 |
Message from the Executive Director
Greetings!
Ready, set and go!!! 2012 is upon us already and we hope that you are ready for a busy and invigorating year because we have lots planned - new programs, initiatives and partnerships! Rather than list everything, our E-Newsletter will provide regular updates, while our web page will remain the 'go-to' place for our events and other info.
Our goal this year is to extend the Boys and Girls Club message to new families, children and youth. We have hundreds of participants and supporters - many have been with us for a lifetime - and we think many more will be enticed to sign up when they see the breadth of our club and camp programs, as well as our offerings at the Outdoor Centre. Thank you for your interest & support! We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at our events and programs.
A Health Imperative....talking mental health and crime prevention
In 2010, the government of British Columbia outlined a 10 year plan to improve the mental health of BC residents. Boys and Girls Clubs know firsthand of the importance of supporting kids and families to grow up safe, secure and happy. Violence, discrimination, poverty, poor socialization and poor relationships are key factors affecting the mental health of young people.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Pink Shirt Day at Harbourside 2011 Wild About Whales raffle tickets available early February!
|
Boys and Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria1240 Yates Street,
Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 3N3 Phone: (250) 384-9133
Fax: (250) 384-9136
Email: info@bgcvic.org
|
|
|
January 24, 2012 - Issue #1
|
|
What's New?
Youth Justice Resources on Website
During our recent website redesign we added a new 'Youth Justice Resources' section. These pages are helpful to youth, parents and even professionals who need more information about the youth justice system in British Columbia. Check them out here.
Cool Moves in the West Shore
Thanks to a grant from Kraft Canada, we are running 'Cool Moves', a Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada program through our Millstream Club in Langford. Find out more.
Rite of Me - Spring session starting
This popular program for pre-teen girls aims to integrate urban-based girls to the wilderness and experiential education realm. It offers challenging outdoor activities while building confidence and enriching young girls' experiences. Rite of Me is running in the West Shore throughout the spring.
Parents Together - next session registration
Parents Together is an education and help group for parents whose mission is to reduce conflict within families that, in turn, will build stronger family relationships. Groups discuss everything from communication skills to anger management, abuse, sibling abuse, stress management and self-esteem. New sessions are starting this month. Click here for more details.
Volunteer Opportunities - recruiting now
Is one of your 2012 resolutions to give back to your community? Join the great team of volunteers at our community clubs and you can check that one off the list! Find out about upcoming opportunities and register here.
|
|
|
Spotlight on...
Central Saanich Club
Our Central Saanich Club provides out-of-school programs for children and youth ages 9 - 14 in a small community where they are few services for children and youth. This year we have found innovative ways to expand and reach more youth. These initiatives are obviously working, because programs are rapidly increasing in popularity!
- Youth Drop-in numbers rose from 9 to 13 a day
- Youth Leadership numbers increased by 60%
- Over 50% of the participants in each of our Boys Only and Girls Only Groups are new club members this year.
- Our Culinary program (Eat Around the World) had 55 youth apply for only 48 spaces. Approximately 90% of those who applied are new to Boys & Girls Clubs.
|
|
|
Tools and Tips
Bullying of any type is bad enough, but cyberbullying - when someone uses the internet or mobile phone to bully others - can be particularly distressing for the person on the receiving end. Here are 5 tips for parents to help protect children and teens from cyberbullying:
- Be aware - your child may as likely cyberbully as be a target of cyberbullying. Be alert to your child seeming upset after using the internet or mobile phone.
- Get involved. Talk to your children and understand the ways they are using the internet and mobile phone.
|
|
Events
Mark your calendars for Wild About Whales 2012 - June 9th.
Pink Shirt Day 2012 - February 29th
The 5th Annual Pink Shirt Day calls on everyone, young and old, to take a stand against bullying in their schools, youth groups and work places. New this year is our Anti-Bullying Film Fest! Find our more about how to join the sea of pink, and learn about the exciting events we have planned for Pink Shirt Day on our website.
|
|
|
