In a brightly decorated room, students compete in a STEM challenge, blowing into balloons to move and stack cups into a pyramid. It takes a good deal of strategy and skill for the fifth, sixth and seventh graders to complete the task, and it’s clear that they’re having a wonderful time flexing their mental muscles. Afterward, they relax with yogurt treats that they make themselves, part of the healthy habits that they are learning.
The activity and others like it are part of the afternoon offerings at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. The three locations — Chelsea Club, Drexel Club, and the Teen Center – serve students in grades kindergarten through senior year of high school with an afterschool program that offers engaging activities, socialization, homework help, and for the older members, job skills training.
“Our mission is to help those kids who need us the most become their best selves on their paths to great futures,” said Dr. Charles A. Wallace II, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. “With multiple programs offered through five core areas, youth have opportunities to enjoy recreational activities, develop positive character and leadership skills, pursue creative activities, learn healthy habits and essential skills, and participate in educational support and career development opportunities.”
A typical afternoon at the club starts with Power Hour when kids work on their homework. Afterward, they are free to engage in activities from arts and crafts to sports to learning opportunities. Activities at the Club include graphic and clothing design, mural making with the Atlantic City Arts Foundation, farm-to-table cooking, STEAM, and robotics. Teens can take college courses and get credit in high school. They are encouraged to get involved with the club’s workforce development program. The Club offers certifications in OSHA, ServSafe® safe food handling, and CPR. Students also may learn about drones in the aviation program, and careers in healthcare and cosmetology.
Members also receive a hot dinner on school days as well as afterschool snacks. Sometimes they make their own, with an emphasis on healthy choices. During the summer, in collaboration with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, the Club served over 58,200 meals and snacks.
This fall, the Club expanded its reach to young adults ages 18-24 with its social enterprise, Club Café. The café provides employment opportunities for underemployed individuals to gain marketable skills and workforce credentials under the guidance of Chef Pam Green. This initiative, generously supported by the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, is a testament to the community connections that fuel the Boys & Girls Club’s mission. The café’s opening was made possible by grants and contributions from various entities, including the Community FoodBank of NJ, HayDay Coffee, Charles Gianakos Enterprises LLC, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and the Atlantic City Police Foundation.
Best of all, it’s open to the community, every weekday from 7 am to 12 noon, except for school holidays. Located at 317 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, the café serves as a hub for delicious coffee and light fare that supports a worthy cause.
In fact, it is the community donations that ensure the safe places, caring mentors, and life-enhancing programs that prepare kids and teens for their future success at the Boys & Girls Club of America. To sign up for the weekly newsletter to learn more about the club, email sdangio@acbgc.org . To make a donation, visit https://www.acbgc.org/donate/.
