Programs & Services

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia provide:

A safe place to learn and grow
Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals
Life-enhancing programs and character development experiences
Hope and opportunity

Boys and Girls Clubs provide diverse activities that meet the interests of all youth. Core programs engage young people in activities with adults, peers and family members that enable them to develop self-esteem and to reach their full potential. Boys & Girls Clubs offer program activities in the following FIVE CORE PROGRAM AREAS::

CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP
Programs in this core program area empower youth to support and influence their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image and good character, participate in the democratic process, and respect their own and others' cultural identities. Community service and volunteerism are instilled in pre-teens and teens through their participation in Torch Club and Keystone Club, Boys & Girls Clubs’ premier leadership programs. By participating in a walk-a-thon or food drive, Club members learn the value of giving back to their communities.
EDUCATION & CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Programs in this Core Area enable youth to become proficient in basic educational disciplines, set goals, explore careers, prepare for employment and embrace technology to achieve success in a career. Daily during the school year, from 4 to 5 p.m. is Power Hour -- time for homework. With guidance, encouragement and positive reinforcement from staff and volunteers, members’ grades often improve. Boys & Girls Club Technology Centers provide access to computers that many young people lack in their homes.

THE ARTS
Programs in this area enable youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts, crafts, performing arts and creative writing. Boys & Girls Clubs encourages creativity and self expression through lively visual and performing arts programs that engage young minds and ignite imagination. Club members are given the opportunity to communicate through music, dance, drawing, creative writing or photography. Beauty surrounds us at the Club!
HEALTH & LIFE SKILLS
Programs in this area develop young people's capacity to engage in positive behaviors that nurture their own well-being, set personal goals and live successfully as self-sufficient adults.

SMART Moves gives young people the tools to resist peer-pressure and choose life-enhancing alternatives to drug and alcohol abuse, tobacco use, gang involvement and early sexual activity. SMART Moves is recognized as one of the 10 exemplary primary prevention programs by the U.S. Office of Substance Abuse Prevention.
SMART Girls gives Club girls opportunities to explore their own and societal attitudes and values as they build skills for eating right, staying physically fit, getting good health care and developing positive relationships with peers and adults
Passport To Manhood represents a targeted effort to engage young boys (11-14) in discussions and activities that reinforce positive behavior.
Positive Action. This program empowers youth to find their greatness by developing their own unique potential. It helps improve academic achievement and character. For ages 6-15 sponsored or funded through a grant with Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth.

SPORTS, FITNESS & RECREATION
Programs in this area develop fitness, positive use of leisure time, skills for stress management, appreciation for the environment and social skills.

Triple Play This National Program takes a holistic approach to educating boys and girls about good nutrition, making physical fitness a daily practice and developing individual strengths and good character. In addition to components for the mind and body, the Triple Play program gets at the soul of the Club experience - the gamesroom. Each Mind, Body and Soul program component can stand alone, yet integrating them allows Club members to reap more powerful, lifelong benefits.

Boys & Girls Club Core Program areas instill a sense of competence, a sense of usefulness, a sense of belonging and a sense of power or influence. This strategy produces young people with positive self images and confidence in their decision-making skills.