MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Meet Ava
Member Since:
2020
Why Boys & Girls Club?
When Ava’s family relocated from New Jersey to Naples, her mother searched for an after-school program and discovered the Boys & Girls Club. The Club proved to be the perfect fit for Ava, a second-grade student, providing a safe, supportive after-school environment. Her family values education, creativity, and community involvement, and they offered encouragement to Ava to fully engage in Club activities to foster her growth, both academically and personally.
Achieving & Succeeding:
Four years ago, as a new member at the Boys & Girls Club, Ava was noticeably reserved and quiet. She has since blossomed, becoming more open and comfortable in social settings. Her personal growth and increasing confidence is a result of her participation in Power Hour, the dance program, and the art program. Power Hour provides her with essential academic support, while the dance and art programs have given her a platform to nurture her creativity, helping her to express herself.
She arrives at the Club each day with a genuine smile and now approaches social situations with ease and enthusiasm. Her active participation in Club activities has been pivotal in this transformation, allowing her to embrace new experiences with a positive attitude. Ava’s development is evident in her interactions with others and her ability to tackle challenges head-on, reflecting her increased self-assurance and vibrant personality. This newfound confidence has empowered her to step beyond her comfort zone, setting the stage for a successful, productive life.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Academics
This semester, teens are engaging in Power Hour as soon as they arrive at the Club. Their enthusiasm and dedication may be attributed to Power Hour’s new weekly grade check-ins and special incentives, along with access to exclusive clubs and projects, for members who complete all of their assignments. This strategy has significantly motivated members to immediately complete their homework and demonstrate their commitment to academics. The teens express appreciation for having certified teachers on-site to assist with their homework, which has further enriched their academic experience at the Club.
Character & Leadership Development
Nichols Club teens are working with consultant Mrs. Tasheekia to enhance their leadership skills through SMART Goals. They learned to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals, applying these concepts to real-life situations in group exercises.
Teens also participated in “Lenses for Seeing the World,” a session helping them explore how identity shapes their perspectives. The activity included an icebreaker, group discussions on culture and identity, and reflective exercises. The goal of this initiative is to boost communication, teamwork, and self-advocacy skills, helping members connect their individual experiences with broader societal interactions.
The Arts
With the launch of the Club’s fall dance program, members were able to sign up for jazz, ballet, and dance ensemble classes. These sessions allow members to express themselves through movement, learn new techniques, and work together in group performances. Dancers will perform in upcoming club showcases and will present their dance routines at the Christmas Tree Lighting and Great Futures Gala/Youth of the Year Awards.
In the newly introduced drama program, members will explore the world of theater by engaging in acting exercises, script reading, and stagecraft (set design and choreography). This program offers another creative outlet for members interested in performing arts, helping them build confidence and teamwork skills.
Programs in this core area include: Amazing Artists, BGC Improv, Dance Ensemble, Music and Creation Stations.
Health & Life Skills
The Healthy Habit Program is being launched at Nichols.
Over the next 15 weeks, members will explore five key topics: balanced nutrition, physical activity, hydration, hygiene, and sleep. They will learn the importance of a varied diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and dairy. They will see why they need to incorporate daily physical activities into their life, such as running, dancing, and sports. Proper hydration and good hygiene practices will be emphasized, including regular handwashing and teeth brushing. Lastly, they will understand the critical need for adequate sleep and establishing a consistent bedtime routine.
Other programs in this core area include: Mr. & Mrs. Manners, L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs), and SMART Moves
Sports, Fitness & Recreation
In partnership with Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), selected members from Bolch and Nichols had the opportunity to attend the Annual Cal Ripken Summer Camp in Aberdeen, Maryland. This five-day baseball camp, hosted by the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, brought our Club members together with members from other Boys & Girls Club organizations from 25 states.
During the camp, participants engaged in daily baseball skills sessions and games, and enjoyed a variety of activities, including swimming, STEM games, and a ropes course. The camp included Badges for Baseball, a program designed to give attendees exposure to law enforcement careers. Memorable activities included a K9 demonstration, law enforcement equipment and vehicle show-and-tell, and a live demonstration of a Blackhawk helicopter landing. For many Club members, this was their first time traveling by airplane, leaving the state of Florida, and competing in athletic activities with peers from different regions of the United States. The experience was both enriching and memorable, marking a significant milestone in their personal and athletic development.
Other programs in this core area include: Triple Play Daily Challenge, Badges for Baseball, and Sports Leagues.
College & Career Readiness
In Career Launch at Nichols Club, high school members explored job application websites, such as LinkedIn and Indeed, learned what recruiters seek in job applicants, and discussed job interviews. Meanwhile, middle school members engaged in a “Fact or Fiction” game to learn about careers and developed a career family tree to explore different career paths.
Bolch Club’s Career Launch engaged teens in an exploration of aviation careers in honor of National Aviation Week. The sessions began with a presentation that highlighted various careers within the aviation industry, providing Club members with a comprehensive overview of the field. They were particularly interested in learning about the different salary ranges for these careers, which sparked meaningful discussions about potential job opportunities. They then put their knowledge into practice by building and testing paper airplanes, an exercise that fosters creativity and hands-on learning. Finally, they watched additional videos about aviation, further deepening their understanding and interest in the industry.
Other programs in this core area include: Diplomas 2 Degrees, and Work-Based Learning.
EVENTS & DATES
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
