Meet Valentina
BOLCH Club Member
Member Since:
2018
Why Boys & Girls Club?
Valentina’s family was grateful to discover the Club’s after-school program. It provides Valentina with a safe and enriching place to spend time after school while her mom is still at work. As a participant in the Power Hour academic enrichment program, Valentina receives the academic help she needs with her schoolwork, especially with math.
Achieving & Succeeding:
Valentina demonstrated remarkable dedication to her academic journey by actively seeking help from one of the Club’s Youth Development Professionals. With the extra support and time dedicated to practicing math problems, Valentina’s math skills have improved. She has become more confident with her schoolwork. This newfound assurance has had a positive impact on her overall performance at school. Valentina’s success is a testament to both her commitment and the valuable support she receives from our staff.
Academics
In December, our Clubs launched the Edmentum – Exact Path program, a powerful teaching tool designed to enhance the learning experience for our members. This initiative covers math, reading, and language arts, providing learning paths specially tailored to the individual. Our members are eager to make the most of this new opportunity, utilizing targeted one-on-one instruction time to excel in subjects that require additional focus.
Elementary members in our Miracle Programs completed reading “The Polar Express,” by Chris Van Allsburg, which was offered in partnership with the Immokalee Readers program. In an immersive three-week session, members were given dedicated space for focused learning and literary exploration. Guided by certified teachers, participants engaged in activities ranging from structured reading to interactive discussions, fostering essential life skills and a sense of community.
Character & Leadership Development
In celebration of World Soil Day, teen members took the lead in imparting valuable lessons to our first graders about the marvels of planting. Engaging in hands-on activities, teens skillfully guided younger members through the art of planting and shared their knowledge and passion for nurturing the environment. The experience provided teens with an opportunity to showcase their leadership skills and also helped all students cultivate an appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
The Arts
At our Bolch Club, our Spanish Heritage Club took on a festive flair as members immersed themselves in holiday-themed songs and traditions to deepen their understanding of Spanish culture. Additionally, they explored the culinary delights of traditional holiday foods, savoring flavors that capture the essence of Spanish celebrations. This experience helped deepen their cultural understanding and foster a feeling of unity and shared celebration throughout the holiday season.
Miracle Programs partnered with the United Arts Council on a program to foster creativity. Through crafty creations of intricate hanging snowflakes, members transformed their classrooms into wintery wonderlands. Meanwhile, Nichols Club teens showcased their artistic talents by creating spectacular door decorations for the classrooms. These artistic expressions represent the boundless potential of our members.
Our Dance Ensemble brought joy to residents of local senior living facilities with their graceful movements and synchronized choreography. Simultaneously, the Nichols Club Drama Team took center stage performing a play, “Santa is Sick,” displaying their budding acting talents and bringing joy to the audience. These fine arts activities highlighted the creativity and collaborative spirit of our members, creating memorable moments for all.
Health & Life Skills
An insightful program was facilitated by two representatives from Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, who visited our Teen Centers to deliver a compelling presentation titled “All About Cars” to our members. During the session, participants delved into the intricacies of car ownership, gaining an understanding of the associated costs, and exploring the pros and cons of leasing a vehicle. The interactive nature of the workshop involved hands-on activities, allowing members to assess their individual needs for a vehicle.
Sports, Fitness & Recreation
Winter Camp was a whirlwind of excitement for many Club members, starting with a lively miniature golf party in Naples. A gingerbread house decorating competition showcased creativity and teamwork. Our boys took a Winter Games trip and secured the flag football championship! A recreational trip to Sugden Park for a spirited volleyball game provided a change of scenery. Specialized sports camps for soccer, basketball, and volleyball were also featured. Members wrapped up the week with a party, celebrating their week of camaraderie, skill development, and memorable experiences.
College & Career Readiness
Club teens immersed themselves in a transformative reality check activity, taking on the roles of young adults to delve into life after graduation. Researching cities, finding apartments, and crafting budgets based on a set salary, this hands-on exercise highlighted the importance of considering college as a strategic pathway to increase chances of securing a well-paying job and ensuring a comfortable life. More than an activity, it served as a powerful eye-opener for our high school members, emphasizing preparation to make informed decisions about education and future careers for financial well-being and enhanced quality of life.
This networking fundraiser event will focus on bringing together outstanding women from our community in support of Boys & Girls Club of Collier County. Toast to the Club’s positive impact on our community’s youth while enjoying networking, fine wine, great food, music, and a silent auction. We will welcome approximately 150 savvy women from all over Southwest Florida.
February 1st
at Naples Sailing & Yacht Club
Silent Auction Is Open Through 8 p.m. on February 1st.
Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Club of America’s premier recognition program for Club members. Our program is implemented year-round to foster the highest development of young people’s character, personal growth and leadership qualities. Youth of the Year fosters a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy. Each year, stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and overcoming obstacles have made Youth of the Year the premier leadership and recognition program for Collier County teens.
March 1st
at Royal Poinciana Golf Club
Community Outreach Initiatives
Club staff and members added a touch of festive spirit to the Immokalee Tree Lighting event and the annual Christmas Around the World Parade Celebration. The Bolch Club Dance group took center stage, showcasing their moves and spreading joy through their performances. Concurrently, the Community Engagement Manager and 21st CCLC Program Director staffed a booth to provided attendees with information about the many opportunities offered at our Clubs.
Club members were invited to wrap gifts for local veterans through the initiative Kids Helping Our Veterans, a local nonprofit. In this experience, members learned the art of wrapping gifts efficiently and also gained a deeper understanding of the significance of giving back to our local heroes. Emphasizing the importance of minimizing paper waste, the activity also provided valuable lessons in sustainability. Beyond the practical skills acquired, members cherished the opportunity to contribute in a fun and festive manner during the holiday season, spreading joy and gratitude to those who have served our community.
Upcoming Give Back Events
Botox Day!
Wednesday, Feb. 21
Thanks to the generosity of our board member and supporter, Dr. Peña, anyone making an appointment for “Botox Day” on Wednesday, February 21, will benefit Boys & Girls Club.
For more information, call (239) 348-7362 or visit their website here.
15% Back at J.McLaughlin
Monday, Mar. 25, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Plan to shop at J. McLaughlin’s on Monday, March 25, from 11 am to 4 pm, as 15% of sales on this day will be donated to Boys & Girls Club of Collier County.
