Children connect with others in a variety of environments like school, sports, community centers, or church, to name a few. Connectedness with others is vital for their social-emotional growth. An enhanced sense of like skills like self-awareness, resilience, decision-making, and relationship building are the foundations for any child to succeed at school, home, and work. For youth, establishing positive relationships and making connections through character development experiences are effective ways to prevent risky behaviors; hence, increasing the likelihood of a successful transition to adulthood.
Programs like the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) “Mission: Youth Outreach” promote positive outcomes by providing:
- a safe place to learn and grow
- facilitation of ongoing relationships with others
- character development curriculum
- hope and opportunity
A national partnership between the Marine Corps and BGCA complements the installation Child and Youth Programs by offering consistent programming and stable support in areas such as resiliency and reintegration, Military Youth of the Year, volunteerism, health and nutrition, and workforce readiness.
Clubs offer a wide variety of educational, recreational, cultural, and social activities for youth. Clubs are designed to maximize opportunities for young people to acquire a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence, and competence. A typical Club has an arts and crafts area, gymnasium, library, games room, and multi-purpose room. Some Clubs have swimming pools, computer learning centers, camps, and outdoor play areas. In the last three years, installation youth programs have received more than $190,000. These grants supported programs in science and technology, sports, fitness, arts, and other youth interest areas.
Mission: Youth Outreach is accessible to all military youth ages six to 18, on and off installation. Military families who live far from an installation may participate in Mission: Youth Outreach. Membership fees are paid through this national partnership.
If you don’t live near or have access to a military Youth Center, please use the “Find a Club” feature at BGCA.org to find the Club closest to you.
For more information about Mission: Youth Outreach, please e-mail myo@bgca.org or call 404-487-5355. You can also connect with your Child and Youth Programs center on military installations.