Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana brings together a staff of highly trained professionals and caring adult mentors for experiences and environments for children and teens to reach their ultimate potential after school and during the summer months. Clubs “exist to prove every kid has what it takes, guiding a successful pathway for every young person who walks through their doors.”
The services and programs available inside Northwest Indiana’s ten Clubs and eleven before-and-after school based sites focus on three key priority outcomes: academic achievement, healthy lifestyles and good character.
Healthy Lifestyles
The Clubs offer resources to ensure every member achieves social, emotional, and physical wellness. Such resources include programs that promote healthy lifestyles, participation in regular physical activities, as well as nutritious snacks and meal-prep practice and guidance. Through these activities, members learn social and interpersonal skills that foster positive connections between peers and staff. For members who may want more personal guidance, programs are available for both girls and boys to guide them through hardships and experiences they are going through at any age.
Girls have the option to be a part of SMART Girls, which provides an outlet for young girls to connect with someone to discuss adolescence and their journey into becoming a woman.
Boys can join Passport to Manhood, where they learn to lead a respectful life and connect with a mentor about the journey of manhood.
The Clubs also offer sports leagues to focus on skills development, sportsmanship, and to simply have fun. A membership includes access to athletic leagues such as basketball, dodgeball, soccer, volleyball, flag football, and first-tee golf program.
Academic Success
Clubs help kids reach their greatest potential by offering one-on-one tutoring, homework help, and access to advanced technology and college/career-readiness programs.
Academic programs foster engagement in learning at an early age, teaching positive study habits, and self-discipline. Mentors provide guidance and resources to keep members on track as they transition from school and move onto college or a career path. Additionally, members have access to local and global influential professionals to explore a variety of career options.
Good Character and Citizenship
Beyond the mentorship programs mentioned above, the Clubs believe in promoting and guiding youth in becoming productive, caring, responsible, and active citizens. Through real-world experiences such as volunteering, running concession stands, and working side-by-side with local partners in the community, members learn accountability and develop valuable leadership skills.
Members have the option to join Torch or Keystone Clubs which allow youth these unique influential experiences. The Clubs also participate in Youth of the Year, BGCA’s premier national recognition program. This program recognizes and honors young people who have distinguished themselves by rising above challenging circumstances, making a difference, and being a leader in general. This type of program encourages members to be on their A-game, constantly challenging teens to their full potential.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana is committed to making sure all members are on track to graduate high school and establish their own path for a GREAT Future whether that means going on to college, starting an apprenticeship in the trades or directly entering into the workforce.
A member can enroll during any time of the year for only $40 for a 12-month membership. To keep the membership fee affordable, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana counts on the generosity of Corporate Sponsors, Foundations, and individual donors. The Clubs serve children and teens, ages 5-18. To register, choose the Club located near your neighborhood and visit their page to find the application for membership. Find the list of Clubs here. Return the membership application to your local Club and with active membership, access is given to all ten Northwest Indiana Clubs.
Ensure your child’s growth and success by signing up today. Find more information here on becoming a member.
