Club News: Boys & Girls Clubs of North Carolina

Club News

Governor Proclaims Lights on Afterschool Week

Posted Oct 20, 2011

Governor Beverly Perdue has proclaimed October 17-21, 2011 as Lights on Afterschool Week to recognize the national celebration of afterschool programs. In addition, she announced that the lights on the State Capitol and all seven of the state's lighthouses will be lit in honor of the week.

"On behalf of the State of North Carolina, it is my pleasure to acknowledge our firm commitment to quality afterschool programs and opportunities. These programs provide safe, challenging, and engaging learning experiences that help children develop social, emotional, physical, and academic skills," wrote the Governor in her proclamation.

The NC Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs partnered with the NC Center for Afterschool Programs (NC CAP) to obtain the Governor's recognition of Lights on Afterschool, the annual national celebration of and advocacy day for afterschool programs sponsored by the Afterschool Alliance. Throughout the week, but especially on October 20, Boys & Girls Clubs and other programs will host a variety of events from open houses to talent shows to dinners and awards events.They will be highlighting the power and importance of programs that do much more than keep kids safe while their parents work. They will be demonstrating that their programs keep youth engaged, teach skills, offer hope and opportunity, and can transform lives. Great Futures Start Here.

Wake Forest Youth Win in Disney Video Contest

Posted Oct 20, 2011

The Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club was selected to receive $10,000 as a recipient of a nationwide Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Disney filmmaking contest.

Disney sponsored the contest this summer, with winners announced earlier this month. A film from members of the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club is among the 10 film projects that were chosen for creative approaches in claymation, short film and music video. A panel composed of judges from Disney, Regal and Comcast selected the top 10 from all entries. Disney sponsored the contest though ticket proceeds from “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” premiere event.

Youth members of the Wake Forest used LEGOs and stop animation to film their winning video, "The Greatest Treasure." The Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club has had a videography club for several years. Members in this club have honed their creative writing skills, acting abilities, and video production software and hardware skills, all while having a great time.

“Disney has provided us with so many opportunities, and we are thankful to have such a special relationship with them that dates back many years,” said Roxanne Spillet, president and CEO of the BGCA. “This latest collaboration will help provide club members with new resources to be creative and discover talents through the arts.”

The legacy began more than 50 years ago when Walt Disney was made an honorary member of the BGCA Board of Governors.

Badges for Baseball Partnership Celebrated in NC

Posted Oct 19, 2011

This summer Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the state celebrated our third year of partnering with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and the NC Department of Justice in the Badges for Baseball program.

On July 25, over 150 youth and mentors in Asheville went to the Asheville Tourists vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers minor league game. Prior to the game, the kids participated in a pre-game Badges for Baseball parade.

Then on July 26 and 27, over 300 youth participated in Quickball tournaments in Hendersonville and Fayetteville. Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County were named the 2011 Central North Carolina Quickball Champions! Quickball is a sport that teaches all of the skills and elements of baseball in an action-packed format.

Boys & Girls Clubs across North Carolina are thankful for this continued partnership with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and the NC Department of Justice!

Torch Club Members from Sanford Visit Atlanta

Posted Jul 13, 2011

Torch Club (leadership and community service club for 11-13 year olds) members from Boys & Girls Club of Sanford/Lee County took a trip to Atlanta in July. The group toured Clark Atlanta Universtiy, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State University. They also took in the Braves vs. Orioles baseball game, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Georgia Aquarium, Boys & Girls Clubs of America's offices, and World of Coke. "I really enjoyed the women's college, Spelman," stated both Nia Sumpter and Syndney Ray. They also described how exciting it was to attend the game and World of Coke tour. The members also expressed that this trip allowed them to learn more about the college experience and what is needed to prepare for college.

Youth Run and Jump to Compete in Powerade State Games of NC

Posted Jun 17, 2011

On Saturday, June 11, Boys & Girls Clubs members competed in the Powerade State Games of North Carolina Track and Field events in Winston-Salem. Boys & Girls Clubs multi-year partnership with North Carolina Amateur Sports grew this year to include 154 youth from 8 Boys & Girls Club organizations.

Two Club girls medaled in the 3000m Race Walk, and another medaled in the Triple Jump. Club members ages 6-16 also participated in the 100m Dash, 400m Dash, and 800m Run Track and Field events.

Club involvement came from: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Gaston, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater High Point, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sanford/Lee County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Nash/Edgecombe Counties, Boys & Girls Clubs in Wake County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne and Johnston Counties, The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Durham, and The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Winston-Salem.

On Friday evening, the Club members took their minds off the impending competition by enjoying a Winston-Salem Dash Minor League Baseball game against the Wilmington Blue Rockets.

The Powerade State Games are North Carolina's largest multi-sport festival and one of the largest State Games programs in the United States. State Games are open to people of all ages and abilities in a wide array of sports. The Powerade State Games are hosted by North Carolina Amateur Sports, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to creating a healthier North Carolina.

View past articles