The Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne offer fun and engaging programs for youth of all ages, building a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence, and competence. Our programs develop skills and confidence, putting youth on a pathway to success. Explore innovative programs designed to empower youth to excel in school, become good citizens, and lead healthy, productive lives.
Project Blueprint is a collaborative effort to create the construction work force of the future by focusing primarily on at-risk school age children. There has been a significant decline nationally as well as in the Fort Wayne area in skilled labor along with the expectation that 20% of the existing force will retire over the next five years. Building a funnel of qualified candidates by sparking interest at a young age and building relationships with area building trades is a way to slow the drain of this vital resource.
SMART Girls is a small-group health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program designed to meet the developmental needs of girls in three age groups. Through dynamic sessions, highly participatory activities, field trips and mentoring opportunities with adult women, Club girls explore their own and societal attitudes and values as they build skills for eating right, staying physically fit, getting good health care and developing positive relationships with peers and adults.
Passport to Manhood promotes and teaches responsibility in Club boys ages 8-17. Passport to Manhood consists of 14 sessions, each of which concentrates on a specific aspect of manhood through highly interactive activities. Passport to Manhood represents a targeted effort to engage young men in discussions activities that reinforce positive behavior. Passport to Manhood is an excellent complement to SMART Girls.
Youth of the Year is our signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy. In the 21st century world and workplace, leadership skills such as communication, goal setting and teamwork are essential for young people preparing to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. Youth of the Year is a comprehensive leadership development program.
Power Hour helps Club members achieve academic success by providing homework help, tutoring and high-yield learning activities and encouraging member to become self-directed learners. Dedicated youth development professionals and volunteers help Club members complete their homework assignments for the day. When they finish their work, they participate in a variety of other engaging and educational activities to develop their skills even further. Power Hour is a great opportunity for kids and teens to get their homework completed in a quiet place with support from trained, caring staff.
Triple Play is a dynamic wellness program that is designed to help youth create opportunities to take charge of their personal health and fitness. This program promotes the importance of physical activity along with proper nutrition through the programs three components: mind, body and soul.
Mind: Addresses the ways an individual’s health behaviors are influenced by personal beliefs and exposure to positive modeling.
Body: Intentional focus on physical literacy: ability, confidence and motivation.
Soul: Emphasis on social and emotional development: emotional regulation, healthy relationships and responsible decision-making.
Torch Club helps to meet the special character development needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their life. Torch Club is a powerful vehicle through which young people develop and strengthen their leadership skills giving them a firm foundation of good character and integrity. Members work together to implement projects in four focus areas: service to Club and community, education, health and fitness, and social recreation.
