Meet Sebastian
Member Since:
2023
Why Boys & Girls Club?
Sebastian’s sister is a Club member. Because of her involvement, and with support from his mom and dad, he also joined the Club to participate in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) program and Sports Academy.
Achieving & Succeeding:
Each weekday, Sebastian is in a safe, supportive environment that allows him to participate in constructive activities, build his social skills, and interact with positive role models. Sebastian also benefits from educational programs and resources, including tutoring, homework assistance, and STEM activities, in addition to a vibrant athletic program that develops his skills and character. Sebastian has gained confidence, helping him make more friends and participate in specialty programs, including the Winter and Spring Games. Through his involvement in athletics with Mr. Arly, Sebastian has gained invaluable lessons on character, leadership, and hard work. His confidence has skyrocketed, which was evident in his performance during the Club’s Spring Games soccer match against the Immokalee members.
Academics
Young Authors Festival. Members showcased their literary talents at the Young Authors Festival, held in collaboration with our community partner Grace Place for Children & Families. This event celebrates the students’ creativity and potential, and ignites a passion for writing and storytelling, empowering members to express themselves confidently and pursue their dreams.
Character & Leadership Development
The Junior Youth of the Year program was launched at Bolch, spearheaded by Mrs. Tasheekia, a leadership consultant. Members embarked on a journey of self-development, starting with mastering the “6 S’s of Introduction.” This foundational skill gives members tools to practice their introductions with one another, fostering their public speaking skills and enhancing interpersonal connections with peers. This initiative helps build confidence and prepares young members for future leadership roles, both within and outside of our club.
Junior Women of Initiative. Nichols members participated in Junior Women of Initiative sessions focused on career development. Young women learned about different qualities that guide career and industry choice. They discussed different career paths they are interested in and what it takes to get them there. The mentors and facilitators shared insights about job interview etiquette and had the mentees perform mock interviews. In the mock interviews, the mentees showed proper interview etiquette and improper etiquette, focusing on the skills to demonstrate to help secure a job.
The Arts
Piano Lessons. Ms. Janice, Music instructor, has been providing piano lessons to elementary members to enhance cognitive abilities—such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills—through an intricate process of reading music and coordinating hand movements. Piano lessons help promote discipline and perseverance as members practice regularly to improve their skills, fostering a strong work ethic that can be applied to other areas of their lives.
Arts Activities. Ms. Victoria, Art instructor, has been leading engaging art classes for our elementary members featuring a diverse range of activities, including exploration of symmetry in the bodies of insects, creation of 3D collages, experimentation with still life using plastic modeling clay, color mixing exercises, and the exciting initiation of self-portrait projects.
The Marketing Club at Bolch is creating a special yearbook to wrap up the year. They are showcasing the Club’s remarkable teens and their accomplishments and contributions. Armed with cameras, members have been exploring every nook and cranny of the Club, capturing memorable moments and candid snapshots that tell the story of our community. Teens clearly relish the opportunity to document their experiences and bond with one another. Anticipation is building for the unveiling of the unique publication.
Health & Life Skills
Mental Health Counseling. Members and staff at Boys & Girls Club of Collier County have access to free onsite mental health counseling, provided in partnership with Counseling for Community Wellness. Shea Williams, a Licensed Mental Health Worker, offers essential support and resources in a safe and accessible environment.
L.E.A.D. Grads. Congratulations to our 3rd Grade Members for completing the Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) program, part of a 10-week pilot program. We are proud that our members are learning skills to help them make smart choices that can lead them to be leaders in their schools and among their peers. Many thanks Deputy Novak for facilitating this program at our Bolch Club, making a positive impact on our youth.
Sports, Fitness & Recreation
Lipman Family Farms 5K. Boys & Girls Club staff and members participated in the Lipman Family Farms Annual 5K and demonstrated remarkable endurance. Proceeds of the event are used to purchase backpacks, bicycles, shoes, and other school supplies for Lipman’s Annual Backpack Giveaway, hosted in Immokalee every August. It was a fantastic event as we joined forces with local community members to support this meaningful cause and to strengthen our commitment to community engagement and fitness!
College & Career Readiness
Scholarships & Workshops. Teen Programs prepare teens for college success through financial literacy workshops, FAFSA guidance, and scholarship searches, ensuring access to higher education without financial barriers. We’re proud to announce that our efforts in the last twelve months alone have resulted in securing an estimated $310,000 in scholarship funds for our college-bound members!
Save These Dates!
NEW! THURSDAY
OCTOBER 3, 2024
HOME RUN FOR KIDS LUNCHEON
at Boys & Girls Club Bolch Campus
Saturday
November 2, 2024
Fore-The-Kids Golf Tournament
at Club Pelican Bay
THURSDAY
FEBRUARY 6, 2025
POURING FOR A PURPOSE WOMEN’S EVENT
at the Ritz-Carlton Beach House
WEDNESDAY
FEBRUARY 26, 2025
GREAT FUTURES GALA &
YOUTH OF THE YEAR AWARDS
at Club Pelican Bay
If you are interested in more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Carolyn Bongirno
Director of Development
cbongirno@bgccc.com
239-325-1725
Community Outreach Initiatives
Nichols actively participated in two Title I Parent Night events organized for Migrant Families by Collier County Public Schools (CCPS). At each gathering, 100 families were engaged around the theme of Literacy. Every family received 1 or 2 books for their children, along with an easy-to-use reading game designed for home use. Additionally, we took the opportunity to comprehensively explain the range of services and activities available through the Boys & Girls Club, with an emphasis on the upcoming Summer Camp program.
