about us
Mission
The Mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Purpose
The purpose of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady is to promote the social, educational, health, leadership, and character development of boys and girls during critical periods of their growth.
What We Provide
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A safe place to learn and grow
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Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals
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Life-enhancing programs and character development experiences
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Hope and opportunity
From our mission to practices and programs, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady still makes it possible to open up a world of opportunities to youth for a nominal membership fee of $5.00 per year. We are the largest agency provider of services to the youth who need us most in Schenectady County serving over 3,300 members and reaching over 12,700 total youth in 2015.
We serve youth ages 6 to 18 in our five clubhouses at MLK School, Mont Pleasant, Rotterdam, Steinmetz Homes and Yates Village. Other programs include Job Junction and six after-school programs at Schenectady High School, Mont Pleasant Middle School, Oneida, Central Park, Keane, and Lincoln.
Our summer programs include Camp Lovejoy and the Summer Program at the Rotterdam Club (SPARC). This summer we will again be operating programs at Quackenbush Park, Hillhurst Park, Steinmetz Park, Woodlawn Park and Central Park, including three City swimming pools. We also teach a Career Exploration Workshop at Schenectady County Community College for all students in Summer Youth Employment.
We offer a broad range of programs in five core areas:
· Education & Career Development
· Character & Leadership Development
Diverse program activities allow youth to choose programs of interest to them on a daily basis. Activities are generally carried out in three basic approaches: individual, small group (structured) and large group (drop-in or unstructured). Every effort is made to establish trusting relationships with young people. We provide youth with support and encouragement to reach their full potential. Club activities will increase youth’s cognitive skills such as analytical thinking and decision-making, develop social and emotional maturity and enhance physical skills and self-expression.
Among our tested and effective programs are:
· SMART Moves (drug, alcohol and pregnancy prevention)
· Street SMART (gang prevention)
· SMART Girls (health and self-esteem enhancement for girls 8-17)
· Passport to Manhood (responsible decision-making for teen boys)
· Career Launch (job readiness and vocational exploration)
· Diplomas2Degrees (teen college prep)
· Project Learn (academic achievement)
· Money Matters (financial literacy)
· Triple Play (health and fitness)
· Youth for Unity, A World of Difference and Virtues Initiation Program (character education)
· Club Tech And Digital Arts Suite
We also offer a number of local initiatives including swim lessons, music lessons, music production, Social Marketing (video production), Junior Chefs and many Service Learning projects. Through our many youth development programs we are making significant differences in the lives of the children we serve.
Helping the Kids Who Need Us Most…
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady provides support to young people that is significant but distinguishable from what they receive elsewhere – at home, in school, with religious groups, in other private agencies or through public recreation.
Building Centered
Our Clubhouses are places where children can go and feel accepted and comfortable anytime there is a need.
Open Door Policy
Our Clubs are open when children need us the most - after school, school vacations, snow days, school half-days and all summer.
Full-Time Professional Leadership
Supplemented by part-time workers and volunteers. Our staff are trained to provide positive adult mentors and role models.
Varied and Diversified Programs
That recognizes and responds to the collective and individual needs of girls and boys.
Requires No Proof of Good Character
We help guide boys and girls who may be in danger of acquiring, or who have already acquired, unacceptable habits and attitudes, as well as boys and girls of good character.
Guidance-Oriented
We emphasize the positive values in the relationships Members have with each other and with adult leaders, helping them make appropriate choices in their physical, educational, personal, social, emotional, vocational and spiritual lives.
All Boys & Girls Can Afford to Belong...