Program Overview

Our Youth Development Philosophy
Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling:
  • A sense of competence - The feeling there is something boys and girls can do and do well
  • A sense of usefulness - The opportunity to do something of value for other people
  • A sense of belonging - A setting where young people know they fit in and are accepted
  • A sense of power or influence - A chance for members to be heard and to influence decisions
 
Outcomes, Expectations & Goals
The following outcomes summarize the Clubs expectations and goals for members:

Positive self-identity
Young people have a healthy self-concept and a strong belief in their own self-worth. They have a sense of hope about their future; they are adept at setting and attaining goals. Youth have the confidence to pursue their dreams and goals and make the necessary decisions to achieve their life plans.

Community and Civic Involvement
Youth have a sense of belonging to their community, family, and/or group, and are willing to take civic responsibility. They work closely with others to contribute to the greater good.

Health and well-being
Young people live healthy lifestyles, take part in regular fitness activities, are able to access health care resources and engage in positive behaviors. They are able to manage stress. They use sound judgment about personal safety, nutrition and avoidance of alcohol and other drugs and premature sexual activity. 

Moral compass
Youth have values that enable them to develop positive relationships with others. These values include honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness, a sense of justice and fairness, respect, caring, and spirituality.

Competencies
Youth have the knowledge, skills, strategies and attitudes necessary to have a positive foundation for success. Youth become competent by mastering tasks and thus demonstrating to themselves that they can do things well. Youth need to develop competence in the following areas:

  • Educational: Youth are proficient in basic educational disciplines and have the capacity to utilize technology. Youth have graduated from high school and are motivated to pursue learning opportunities through their lives.
  • Employment: Teens have the skills and attributes to be successful in the work force. They are motivated to constantly develop new skills to maintain a competitive edge.
  • Social: Young people are able to develop and sustain positive relationships with others.
  • Emotional: Youth are able to recognize, reflect on and appropriately express their emotions, manage stress and cope with positive and adverse situations.
  • Cultural: Youth have an understanding and respect for their own cultural identity and for the cultures of others; they are able to contribute in a multicultural society and demonstrate tolerance for differences among people.
 

The staff members at the Boys & Girls Club of Sparta engage youth in activities that are fun and enjoyable while supporting the development of the outcomes, expectations and goals described above. This is accomplished through Club programs and the relationships that are built between staff and Club members. Our Club succeeds through caring, capable staff members who form relationships with young people and influence their ability to achieve successful futures. 


Core Program Areas
Program focus areas are based upon both the interests of youth and their physical, emotional, cultural and social needs. Providing diverse programming helps engage youth with adults, peers, and family members. Participating in our programs can help enable youth to enhance their self-esteem and to develop to their full potential.

Character & Leadership Development
Character & leadership development empowers youth to support and influence their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image and respect their own and others’ cultural identities.

Education & Career Development
Education and career development enable youth to become proficient in basic educational disciplines, apply learning to everyday situations and embrace technology to achieve success in a career.

Health & Life Skills
Health and life skills develop young peoples’ capacity to engage in positive behaviors that nurture their own well-being, set personal goals and live successfully as self-sufficient adults.

The Arts
The arts enable youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness. Youth are challenged to appreciate visual arts, performing arts and creative writing.

Sports, Fitness, & Recreation
Sports, fitness and recreation enable youth to develop positive use of leisure time, skills for stress management, appreciation for the environment and social skills.

   

The Learning Center

A Service of the Boys & Girls Club of Sparta

During the school year, the Learning Center provides a variety of beneficial tools that are geared to help motivate students and encourage productive homework sessions. Located in the lower level of the building, the Learning Center is a quiet and motivating environment that is:

Staffed with experienced teachers and tutors who encourage positive behaviors and attitudes towards, school, homework and learning
Available for homework support and assistance five days a week
Equipped with Internet services and computer stations
Stocked with educational software, math and reading manipulatives, and a variety of children’s literature and reading materials
 

Learning Center Programs
Project Learn and Power Hour are programs for youth in grades 3 through 12. Both are similar in approach but vary in commitment.

Project Learn Program
The Project Learn Program offers homework assistance in a pleasant, quiet and structured environment. Club members choose to come to the Learning Center for a quiet workspace or to receive help with their studies.

The Power Hour Program
Power Hour is an extension of Project Learn. This program requires a commitment to a scheduled time when youth will come to the Learning Center. Club members can be enrolled in the Power Hour Program for homework support and assistance. Staff members will also collaborate with families, teachers and guidance counselors to track progress, concerns, and successes.

Summer Education Program
The Summer Education Program consists of theme related classes based on content areas. The classes are broken up into topics, age categories and are each 45 minutes long or longer. The classes range from one to four days a week. Minimal fees are required to cover the cost of added expenses. Some class fees will cover the cost of books the students get to keep for their own use and library. 

Registration forms and course description guides are printed in late spring and can be found at the Club or on our website. Payment for classes is expected two weeks prior to the start of each session. For insurance purposes and for the safety of your child, a Boys & Girls Club of Sparta membership is necessary to attend these classes. The cost of an annual membership is $30.00. 
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