News from Boys & Girls Clubs
Receive all the news and updates from Boys & Girls Clubs every two months direct to your inbox! We also have a print newsletter that is mailed twice a year. Please sign up for the e-news or newsletter here.
Read past issues of our print newsletter.
Please help us in our planning by sending your thoughts and suggestions to the Development Office at (250) 384-9133 ext.115 or by email.
Message from the Executive Director - May 2012
The months leading up to summer are busy as we get ready for camps and events. May began with National Youth Week (May 1 – 7). Although I believe it's always ‘youth week’ at Boys & Girls Clubs, it gave us an opportunity to celebrate the great young people we get to work with. This year we are extra proud of our Central Saanich Keystone youth leadership group, who were nominated for the Youth Now Awards! Right now many of our staff (including yours truly!) are attending Boys & Girls Club’s national conference in Newfoundland. READ ON...
|
|
 |
Tools and Tips - Getting Kids Outdoors
Take a moment to think about your childhood summers. Are you building rope swings, exploring forests, or chasing friends in green fields? No doubt you cherish outdoor experiences that generated a sense of freedom and discovery. Are your children getting the same opportunities? If not, what are the consequences of a childhood removed from nature? Here are some tips for keeping your children safe while introducing them to ‘nature’s playground’. READ ON...
|
|
 |
Spotlight on.., The Outdoor Centre
Our 98 acre property in Metchosin has a new look and name - the Outdoor Centre. We’re still offering the same fun, quality programs for children, youth and adults, but, with our new brand in hand, we are hoping to increase the individuals and groups who visit the Centre for outdoor recreation and education experiences, events, workshops and gatherings. To give you an insight as to what goes on at the centre, here are some of the programs we’re running this spring and summer. READ ON...
|
|
 |
Message from the Executive Director - March 2012
An incredible thing is happening as I write this, Varvara, a rare western grey whale, is passing the West Coast of Vancouver Island as she rushes home to Russia from the Baja Peninsula at a speed of about 160 kilometres a day. We know this because, to the amazement of scientists, this whale’s tag is still measuring activity after 13,000 km! At Boys & Girls Club we have our own ‘whale tales’ to tell with our second Whale Derby on Saturday June 9th. Our whales may not travel that far, but they make a whale of a difference for kids and families in our community. READ ON... |
|
|
Tools and Tips - Choosing a Summer Camp
Choosing a summer camp program for your child involves some research and decision making. You will consider safety, price and structure, the experience of the staff and the camp director and the overall reputation of the camp. Our first piece of advice is to get started on your research early! The camp experience could have a significant impact on your child’s life and your mental health! Here are some other tips on making this important choice. READ ON...
|
|
 |
Spotlight on.., Rite of Me
Rite of Me is a self-esteem building exercise disguised as an outdoor activities program. Hosted at our Outdoor Centre, girls 10 – 13 years old take part in archery, rock climbing, the low ropes course, hiking, ‘The Amazing Race’, cooking, team building games and crafts under the mentorship of dedicated staff. While this program is definitely about having fun, the emphasis is placed on self-reflection, goal setting, and building positive female relationships. READ ON...
|
|
 |
Message from the Executive Director - January 2012
Ready, set and go!!! 2012 is upon us already and we hope that you are ready for a busy and invigorating year because we have lots planned - new programs, initiatives and partnerships! Rather than list everything, our E-Newsletter will provide regular updates, while our web page will remain the ‘go-to’ place for our events and other info READ ON... |
|
|
Tools and Tips - Cyberbullying
Bullying of any type is bad enough, but cyberbullying - when someone uses the internet or mobile phone to bully others - can be particularly distressing for the person on the receiving end. Latest research tells us that as many as 1 in 3 children have been victims of cyberbullying. READ ON...
|
|
 |
Spotlight on.., Central Saanich Club
Our Central Saanich Club is one of three community clubs that provide out-of-school programs for children and youth ages 9 - 14. The club is in a small community with few services for youth. Many of our participants have limited means to pay the membership or program fees so we run the program on a modest budget. Despite this, we are constantly finding new ways to grow and enhance the program. These initiatives are obviously working, because programs are rapidly increasing in popularity! READ ON...
|
|
 |