The philosophy underlying Boys & Girls Club programming is our Youth Development Strategy. This strategy defines how our youth development professionals and volunteers interact with young people. All programs and activities are designed to maximize opportunities for young people to acquire four basic “senses” which help them build self-esteem and grow into responsible and caring citizens. These four “senses” are:
- A SENSE OF COMPETENCE - the feeling there is something boys and girls can do as well.
- A SENSE OF USEFULNESS - the opportunity to do something of value for other people.
- A SENSE OF BELONGING - a setting where young people know the “fit” and are accepted.
- A SENSE OF POWER OR INFLUENCE - a chance to be heard and to influence decisions.
The principles of the Youth Development Strategy are used when developing every program and activity. We seek to identify and incorporate ways to enhance programs and activities through the conscious utilization of these youth development principles.
When this strategy is fully implemented, self-esteem is enhanced and the environment is created which helps boys and girls achieve their full potential.
