What I Learned From Visiting 35 Boys & Girls Clubs in One Year

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10 months ago

We’ve finally got BGCA’s Director of Youth Impact Issa Prescott back on the ClubX Blog! We’ve barely seen him, we hear he’s been traveling a bit…

After a year of traveling to 35 different Club sites across the country through my work as a coach for the Youth Impact Network, including both traditional and school-based sites, I walked away with insights that challenged me, inspired me, and—most importantly—made me hopeful for what’s possible. These Clubs are doing incredible work, but the journey made a couple of things clear: we’ve got room to grow, and the potential is immense. Here’s what stood out the most:

Outside Play Needs a Rethink

We all know the benefits of sunlight and physical activity, especially when it comes to vitamin D—something nearly everyone is deficient in these days. I’m all for taking kids outside to play. But too often, it feels unintentional. Let’s make outdoor time meaningful. Weather permitting, a solid 20–25 minutes outside—with at least one structured, staff-led activity—goes a long way. It shouldn’t just be about killing time; it should be part of a larger youth development strategy.

Staff Turnover is Undermining Quality

I’ve seen amazing leaders and youth development professionals pour their hearts into Clubs, only to burn out or be pulled away just as they’re gaining momentum. This revolving door slows progress and hurts morale, and it affects kids. When a site director leaves the Club, Club Experience drops and takes on average three years to recover. To keep quality staff, we need better wages, clearer career pathways, and strong mentorship systems. Retaining talent isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Clubs are Still a Lifeline

Some of the hardest stories I heard this year were about young people lost to violence, accidents, or the justice system—many of whom had once been Club members. The heartbreak is real, and so is the potential to save lives. Clubs are still a powerful alternative to “the streets.” If you’ve ever lost a kid, you know the mission is worth every ounce of effort. Keep going.

We Can’t Compete With Sports… Unless We Step It Up

It’s time we stop saying we can’t compete with school sports and instead start creating programming that teens are willing to show up for. Let’s be strategic—schedule our most impactful programs at times that work, and ask teens to commit. Ultimately, there’s no reason we can’t build our own sports leagues that rival what schools offer. We can also offer things teens love that schools don’t, like esports or role-playing games.

Let’s Stop Blaming the Pandemic

It’s 2025. The pandemic’s shadow still lingers, but it’s time to shift focus. Low attendance? It’s not about COVID anymore—it’s about programming, relationships, and relevance. Let’s recommit to excellence and make Clubs the place kids want to be again.

Small Changes, Big Results

One of the best parts of this journey was seeing Clubs make small (but mighty) improvements and watching their data soar a year later. Quality improvement isn’t just a box to check—it’s a mindset. Commit to it, and you’ll see the payoff.

Workforce is the Future of Teen Engagement

Want more teens in Clubs? Start by listening to what they want—and most of the time, it comes back to jobs and readiness for the future. Let’s create more opportunities for teens to work, build skills, and connect with professionals. Every guest speaker, community partner, or volunteer is a chance to inspire a teen’s future.

Club Kids Crave Structure

I asked youth across the country: “Free play or structured activity in the gym?” The results were loud and clear—kids want structure. They want to be led, challenged, and engaged. Not to mention that some of the most challenging behavior happens during idle time. That’s our cue to step up and deliver.

Peer Connections Need Intentionality

The strongest Clubs I saw didn’t leave relationships to chance. They created opportunities for youth to get to know one another, work in groups, and share their stories. With the right mix of instinct, training, and commitment, we can build communities where kids belong—and thrive.

Operations Directors, Get Out There!

Club staff want to see you. Kids light up when you walk through the door. Visiting Clubs regularly sends a clear message: what’s happening in these spaces matters. Plus, you’ll gain insights that spreadsheets and reports will never show you.

Final Thought

Every Club I visited had its own unique challenges and victories, but they all shared something powerful: potential. The kind that changes lives. Let’s keep pushing, learning, and growing—because the kids deserve nothing less.

Interested in improving your organizational practices to strengthen your Club’s ability to deliver high-quality Club Experiences? The BLUEprint for Youth Impact and all new How-To Guides will support your efforts to drive positive youth outcomes. Explore them now on BGCA.net.