1. Tell us a few things that most people wouldn’t know about the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, Inc?
The Boys & Girls Club is a nonprofit organization that provides hope & opportunity to over 5,000 members last year. We have 19 full time professional and 130 part-time youth development professional on staff working in our 90,000 square foot facility and our 8 school site locations.
2. What is the mission of Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, Inc. and when was it founded?
The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton was founded in 1947 with the following mission and goals: “To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.” We strive to create hope, opportunity and civic engagement by implementing effective youth development strategies that have a lasting impact on the lives of our youth. The Boys & Girls Club operates under the structure of a Board of Trustees, with day to day management handled by an Executive Director and associated administrative staff.
3. What has been the biggest factor in the success of the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, Inc.?
The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton strives to achieve excellence as a youth service organization, encompassing our core beliefs in providing our young people with life-enhancing programs, character development opportunities and ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals.
The Boys & Girls Clubs are set apart because they serve both boys and girls that require no proof of good character with an open-door policy. They provide financial assistance so each girl and boy can afford to belong regardless of race, religion or culture. They offer varied and diversified programs with full-time leadership support who guide boys and girls to make the appropriate and satisfying choices in life.
4. How will Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, Inc. use the donation made from the Sybase Classic presented by ShopRite?
The Club is honored to be named a charity of the Sybase Classic presented by ShopRite, now in its 3rd year at UMCC. We use their donation to maintain program services for the Martini Foundation Aquatics Center. Our first year the donation helped purchase a Colorado Timing System for our Seahawks swim team and the four high school swim teams that utilize the club facility. In the second year the donation was used to purchase a new automatic pool vacuum cleaner and fitness equipment to be used for our swim team and pool exercise programs. This year the proceeds have been dedicated to support our 100 member swim team’s efforts to attend the BGCA Florida National Swim Championships. The Club provides “Learn to Swim” American Red Cross Levels I-IV swim lessons to over 2,500 youth each year.
5. How can members of the community become involved with Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, Inc.?
The Boys & Girls Club is open to all Clifton residents’ ages two to eighteen years of age and serves the surrounding communities that do not have a Boys & Girls Club. Memberships costs are kept low and scholarships are provided for those who cannot afford them. Discounts are available for families with multiple children.
6. Who is eligible to volunteer at Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, Inc.?
The Boys & Girls Club utilizes over 250 volunteers annually to provide a multitude of services. Volunteers range from Board of Trustees members, Ladies auxiliary and Mens Club members, clerical, coaches, chaperones, tutors/mentors, bingo and various special projects volunteers. All club volunteers must agree to respect our members and undergo a police background check to ensure the safety of our members. Volunteers welcome, applications available on our web site www.bgcclifton.org or by calling the Club at (973) 773-0966.
7. What achievements have been made at Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, Inc. through donations from the Sybase Classic presented by ShopRite?
Our Seahawks Swim Team has 105 members and competes in NJ Swimming sanction swim meets, dual meets, area invitational and the Florida BGCA Championships. Our swimmers compete in the NJJO’s, and Eastern Zone meets and go on to compete on many of the area High School & College Swim Teams. The Club aquatics programs in 2008 had 2,516 swim lesson participants, with 93% completing classes and 78% passing their skill level class.
8. What programs and services are offered to area youths?
Programs offered include: preschool day care for children ages three to five, after school day care for kindergarten children ages five to size, after school day care for grades one through five, after school programs for middle school children grades six through eight, leadership and community service programs for ages 13 to 18, summer day camp program for all ages and swimming and other sport programs.
Programs include a wide variety of educational, social and recreational activities, including: life skills development; substance and violence abuse prevention programs; health and fitness programs; literacy activities, including library, tutoring and homework help; workshops on computers; fine arts/theater arts, dance, music; and swimming and other sports. Leadership clubs for teens emphasize leadership training, prevention of substance abuse and community service. In addition, the Boys & Girls Club serves as a meeting place for many senior and non-profit organizations.
9. Approximately how many kids does the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, Inc. assists in the area?
With a 61 year history of providing programs and services for community children, the Boys & Girls Club currently have 5,199 registered members, ages three through 17, with an additional 7,000 children in various community outreach programs.
10. What important skills and lessons do youths learn through programs at Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, Inc.?
The affirmative interaction with peers and community that our young members experience through participation in programs provided by the Boys & Girls Club, offers daily access to a broad range of programs in five core program areas: Education and Career Development; Character and Leadership Development; Health and Life Skills; the Arts; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation. Program Goal: To assure the inclusion of the youth development strategy (YDS) in all program activities; and integrate character development into all phases of the Club culture and philosophy.
Youth Development Outcomes
Expectations & Goals For Young People In The Club
Positive Self Identity: Youths have a healthy self-concept and a strong belief in their own self-worth. Youths have a sense of hope about their futures; they are adept at setting and attaining goals. Youths have the confidence to pursue their dreams and goals and make the necessary decisions to achieve their life plans.
Competencies: Youths have the knowledge, skills, strategies and attitudes necessary to have a positive foundation for success. Youths become competent by mastering tasks, demonstrating to themselves that they can do things well. They develop competence in the following areas:
Educational: Youths are proficient in basic educational disciplines and have the capacity to utilize technology. Youths have graduated from high school, and are motivated to pursue learning opportunities throughout their lives.
Employment: Youths have the skills and attributes to be successful in the work force. They are motivated to constantly develop new abilities and hone existing skills to maintain a competitive edge.
Social: Youths are able to develop and sustain positive relationships with others.
Emotional: Youths are able to recognize, reflect on and appropriately express their emotions, manage stress and cope with positive and adverse situations.
Cultural: Youths 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.
Community and Civic Involvement: Youths 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: Youths live healthy lives, take part in regular fitness activities, are able to access health care resources and engage in positive behaviors. They use sound judgment about personal safety, nutrition and avoidance of alcohol, drugs and premature sexual activity.
Moral Compass: Youths have values enabling them to develop positive relationships with others. These values include honesty, a sense of justice and fairness, respect, caring and spirituality.
