The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona’s Clubhouses Get Major Renovations, While Programs Expand and Opportunities Abound
By Alexander Heinemann
In 2017, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona kicked off a campaign to transform its facilities. The buildings were showing the wear and tear that accompanies consistent and steady use, and the space configurations needed upgrades to accommodate program growth.
Considerations about children’s dreams, the organization’s development curriculum, and the impact of the space on each moment children spend in the Club guided the transformation project. The final plans capture the innovation, wonder, and excitement inherent to the Clubhouse experience. Behind the scenes, our community has been dreaming and investing to make this vision a reality. Thanks to the commitment of several partners, remarkable progress has been made and there is so much to celebrate.
The Prescott Valley Clubhouse recently underwent a complete transformation. From exterior to interior spaces, the Club was remodeled envisioning high-yield programs and safety. Facilities were decorated to inspire growth and development. Local children and teens now benefit from fresh and modern spaces, as well as exciting programs and new opportunities.
When it comes to the Prescott branch, the multipurpose room, kitchen, learning center, and restrooms have been remodeled over the past years, and a playground has been added to the location. Moving forward, the organization will continue to fundraise with the goal of fully transforming the Prescott Clubhouse infrastructure and curriculum.
While advancing these exciting projects, Clubhouses continue to operate year-round. During the school year, Clubs offer homework tutoring, educational games, healthy habits activities, arts and crafts, recreation and sports, STEM projects, and other educational and recreational initiatives. When the school year comes to an end, the operation shifts to a full-time summer camp that provides much-needed recreation time, fun field trips, and educational activities to keep youth on track for the school year.
These remodeling and expansion projects allow for new programs to be incorporated into the curriculum. Clubs are now able to offer hands-on prep and nutrition activities as part of the Health & Wellness pillar. Learning programs within the Academic Success pillar will also be enhanced with brand-new, inspiring educational spaces. Arts initiatives are being enhanced with the remodeled multipurpose and performing areas.
A new program is coming up to help youth develop career skills through a modern and interactive approach. Another exciting program coming up to Prescott Valley is Exergame, which includes fun and interactive fitness activities. This initiative is an addition to our outdoor recreation activities, so kids can be more physically active even indoors.
These are just a few examples of the new opportunities made possible thanks to the generosity of those who supported the Clubs’ transformation project over the years. While so much progress has been made, the Clubs will continue on the journey of improving facilities and curriculum. This project will ultimately benefit our community for generations to come, and its impact is immeasurable.
Learn more about the Club’s mission at bgccaz.org.