Two Newly-Awarded Grants Allow Boys & Girls Club to Serve An Additional 480 Children This School Year!
We’re thrilled to announce that Boys & Girls Club of Collier County has been awarded two 21st Century Community Learning Center grants (CCLC), made possible by the Florida Department of Education! These grants will allow us to support an additional 480 students in their journey to academic success over the next four years.
The schools benefitting from these grants include:
- Avalon Elementary School
- Calusa Park Elementary School
- Parkside Elementary School
- Shadowlawn Elementary School
- Lake Trafford Elementary School
Schools already benefitting from a 21st CCLC grant include:
- Highlands Elementary School
- Village Oaks Elementary School
- Immokalee Middle School
- Immokalee High School
Children at these schools could benefit from our FREE* after-school, spring and summer programs designed to help them thrive! Contact us at membership@bgccc.com to apply.
*Free for eligible families, contact Club for details
Meet Stephanie
Member Since:
2022
Why Boys & Girls Club?
At the start of summer, Stephanie participated in the 21st Century Community Learning Centers’ (21st CCLC) two-week program and then stayed on to enjoy the activities offered at Bolch. This gave Stephanie consistent care during the summer months, allowing her mother to work knowing that her daughter was in a safe place, surrounded by supportive staff and educational activities.
Stephanie continues to participate in the after-school programs now that school is back in session.
Achieving & Succeeding:
Preparing to move up to the 5th grade, Stephanie particcipated in a variety of programs designed to promote skills development and academic achievement, such as Arts & Crafts, Strategic Games and Summer Brain Gain. Stephanie was selected to participate in the Kennedy Space Center field trip. The experience was especially meaningful because it aligned with her interest in science. She says the Club brings her joy and makes her feel safe.
Academics
Our 5-8 grade members had an unforgettable summer field trip experience at the Kennedy Space Center – Great Futures LAUNCH Here! From exploring the Heroes and Legends exhibit to embarking on a deep space launch in the Gateway, members had the opportunity to dive into the wonders of space exploration. They wandered through the Rocket Garden, journeyed to Mars, and enjoyed lunch at the Orbit Cafe. One of the highlights? Snapping a photo with an astronaut! Members also learned about many careers within space exploration, leaving several inspired to consider pursuing opportunities in some facet of the space industry.
Programs in this core area include: Project Learn, STEM, Homework Help, Power Hour, and Tutoring.
Character & Leadership Development
Ten Nichols and Bolch teen members competed in our newly launched Junior Youth of the Year (Jr. YOY) program. With the guidance of Mrs. Tasheekia, they focused on the Youth of the Year leadership suite, promoting service to Club, community and family. They also honed their interview skills in preparation for the competition. They delivered a two-minute speech about their Boys & Girls Club experience, and answered interview questions for a panel of judges comprised of community and staff members. Participants also completed a community service project, working with Brighter Bites to package fruits and vegetables for our Club families to take home. The three finalists received scholarships and Maria was awarded the Club’s Junior Youth of the Year.
Programs in this core area include: Passport to Manhood, Junior Youth of the Year, Torch Club, and Keystone Club.
The Arts
The Nichols Art Club engaged in a series of exciting projects this summer. For the Watercolor Birds project, members explored wet-on-wet watercolor techniques. They also tackled a black-and-white elephant drawing project, practicing contour lines, shapes, and value techniques working with photographs. Another creative endeavor was an art lesson inspired by the book, Giraffes Can’t Dance. Ms. Victoria guided members through a step-by-step process to draw giraffes, combining insights about these animals with artistic skills. Club members then embarked on a similar project focused on drawing various sea creatures. Members received valuable instruction on the use of materials, artistic techniques, and color theory, enriching the members’ artistic experiences and skills.
Programs in this core area include: Amazing Artists, BGC Improv, Dance Ensemble, Music and Creation Stations.
Health & Life Skills
Homemade pizza from scratch, YUM! Bolch and Nichols Club Members helped Chef Aaron from Inspired Cuisines make pizza. They learned how to make fresh pizza dough with yeast, kneading, resting it, and rolling it out. They used fresh ingredients and chose toppings before placing their final pizza creation in the oven. Also on the menu was a watermelon salad with feta. Fun, healthy eating, and learning to make a meal following a recipe, was a life-long skills development experience for our Club members. Thank you, Chef Aaron!
Other programs in this core area include: Mr. & Mrs. Manners, L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs), and SMART Moves
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
During Career Launch, teens at Bolch focused on honing their public speaking skills through a variety of activities. They were tasked with researching topics and presenting their findings to the group, with an emphasis on minimizing filler words like “um” and “uh.” The goal of these exercises was to build confidence, clarity, and effectiveness in communication. By practicing structured presentations and receiving constructive feedback, teens learned to articulate their ideas more clearly and professionally. For these teens, public speaking is crucial for future career development, equipping them with essential skills for successful professional interactions.
Other programs in this core area include: Diplomas 2 Degrees, and Work-Based Learning.
Thursday, October 3, 2024
at Nichols Club
New event! Meet Club kids, tour the campus and enjoy a lunch of ballpark fare while supporting scholarships for this school year. Tickets available now.
Saturday, November 2, 2024
at Club Pelican Bay
New 9 and 18-hole options as well as our famous 19th Hole After Party! Come and enjoy a day on the links FORE the kids! Sponsorships and limited tickets still available! Don’t delay.
Thursday, February 6, 2024
at The Ritz-Carlton Beach House
Join us for sunset, wine and philanthropy at the exquisite Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach House to support Boys & Girls Club of Collier County programming, facilities and scholarships. Sponsorships Available.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
at The Ritz-Carlton Beach House
Our annual Youth of the Year Awards is now part of a larger event: The Great Futures Gala! Join us for this inaugural year as we we showcase Shaping Tomorrow Together for the youth of Collier County. Sponsorships Available.
If you are interested in more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Carolyn Bongirno
Director of Development
cbongirno@bgccc.com
239-325-1725
