We offer a variety of programs and services for our members in core program areas. These programs are offered on a seasonal basis and are led based upon age appropriateness.
Academic Success Programs
What do you want to be when you grow up? No matter how a child answers that question, we want to help them build a strong foundation upon which they can realize their goals. Our educational programs allow young people to explore their options and encourage them to reach their full potential. We are growing tomorrow’s leaders today!
Power Hour
Power Hour offers a structured time and place for Club staff, academic tutors and volunteers to help members understand and complete their homework assignments and turn them in on time. Members are better prepared for classes and proud of their hard work and accomplishments. This program also provides high yield activities that help members become self-directed, resourceful and independent learners.
Project Learn
Students do much better in school when they spend their non-school hours engaged in fun, but academically beneficial, activities. Through Project Learn, Club staff use all the areas and programs in the Club to create opportunities for these high-yield learning activities, including leisure reading, writing activities, discussions with knowledgeable adults, helping others, homework help, tutoring and games that develop young people’s cognitive skills. Project Learn also emphasizes parent involvement as well as collaboration between Club and school professionals.
The Arts
These programs are designed to foster creativity in young people and give them positive outlets for self-expression. From poetry to hip-hop, our arts programs have something that will inspire everyone.
Money Matters
Money Matters is designed to help teens with proper money management and provide them the skills to enter the working world. Teens learn how to open a savings account, how to be responsible with credit and debit cards, and much more.
Career Launch
Career Launch allows teens to explore a broad range of career areas, match their interests to career clusters, and identify the skills and education needed for their particular career path. This program is designed to support youth in preparing for their first job, internships, summer employment, and so much more! This program may take place one-on-one or in smaller group settings.
STEM
The Club provides opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with a dedicated STEM program. This program provides a variety of activities around those topics that allow members to explore and learn more.
Good Character and Citizenship Programs
The Boys & Girls Club of Sandhills’ goal in our Good Character & Citizenship programming is to build the skills needed today to be effective leaders tomorrow. We empower our young people to support and influence their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image, participate in the democratic process, and respect their own and others’ cultural identities.
Youth of the Month
Youth of the Month provides members ages 6-18 the opportunity to showcase their leadership ability and be recognized among their peers. Each month, staff choose a member from each program area to be the member of the month.
Youth of the Year
Established in 1947, Youth of the Year is the Boys & Girls Club of America’s premier recognition program for Club members, promoting service to Club, community and family; academic success; strong moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. Local Clubs recognize members ages 14 to 18 as Youth of the Month winners and also select a Youth of the Year.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills Youth of the Year then goes on to compete in the statewide competition. State winners each receive a $1,000 scholarship and participate in regional competitions. Five regional winners each receive a $10,000 scholarship and compete on the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives up to an additional $50,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States!
Torch Club
Torch Clubs is leadership and service club for boys and girls ages 11 to 13. Torch Club is a powerful vehicle through which Club staff can help meet the special character development needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their life. Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to implement activities in four areas:
1. Service to Club & community
2. Education
3. Health & fitness
4. Social recreation
Key Stone Club
Keystone is the Boys & Girls Club Movement’s ultimate teen program. This unique leadership development experience provides opportunities for young people ages 14 to 18. Youth participate both in and out of the Club in activities in three focus areas:
- Academic success
- Career preparation
- Community service
With the guidance of an adult advisor, Keystone Clubs aim to have a positive impact on members, the Club and the community.
Junior Staff
The Junior Staff Program is a way of recognizing some of our Teen members who have exhibited exceptional leadership skills among their peers. These members are offered a chance to work alongside our Youth Development Professionals as Junior Leaders. They are able to develop important job and life skills.
Healthy Lifestyles Programs
By engaging young people in positive behaviors that nurture their own well-being, the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills health and life skills programming teaches the importance of setting personal goals and developing the competencies necessary to live successfully as self-sufficient adults.
SMART Moves
The SMART Moves (Skills Mastery and Resilience Training) prevention and education program addresses problems such as drug and alcohol use and premature sexual activity. SMART Moves uses a team approach that involves Club staff, peer leaders, parents and community representatives. Young people ages 6 to 15 engage in discussion and role-playing, practicing resilience and refusal skills, developing assertiveness, strengthening decision-making skills and analyzing media and peer influence. All of the activities and programming for SMART Moves is presented to members at a level appropriate for their age group.
Triple Play Sports/Healthy Habits
Triple Play, a “game plan for mind, body and soul,” is designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning in every part of the Club experience. The program involves all Club members in emphasizing good nutrition, regular physical activity and improving overall well-being.
Healthy Habits, a part of the Triple Play Sports program, emphasizes good nutrition, regular physical activity and improving overall well-being. As a part of the program, kids have the opportunity to prepare tasty and healthy snacks using typical ingredients found at home.
Passport to Manhood
Passport to Manhood encourages boys age 8 to 14 to develop and mature into young men. This program represents a targeted effort to engage young boys in discussions and activities that reinforce character, leadership and positive behavior. Each participant receives a “passport” to underscore the notion that he is on a personal journey of maturation and growth. Each of the program’s 14 sessions use interactive activities to focus on a specific aspect of character and manhood. It also includes a service project where boys learn the importance of giving back to the community.
SMART Girls
SMART Girls is a small-group health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program designed to meet the development needs of girls in three age groups, spanning ages 8—18. Through dynamic sessions, participatory activities, field trips and mentoring opportunities with adult women, Club girls explore their own social attitudes and values as they build skills for eating right, staying physically fit, getting good health care and developing positive relationships with peers and adults.