Eliminate school drop out - Encourage Learning

The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County is in full swing with "Summer Blast".  Although, sad to say, we are half way through the summer vacation with school beginning in a month.  The Clubs had an average daily attendance of 175 children.  Summer Blast provides the children with programs designed to support their "away from school" time.  Members are encouraged to continue reading as well as participate in high yield activities that prevent them from becoming disengaged in their education.  As the new school year arrives, our members will be ready and anxious to resume their daily school activities.  The Reading Program begins classes at 7 am with a waiting line.  The children are anxious to start their day.  

Members of the Boys & Girls Club are from the ages of 6 to 18 years.  The Club's goal is to encourage and enable all children to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.  Over 60% of the children served by the Club live in or below the proverty level and are considered to be "at-risk".  School statistics show that many at-risk children are experiencing low grades and dropping out of school.  It is the goal of the Boys & Girls Club to provide the necessary support and programs that will encourage the children to reach academic success, remain in school, complete their education and become gainfully employed as an adult.  

To further assist all children, especially those considered "at-risk", the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County provides nutritious meals on a daily basis.  Meals are available, free of charge, during the summer programs as well as during the after school programs.  Many of our children do not have food available to them on a regular basis.  During the summer months, the Club provides breakfast, lunch and a snack.  During the school year, the children are given dinner and a snack before they leave the Club.  In many cases the only meals the children receive are provided by the schools and the Boys & Girls Club.  It is documented that a hungry child does not do well in school.  There is loss of concentration, they are disruptive in the classroom and there is no desire to continue their education.  

We know our programs are effective due to the fact that we and the parents/guardian review their childs report card on a regular basis.  The Boys & Girls Club also does pre and post testing in order to record the programs outcome.  Over 97% of the Clubs members are scheduled advance to the next grade level for the 2017/2018 school year.  We will continue to provide our members  with the necessary academic support that will help them realize a gainful future as they so deserve.  Great futures start at the Boys & Girls Club.