The Youth Development Strategy of the Boys & Girls Club of Carbondale

BGCC strives to promote the development of young people by helping them achieve the following "senses":

A Sense of Belonging
Being part of the Club and part of sub-groups within the Club helps kids form an identity individually as well as with others. There are positive expectations for belonging that translate into pride and participation - which, in turn, can grow into citizenship within the greater community.

A Sense of Usefulness
Club members help care for the Club and assist activity and event leaders. Daily schedules include vacuuming activity rooms, sweeping the snack room, erasing black and white boards, litter pick-up and equipment care. Office helpers volunteer with administrative support tasks. Teens help coach youth basketball. Everyone learns how to help and how their efforts contribute to building a better Club for everyone.

A Sense of Competence
Club members celebrate Awards Day each month to recognize boy and girl Members of the Month, Most Improved Member, Teen of the Month, and other special awards. The Youth of the Year honor acknowledges one teen whose service to Club and Community, and volunteer and academic achievement sets her or him apart from their peers.

A Sense of Power and Influence
Leadership grows through participation. Participation begins with learning to recognize the impact each member has on the Club, and the Club's value to each member. Members learn to see that positive behavior earns benefits and rewards. They discover that they have a voice in what happens, which builds the feeling that this Club is their Club and helps them learn to protect and nurture it.