quietly.
But the good news is that we are ready to rise to the challenge. If you are ready to take your Boys & Girls Club to the next level this year, the right resources and supports can make all the difference. From boosting programs to building stronger connections, we’ve rounded up four must-have resources to help your Club shine brighter than ever. Let’s dive in!
Unlock the Power of Tween Programming
Tweens are one of the BIGGEST opportunities for afterschool today. The Tween Programming Guide is your comprehensive resource for leveraging BGCA’s dynamic suite of programming tailored specifically for youth ages 10-12. This guide empowers Club professionals with actionable tools to design impactful experiences that resonate with tweens during this critical developmental stage.
Through the Tween Programming Guide, you’ll gain access to an array of targeted programs designed to inspire and engage tweens while addressing BGCA’s four priority outcome areas: Health and Wellbeing, Character and Leadership, Academic Success, and Life and Workforce Readiness. Find it at linktr.ee/tweenprogramming. Note that Club staff will need to log into ClubPrograms.org to access programs.
Level Up Your Staff With the National Trainers Initiative
Staff training is one of the most cited needs at Clubs. Instead of having to wait for conferences or pay someone outside of your organization to facilitate development opportunities, through BGCA’s National Trainers Initiative you can get your own staff certified at the Tier One or Tier Two levels. Only certified trainers can facilitate the BGCA catalog of trainings that covers topics such as Child Safety, Trauma-Informed Care, Building Blocks of Programming, Behavior Management, and Teen Recruitment and Retention, with more added on a regular basis. This is also a great professional development opportunity if you are looking to grow. All sessions are free and virtual! Visit BGCA.net/page/NTI to get all the information and see the upcoming training dates.
Promote Choosing Kindness with Youth for Unity
Part of BGCA’s Leadership and Service suite, Youth for Unity is a program designed to help younger youth choose kindness featuring activities and discussions to celebrate individuality, embrace difference, challenge unfairness, and inspire leadership. We’ve got sessions for grades K-2 and 3-5, including accompanying MyFuture activities. Check it out at ClubPrograms.org/programs/youth-unity
Get what you need on the go with the BGCA.net Mobile App!
We’ve got exciting news: the BGCA.net Mobile App is now live and ready for ALL Club professionals! Whether you’re on the go, at your desk, or on the Club floor, the BGCA.net mobile app puts everything you need right at your fingertips. Access the latest updates in the monthly YD Insider, sign up for training, and connect with Club staff across the country in the Movement Communities easily from your mobile device. Download the app now at https://mobile.bgca.net/
As always, your youth development friends are here to support you with whatever you need this year and beyond. We’d love to hop on a call and learn more about your Club! Book a consultation on a number of topics at bit.ly/BGCAYDConsultations.
What are your Club’s priorities for 2024? How are you focusing on your own personal and professional growth? We want to hear! Comment below, on the BGCA Youth Development Facebook page, or email ClubXBlog@bgca.org.
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