From First Grade to Freshman Year: How the Club Has Shaped One Young Member’s World

During grade school, children experience significant growth, both physically and mentally, a direct result of the people and places that surround them. Being immersed in a safe, caring, and learning environment empowers them to reach their fullest potential socially, emotionally and academically. Boys & Girls Clubs of Collier County Member Lindsay is a shining example of how the Club supports and prepares children to achieve their goals and dreams.

Lindsay was 6 years old when she joined our Club as a first grader and, with support from her mom, has chosen to stay for eight years. As she graduates from eighth grade and moves into high school in August, she is also choosing to continue growing as a Club member at the Nichols campus.

While entering high school can be daunting, Lindsay feels confident and prepared because
of her participation in many of our specialty programs. Shecredits the Club’s Power Hour Academic Support Program with helping her achieve and maintain a 3.9 GPA and advanced math placement.

“My Club has given me a safe space to focus on my education, my friendships, and my hobbies…

During Power Hour, I receive help with my homework. Staff members hold me accountable for my grades and support me when I struggle,” said Lindsay.

With academic confidence and the knowledge that the Club will provide ongoing academic support, Lindsay has taken the opportunity to go for a rigorous college preparatory course load.

The Club has also prepared Lindsay for her teen years by helping her find her voice and develop her leadership skills. Through her engagement with our Youth of the Year, SMART girls, Teen Talk and Torch Club programs, Lindsay has had the opportunity to become a public speaker, a Club officer, an event organizer and a stellar writer. Each of these roles have challenged Lindsay to step beyond her comfort zone and advance her communication skills. With the support and mentorship of Club staff, Lindsay has become secretary of the Torch Club and is one of three of the Club’s 2024 Youth of the Year Scholarship Finalists.
Because Lindsay has chosen to dive into many opportunities on her Club journey, she has gained insights and a level of maturity that will help her successfully navigate high school.

“I have learned so much from the Girl Talk, SMART Girls, and The Blossoming Experience at the Naples Botanical Garden programs, all led by Ms. Tasheekia, Leadership Consultant. She taught me how to spot a good friendship and bad friendship. She taught me what healthy and unhealthy friendships look like and gave me the language and tools to handle them. She has been a role model of what it takes to be a strong and empowered woman. With all that she and the Boys & Girls Club staff have taught me, I know I can be successful.”

Lindsay added, “Being a member of my Boys & Girls Club gave me one of my best first-time experiences: flying on an airplane. One summer, I was invited to the Cal Ripken Senior Foundation Camp in Maryland. It was a magical week that helped create life-long memories through the lens of baseball. During camp, I not only learned baseball skills, but she taught me what healthy and unhealthy friendships look like and gave me the language and tools to handle them. She has been a role model of what it takes to be a strong and empowered woman.”

“I also learned valuable life lessons from trained coaches. The camp focused on teamwork, personal responsibility, and communication. I have been able to apply these skills in my middle school years as a student participating in group projects with my classmates. It has allowed me to become the voice of the group, and be able to lead and help others.

Overall, my experience with my Boys & Girls Club is helping me be a productive young lady and I love who I am becoming.”