Torch Club

Jr. High Club members are in a group called Torch Club, which is affiliated with the National Boys & Girls Club. Younger adolescents need positive group experiences that help them cultivate good character and effective leadership skills so they can become civically engaged and caring citizens.

Through service activities, BGCSCT Jr. High members identify Club and community needs, develop programs and activities and actively participate in their community. These activities also provide experience in the democratic process. Above all, they give young people a chance to contribute something of value to others. Jr. High members also take part in educational activities that focus on personal development. These activities develop socialization, problem-solving, communications, goal-setting and decision-making skills. The objective is to have teens develop a moral compass and value qualities such as honesty, justice, fairness and respect for self and others.

Torch Clubs Torch Clubs are chartered, small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 11 to 13. A Torch Club is a powerful vehicle through which Club staff can help meet the special character development needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their life.

Power Hour: Making Minutes Count If you ask our Club members why they like coming to the Boys & Girls Club, many of them would say ecstatically, “I get to finish my homework!” Power Hour helps Club members be more successful in school with homework help and tutoring. As YPDs implement this program, they encourage members to become self-directed learners through positive reinforcement and incentives.

Triple Play YDPs adapt the BGCSCT’s Triple Play program to meet the needs of its youngest members as they visit the playground to engage in free play as well as organized activities. Young members become physically active outdoors while involved in activities such as jumping rope; learning the early fundamental of sports,such as dribbling, passing and kicking; and playing active games like Duck-Duck-Goose, Ring Around the Rosies, Tag and Hide-and-Go-Seek. The goal of Triple Play is to encourage even the youngest members to become more physically active through fun fitness routines.

Healthy Habits Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning in every part of the Club experience, Healthy Habits emphasizes good nutrition, regular physical activity and improving overall well-being. The program, for ages 6 to 15, is the Mind component of Triple Play: A Game Plan for the Mind, Body and Soul.

Passport to Manhood Passport to Manhood promotes and teaches responsibility in Club boys ages 11 to 14. Passport to Manhood consists of 14 sessions, each concentrating on a specific aspect of character and manhood through highly interactive activities. Club participants receive a “passport” to underscore the notion that he is on a personal journey of maturation and growth. The program includes a service project where boys learn the importance of giving back to the community. Passport to Manhood represents a targeted effort to engage young boys in discussions and activities that reinforce character, leadership and positive behavior.

SMART Moves The SMART Moves (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training) prevention/education program addresses problems such as drug and alcohol use and premature sexual activity. The program uses a team approach involving Club staff, peer leaders, parents and community representatives. More than simply emphasizing a “Say No” message, the program teaches young people ages 6 to 15 how to say no by involving them in discussion and role-playing, practicing resistance and refusal skills, developing assertiveness, strengthening decision-making skills and analyzing media and peer influence.

SMART Girls An outgrowth of the popular and effective SMART Moves program, SMART Girls is a health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program for girls ages 8 to 17. The program is designed to encourage healthy attitudes and lifestyles that will enable early adolescent girls to develop to their full potential.

The BGCSCT Jr. High After-School Program operates Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm during the Fall and Spring semesters of the academic year. Registered club members in grades 7 – 8 have access to GREAT social recreation and learning experiences ranging from academic help to sports & recreation, as well as engaging civic activities and leadership development programs. Membership fees are required to join this program.

Download and Print the Membership Application.

The Summer Jr. High Enrichment Program is a fun, rewarding summer program for students entering 7th and 8th grade. The six-week program takes place in June and July from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday – Friday. For only $10 per week, middle school students have the opportunity to participate in creative, unique activities that cannot be found anywhere else in the area.

Download and Print the Membership Application.