February 2026

Welcome to the February 2026 edition of Community & Club Connections, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area’s (BGCAA) monthly newsletter! Stay up to date on the latest news about our programs, upcoming events, and how we’re empowering youth in academics, leadership, health & well-being, and life & workforce readiness.

❤️🖤💚💛 100 Years of Black History Month!

As we mark 100 years of Black History Month, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area is proud to honor legacy, celebrate excellence, and uplift the voices shaping the future. We recognize the rich heritage and lasting contributions of Black communities, along with the trailblazers, changemakers, and everyday leaders who continue to inspire generations.

Our BGC Home Club members took the mic to share what Black History Month means to them and why it’s so meaningful.

Throughout the month, we’ll be spotlighting these stories and celebrating the ways our youth are honoring Black history in their Clubs.

🎾 Serving up Skills at Club 

In the gym at Bluebonnet Trail Elementary Boys & Girls Club, our members are serving up fun while learning the foundational skills of tennis. Through fun drills and guided practice, youth build coordination, focus, and confidence both on and off the court. 

Club member Natalie shared, “What I like most about the tennis program is how the teacher is very patient with us, and I was able to learn how to do backhand and forehand swing. I think it’s helped me because I learned a lot about tennis when I didn’t know how to play before” highlighting how much she’s enjoying learning and growing through the program. 

Through tennis, our youth are discovering that the game is just as much about fun and focus as it is about teamwork, confidence, and staying active. 

📸 Building Confidence Through the Lens 

Wooldridge Elementary Boys & Girls Club members explored creativity and self-expression during a hands-on Spark Arts Photography Workshop.

Through self-portrait photography, Club members captured their individuality, selecting a personal “signature” movement or sound and using intentional poses and backgrounds to reflect who they are and how they see themselves.

Each participant then selected a favorite image and shared the story behind it through guided discussion and a final creative piece. The experience strengthened communication skills, built confidence, and deepened artistic expression—bringing our pillar of Academic Success & the Arts to life. 📸✨

🍎 Tasting Healthy Habits at Chalmers BGC 

Club members at Chalmers Boys & Girls Club combined literacy, creativity, and nutrition during a “Read it and Eat it” program activity inspired by the story Little Leo and the Perfect Flower.

After reading the story, members used fruit, yogurt, rice cakes, and chocolate chips to create their own edible flowers, turning a storytime lesson into a hands-on experience.

Through imagination, healthy food exploration, and positive relationships with nutritious choices, our Club kids had the chance to learn through play and enjoy their creations together!

👏 Welcoming Raj Doshi as BGCAA Board Chair 

BGCAA is proud to welcome Raj Doshi as the new Board Chair, following the successful completion of Mario Zambrano’s term. This leadership transition marks an exciting new chapter for our organization as we continue expanding access to safe, supportive, and impactful out-of-school-time programs for Austin-area youth. 

“As we work to exponentially grow the number of young people we serve, we have a powerful opportunity to reimagine what’s possible, preparing Austin’s youth not just for today, but for the workplaces and careers of the future. I’m excited to help strengthen our role as a driving force for opportunity, leadership, and long-term success across our community.”



An active Board member since 2022, Raj has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s 2027 Great Futures Strategic Ambition, helping set bold goals, focus resources, and align programs, staff, and supporters around a shared vision of creating bigger, better, and bolder futures for every young person. 

✨ Celebrating CEO Zenae Campbell as 2026 Change Maker Nominee

We’re proud to celebrate BGCAA CEO Zenae Campbell on her nomination as a 2026 Austin Woman Magazine Change Maker—an honor recognizing Austin women who are creating meaningful, lasting impact across our community. Her bold vision, values-driven leadership, and commitment to expanding opportunities for young people continue to inspire our staff, partners, and the communities we serve.

🤝 Leading with Purpose: Club Teens join the MLK Day March 

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, teens from the Navarro High Boys & Girls Club put Character & Leadership into action by joining the Austin Area Heritage Council’s Annual Community March and Celebration.

Marching from the south steps of the Texas State Capitol to Huston-Tillotson University, our Club teens stood together for unity, respect, and service.

The experience reflected the values they practice every day at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area: integrity, responsibility, and compassion, rooted in Dr. King’s vision of communities where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.

📣 Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area National Advocacy Recognition 

BGCAA has been recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America as a 2025 Champion for Youth through the Club Advocacy Recognition Program. This distinction places BGCAA in the top 10% of Clubs nationwide for advocacy engagement!

This recognition reflects our active participation with local, state, and federal leaders, including legislative meetings, Club tours, media and social media advocacy, and coordinated outreach. It underscores our commitment to elevating youth voice, strengthening relationships with policymakers, and advancing policies that support afterschool, summer learning, and youth development.

Februrary

16

February

23-25

President's Day - CLUBS Closed

All Clubs will be CLOSED. We will resume regular operations on Tuesday, February 17.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America's National Days of Advocacy

Monday, February 23-25–BGCAA CEO Zenae Campbell and CMCO Clarissa Davila will participate in BGCA’s National Days of Advocacy in Washington, D.C., meeting with federal representatives to advocate for youth and afterschool priorities.

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