Boys and Girls Clubs in Indian Country

Each spring, Boys & Girls Clubs across the country celebrate Clubs and the value they bring to local communities. The week-long celebration is designed to show the community all of the great things that take place at the Boys & Girls Club and to increase community involvement. Learn how Native American Clubs celebrated National Boys & Girls Club Week.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula – Seldovia Branch in Seldovia, AK partnered with the Seldovia Village Tribe during National Boys & Girls Club Week. The Tribe held winter carnival activities and Club members had a chance to participate in events, including ice bowling, sled tug-of-war, volleyball matches, basketball games, swimming, a barbeque, a potluck and much more. The carnival culminated with a concert by the Seldovia Boys & Girls Club adult rock band, “The Xtratufs.” The concert alone raised $1,500 for the Club! The whole celebration was a great way to put an emphasis on the children, and it was capped off by the volcanic eruption of Mount Redoubt!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale - Red Mountain Branch in Scottsdale, AZ kicked off the week with relay activities, and choosing a Club mascot – a monkey. Club members also enjoyed a day of games from different generations such as hopscotch, jump rope, jacks, and tag. The week ended with a Family Night “Take-n-Bake Pizza Night,” which has become a favorite for families, Club members and staff. During this night, families, mentors and mentees were invited to the Club to prepare a healthy dinner as well as spend some fun, quality time together. Club members displayed their art work and chatted about their day and what games they played at the Club with their families and/or mentors. Parents were given information on the National Native American Mentoring Program and a fact sheet with fun family fitness ideas. The T.R.A.I.L. and the National Native American Mentoring Program were highlighted during the evening’s events.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Dine Nation – Tiists’oos Nidesshgish Unit in Crownpoint, NM celebrated National Boys & Girls Club Week by hosting a full-week of activities for the Club members, parents and community. The first event was a Fire Safety Day on Monday. Youth engaged in a fire safety presentation by the Crownpoint Volunteer Fire Department and toured the fire truck. On Tuesday, Be Seen Day, Club members were able to show the community what Club they were apart of by wearing their Club t-shirts. Wednesday was Be Social Day which inspired the Club to offer an open movie night for the community. On Thursday, Club members learned how to Be a Winner by playing games and interacting in group activities. On Friday, Be Thankful Day, the Club provided the community, parents and Club members with a cookout after students picked up trash. The week’s activities happened to coincide with spring break. These activities were able to occupy the time of the youth, keeping them active and away from the television.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Tahlequah, Inc. – Greenwood Unit in Tahlequah, OK celebrated National Boys & Girls Club Week with a talent show. The Greenwood Unit has had a talent show for the last 3 years and it has been a great success. The Club members showcase many wonderful and diverse talents, such as art work, magic tricks, joke telling, singing, hip hop dancing, Native American dancing, gymnastics, playing instruments and martial arts. This is a great opportunity for parents and community members to see how talented the Club members are!

Boys & Girls Club of Sequoyah County – Sallisaw Unit in Sallisaw, OK kicked off National Boys & Girls Club Week by frosting cupcakes to everyone’s delight! Mid-week, Club members had a chance to participate in Silly Photo Day. The week ended with a cookout in which hot dogs, chips, soda and ice cream were served.

Boys & Girls Club of Lac Courte Oreilles in Hayward, WI hosted a week of nightly activities. Every year, the Club uses National Boys & Girls Club Week for its Annual Membership Kickoff and Renewal. If members return their membership form during the week the $1.00 a year fee is waived and they receive a Club t-shirt. Monday was Boys Night. The night started off with a Treasure Hunt, around the Club. Then, there was a paper airplane contest ending with basketball and dodgeball fun. Tuesday was deemed Teen Night. The main event was the 3-on-3 basketball tournament and door prizes. A total of 12 teams signed up to play! At half time Club staff did a round of Club Trivia. If the youth answered the trivia question correctly, they got to take a shot from half court. The winning team got a gift certificate to Famous Dave’s. Wednesday was Family Bingo Night. McGruff the Crime Dog and his nephew Scruff came to join the families. Thursday was Girls Night. Sixty girls had a slumber party at the Club. There was a room where they got their nails painted, hair done, and face painted. The night concluded with relaxing on the gym floor and having a group of teens deliver root beer floats. Lastly, on Friday, the Club hosted Friday Night Fear Factor Night! The group was split into four teams of kids playing against each other. The youth went on various adventures and participated in relays.