MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Meet Jayden
Member Since:
2020
Why Boys & Girls Club?
Jayden was first introduced to the Boys & Girls Club by a friend and has been an active member for four years. He enjoys sports, especially basketball, and takes full advantage of the STEM, art, and sports opportunities available to Club members.
Achieving & Succeeding:
Jayden has shown remarkable improvement in his academic performance, particularly with his homework. Not only has he raised his grades, but he has also become more consistent in submitting assignments on time. The discipline and time-management skills he developed through our sports programs have played a key role in this progress.
By learning to balance practices, games, and schoolwork, Jayden has become more focused and organized, which has directly contributed to his classroom success. He now approaches his studies with the same dedication and commitment he demonstrates on the court. His overall growth as an athlete is clearly helping him thrive academically as well.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Academics
In our SmartCents program, funded by the Baker Family Foundation, teens were given a hypothetical $600 paycheck and tasked with allocating their funds toward needs, wants, and savings for larger goals. This hands-on activity allowed members to explore real-life financial decision-making. Teens created posters detailing their spending plans, showcasing how they balanced income, expenses, and savings. They presented their posters to the group, fostering discussion and collaboration. This lesson emphasized the importance of managing income wisely, understanding the value of saving, and differentiating between needs and wants, equipping members with practical financial skills for their future.
Programs in this core area include: Project Learn, STEM, Homework Help, Power Hour, and Tutoring.
Character & Leadership Development
Our Youth of the Year members had the privilege of participating in a public speaking workshop conducted by The Naples Players, a long standing partner supporting club members through initiatives related to the arts and college and career readiness. The training used theatre fundamentals to creatively build skills in team building and effective communication. Through curated artistic exercises, students explored the art of improvisational theatre and theatrical storytelling, focusing on public speaking techniques they can use in their everyday lives. Key areas of focus included quick creative thinking and emotional agility, reading social cues, portraying confidence and authority, storytelling and vivid imagery, and effectively communicating messages.
Students participated in activities that emphasized vocal tone, projection, and expression to enhance their speech and conversations. They practiced sounding techniques, acted out scenarios, and worked on delivering mini speeches to prepare for their interviews and Youth of the Year (YOY) presentations. Post-exercise debriefs allowed participants to reflect on their experiences and consider how these tools could be applied within their YOY presentations. This hands-on, creative approach gave students a unique opportunity to strengthen their public speaking skills, build confidence, and improve their ability to connect with others. The workshop equipped them with essential communication skills to support their growth and prepare them for
Programs in this core area include: Passport to Manhood, Junior Youth of the Year, Torch Club, and Keystone Club.
The Arts
Club members are bringing the holiday spirit to life by transforming Club buildings into Holiday scenes. Through the Arts program, members are working collaboratively to create a series of enchanting scenes to line the hallways, including Candy Cane Lane, a Winter Wonderland, and a Winter Workshop. Each scene is being crafted by middle and high school members and will feature handmade decorations and interactive displays. Younger Boys & Girls Club members will visit the scenes and participate in winter-themed activities.
Programs in this core area include: Amazing Artists, BGC Improv, Dance Ensemble, Music and Creation Stations.
Health & Life Skills
Teen members have been focusing on the topic of mental health and well-being. Through a series of interactive and reflective activities, they explored how to recognize and manage stress while building their awareness of mental health management practices. In one activity, members defined healthy and unhealthy stress and discussed how these stressors affect their lives. They brainstormed ideas and shared strategies for coping, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mental health through self-care. Building on this activity, members participated in a group-led discussion about coping mechanisms, the value of strong support systems, and ways to continuously feel supported. Members created a “Tree of Strength” using outlines of their hands as the base of the tree. On each leaf, they wrote their personal strengths, coping mechanisms, and the names of their biggest supporters. The goal of these activities was to help members identify what keeps them mindful and aware of their mental health, equipping them with tools to prioritize their well-being and build emotional resilience.
Other programs in this core area include: Mr. & Mrs. Manners, L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs), and SMART Moves
Sports, Fitness & Recreation
Inter-club sports are returning with the second annual Boys & Girls Club Winter Games, set to kick off on January 2-3, 2025. In the Winter Games, our best Club athletes from the Nichols and Bolch campuses will square off in friendly competition to see which team will take home the Winter Cup!
The new sports tradition began in 2023 to establish a stronger connection between the Nichols and Bolch campuses. This year’s Winter Games will again be held at Nichols, where athletes will participate in multiple sports including basketball, flag football, soccer and volleyball. Members from elementary and middle school will play a series of team games and individual skill competitions.
A participant from last year’s games, Isaiah N., said that the overall experience was fun and it was great to have friendly competition with other Club members.
Other programs in this core area include: Triple Play Daily Challenge, Badges for Baseball, and Sports Leagues.
College & Career Readiness
Teen Club members in high school recently attended the College Day Experience at Florida SouthWestern State College, hosted in partnership with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and the Naples Children & Education Foundation. This one-day event gave Club members exposure to college life and its many opportunities. Members participated in a campus tour, engaged in conversations with a panel of college students, and listened to college admissions representatives discuss the steps to prepare for college. They also heard from a panel of professors, gaining insight into what to expect in a college-level academic environment. They ended the day by attending an FSW women’s basketball game.
Members came away from this experience with a deeper understanding of what college life entails, practical knowledge about the admissions process, and feeling inspired to further pursue their educational goals. This opportunity broadened their perspectives and motivated them to envision their future in higher education.
Other programs in this core area include: Diplomas 2 Degrees, and Work-Based Learning.
EVENTS & DATES
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:
Martha Perez
Events & Corporate Relations Manager
mperez@bgccc.com
239-325-1716
