{"id":46215,"date":"2024-06-27T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-27T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.grantwatch.com\/grantnews\/?p=46215"},"modified":"2024-06-28T10:45:41","modified_gmt":"2024-06-28T14:45:41","slug":"boys-girls-clubs-much-more-than-just-fun-and-games","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.grantwatch.com\/grantnews\/boys-girls-clubs-much-more-than-just-fun-and-games\/","title":{"rendered":"Boys and Girls Clubs – Much More Than Just Fun and Games!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Boys & Girls Clubs: is it just glorified babysitting? Is it a fun place for kids to go after school and during the summer until their parents can pick them up? Sure, it might have some elements of both of these, but the fact is: Boys & Girls Clubs<\/em> are vital programs that do so much more than just providing supervision after school and during the summer months. GrantWatch<\/a><\/strong> reveals why Boys & Girls Clubs are a tremendous asset to communities and a beacon of hope for many underprivileged children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Cause Is Born<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America began in 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut, when a group of women organized the first Club. They wanted to provide a positive alternative to the streets for boys who roamed around unsupervised. The idea quickly spread, and in 1906, 53 independent Boys Clubs came together to form the Federated Boys Clubs in Boston, which marked the start of a national movement. This organization was later renamed Boys Clubs of America and eventually became Boys & Girls Clubs of America<\/a><\/strong> in 1990 to reflect its inclusive mission of serving both boys and girls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boys & Girls Clubs are community-based and typically cater to any child, although there is always a focus on underprivileged youths. They provide kids of various ages with an engaging and safe, learning environment. It also acts as a safe place when they are not at home or school. Programs and services are designed to improve academic achievement, build character, and strengthen life skills. The goal is simple. Every young person who comes to the BGC will \u201cgraduate from high school with a plan for their future, demonstrate good character and leadership, and live a healthy lifestyle.\u201d (BEGCP)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who’s Who?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There are many famous celebrities who got their start with Clubs<\/em>. Many of them even say they would not have achieved all that they accomplished if it weren’t for the presence of Clubs<\/em> that helped give them a foundation of trust and camaraderie and helped turn a difficult (family or social) situation into a positive (growth) experience. The list of Alumni Hall of Fame<\/a><\/strong> inductees is long. From pro-athletes to accomplished business leaders, Olympians to award-winning actors, each of these outstanding inductees first got their start at their hometown Clubs<\/em>: Chief Justice Harry Lee Anstead, Candace Bird, Ph. D., Ciara, Gen. Wesley Clark (ret.), Skylar Diggins-Smith, Tony Gonzalez, Cuba Gooding Jr., Hulk Hogan, and Michael Jordan, to name a few – and that’s just a sampling of people up to the letter “J!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kids in Clubs<\/em> Have Positive Outcomes, With Healthier Lifestyles and Less Risky Behavior<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n