…”And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.”
As summer slips away, I am reminiscent of the time BGCAA has spent serving our community over the past couple months. We are so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to open our doors to Club members for an all-day, six-week summer camp program. Though the pandemic and safety guidelines changed the dynamic of our day-to-day activities to ensure the safety of our members and staff, the changes did not dampen our fun. Kids participated in programs dedicated to academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles that encouraged them to grow mentally and emotionally, explore their creativity, and combat summer learning loss.
|
|
The decision to open our Clubs to members was a commitment of the board and dedicated staff who knew that, while it would be challenging, it would be worth it. This opportunity allowed our organization to envision and execute a new way of serving our youth and families, and provide expanded resources to help our local community. We were also able to explore a deeper level of engagement with community partners and supporters to reach a common goal of helping those who need it most. |
|
To continue this momentum and further serve our community, BGCAA will be launching Virtual Programming+ on September 15th. This programming will be an extension of the services we offered at the start of the pandemic, including pre-recorded and live virtual programming, Club-on-the-Go Bags, and pop-up food pantries in local communities. In addition, we will initiate Club-on-the-Corner, a mobile, small-group, in-person enrichment program with fun, hands-on activities outside under BGCAA tents. This will allow us to serve our current members in their communities and reach additional children who may not have the means to come to our Clubhouses. Check out the attached overview for more information about Virtual Programming+.
|
|
As school starts virtually this week, we know that the concept of E-Learning is weighing heavily on everyone’s mind. Our young people are removed from their typical academic environment and continuing to miss out on critical social-emotional connections, while our parents are feeling the stress of being both teachers and family providers. To help our Club members and their families, BGCAA will open all of our Clubs in October to registered members from 8am-5pm as E-Learning Support Centers during school hours. Then, we will offer regular Boys & Girls Clubs programming after school hours.
While our approach will remain focused on our member’s academic success, our skilled staff will be using Trauma Informed Care to provide a safe, positive environment for our community’s youth. We know that routines give children a sense of comfort and stability that allows them to develop personal control and understanding. In addition to E-Learning support, we will offer age appropriate activities that will help members feel a sense of control again. Some of these resources include:
|
|
- Managing Change - ages 6-9 & 10-12 - Activities and discussions designed to help youth process changes they have experienced, explore and name their feelings, and gain tools to manage their emotions
- Managing Change - ages 13-15 & 16-18 - Conversation starters to help teens process life changes they are experiencing, and understand/manage their feelings
|
|
Safety remains our #1 priority. We are committed to doing everything possible to keep our members and staff protected from the virus. As we plan to open our doors in the fall, we will continue to have amplified health practices in our Clubhouses and monitor all updates from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Maryland State Health Department.
Boys & Girls Clubs positively impact youth the moment they walk through the door. Through building relationships with staff, participating in fun and engaging programs, learning important skills, making new friends, and developing their passions, the Club experience gives kids the support they need to be successful. As we adapt to our new normal, we will continue to reimagine the Club experience to meet the needs of our members. We will do Whatever it Takes to serve local kids and their families, and address the challenges they are facing. Though we have a huge job ahead of us, we will help our members get back on track to achieve their Great Futures.
How can I help? As we move forward with Virtual Programming+ and opening our E-Learning Centers, we implore you to spread the word. Share this newsletter. Follow us on social media. Share our posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Encourage people to subscribe to our newsletter. Visit our website for regular updates. With your help, we can reach more people who would benefit from our services and develop the long-term partnerships we need to continue serving the youth who need us most.
|
|
Lisa Lindsay-Mondoro
CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
|
|
Follow Us on Social Media: |
|
|
Subscribe to Our Newsletter: |
|
|
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
121 South Villa Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401
Clubhouses in Annapolis, Pasadena, Severn, and Glen Burnie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
