The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend (BGCBB) offers five core program areas: The Arts, Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. These programs are designed to help youth excel academically, lead healthy lives, and become responsible citizens.
Our Character & Leadership Development programs help youth grow into responsible, caring adults while building the skills they need to actively participate in their communities and the democratic process. Through hands-on opportunities for planning, decision-making, and service, members strengthen their leadership abilities and learn the value of giving back—both to their Club and the wider community. We also take time to honor and celebrate our national heritage, reinforcing a sense of pride and civic responsibility.
These programs focus on developing leadership skills, community involvement, and positive character traits through activities like:
Our Education & Career Development programs are built around the “Every Member, Every Year” strategy, ensuring that every young person—no matter which Club they attend—has access to the support they need to succeed. We work closely with youth, families, schools, and community partners to deliver one or more of three key approaches: academic enrichment and school engagement, targeted dropout prevention, and intensive case management.
Our ultimate goal is to help every Club member graduate from high school on time, fully prepared for college, trade school, or a successful career in the 21st-century workforce.
This area helps members succeed academically, explore career paths, and prepare for post-secondary education and careers. Programs include:
Our Health & Life Skills programs empower young people to make smart choices, take care of their well-being, and build the foundation for a successful future. These initiatives help members develop positive habits, set personal goals, and gain the confidence to live as self-sufficient, responsible adults.
Basic health and life skills—like nutrition, financial literacy, emotional wellness, and decision-making—are essential to a child’s development. By mastering these skills early, youth are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and grow into capable, resilient individuals.
These programs promote healthy lifestyles, decision-making, and overall well-being through initiatives like:
Our Sports, Fitness & Recreation programs promote physical well-being, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle. Through fun, engaging activities, members build fitness, learn to manage stress, develop social skills, and discover positive ways to use their free time. We also encourage an appreciation for the outdoors and environmental stewardship.
Many of our programs are designed to support the “whole child,” with specialized initiatives that span multiple focus areas or address the unique needs of specific populations. It’s all part of our commitment to helping every member grow into a confident, well-rounded individual.
This area encourages physical activity, healthy habits, and teamwork through programs like:
Our Arts & Culture programs allow youth to explore their creativity and build cultural awareness through visual arts, crafts, performing arts, and creative writing. By encouraging self-expression and imagination, these programs help members discover their unique voices and talents.
The arts play a vital role in shaping culture, strengthening communities, and fostering empathy. Through creative exploration, members not only gain artistic skills—they also build confidence, learn to appreciate diverse perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
This area provides opportunities for artistic expression and creativity through various activities like our Nationally recognized:
