 Character
& LeadershiP
Helping youth become responsible caring
citizens and acquire skills for participating
in the democratic process is the main
thrust of these programs. They also develop
leadership skills and provide opportunities
for planning, decision-making, contributing
to Club and community, and celebrating
our national heritage.
|
|
 Education
& Career
Project Learn reinforces and enhances
the skills and knowledge young people
learn at school through "high-yield"
learning activities at the Club and in
the home. Based on Dr. Reginald Clark's
research that shows fun, but academically
beneficial activities increase academic
performance, these activities include
leisure reading, writing activities, homework
help and games like Scrabble® which
develop young people's cognitive skills.
Project Learn emphasizes collaborations
between Club staff, parents and school
personnel. Formally evaluated by Columbia
University, Project Learn has been proven
to boost the academic performance of Club
members.
|
 Health
& Life Skills
The SMART Moves (Skills Mastery and Resistance
Training) prevention/education program
addresses the problems of drug and alcohol
use and premature sexual activity. Based
on proven techniques, the program uses
a team approach involving Club staff,
peer leaders, parents and community representatives.
More than simply emphasizing a "Say
No" message, the program teaches
young people ages 6-15 how to say no by
involving them in discussion and role-playing,
practicing resistance and refusal skills,
developing assertiveness, strengthening
decision-making skills and analyzing media
and peer influence. The ultimate goal:
to promote abstinence from substance abuse
and adolescent sexual involvement through
the practice of responsible behavior.
|
|
 The
Arts
Although fine arts are an important element
to our daily programs we go beyond traditional
mediums to bridge the digital divide.
Our Imagemakers digital photography program
encourages girls and boys to learn and
practice photography, expressing themselves
in creative and innovative ways. The national
initiative delivers a state-of-the-art
photography curriculum, provides photographic
resources and opportunities for Club members
to compete on a national level. ImageMakers
provides local, regional and national
recognition through an annual photography
contest.

|
 Sports,
Fitness & Recreation
Whether it's basketball, roller hockey,
our indoor batting cage or a simple game
of dodgeball, the kids at our Clubs are
continually encouraged to participate
in our athletic programs. With a focus
on sportsmanship and teamwork, kids can
learn and acquire new skills in a non-competitive
environment.
Through a collaboration with Major League
Baseball and the Anaheim Angels, The Boys
& Girls Clubs of Placentia - Yorba
Linda has established baseball and fast-pitch
softball teams. With over 550 participants
in 2005, the Orange County RBI (Reviving
Baseball in the Inner cities) league is
an incredible asset to our youth. For
the past two years our Placentia Senior
Boys team has received first place in
their division.
All RBI leagues incorporate Quick SMART!,
a prevention/education program designed
to teach players to avoid alcohol and
other drug use and premature sexual involvement.
|
|
 Specialized
Programs
One thing that makes Boys & Girls
Clubs unique from any other youth development
programs is our ability to tailor specialized
programs to fit the needs of our community.
Whether its teaching kids about online
auctions, teaching STOMP to a group of
ten year olds, or doing plays in our drama
room, there is no end to the fun that
happens at our Clubs each day.
|