Water is a critical resource, but is also a silent and life-threatening fear for children. Half a million people drown every year around the world More than half of the drowning victims are children 6 out of 10 African-American and Hispanic/ Latino children do not know how to swim; nearly twice the number of Caucasian children RETURN ON INVESTMENT It costs a Club Member only $3 a year to join ($5 for teens). But it costs Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo approximately $360 to provide the services and mentors that make sure that GREAT FUTURES START HERE. and social recreation. Torch Club members also take part in educational activities that focus on personal development. These activities develop socialization, problem-solving communications, goal-setting, and decision-making skills. Torch Teen Torch Teen, a leadership development club for ages 13 through 14, meets the unique development needs of this specifi c age group. Offi cers are elected for this group who assist the group in activities, plan and implement Club and community services, and take part in educational activities that focus on personal development. Keystone Club Developing tomorrow’s leaders, this group is designed for members age 15 through 18. Keystoners participate in programs that focus on service to the Boys & Girls Clubs and to the community. Select members get the opportunity to attend regional and national conferences to share ideas and talk about teen problems with their peers from other Clubs. COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Mastering skills that last a lifetime. Using technology on a daily basis is something many members do not have access to outside of school. Using the Internet at the Club supports a member’s homework assignments while keeping them away from unnecessary content on the Web. Before members can use the Internet, they must complete the age appropriate NetSmartz Internet safety curriculum from the Center for Missing and Exploited Children. SPORTS AND FITNESS Learning sportsmanship and participating in healthy activities are vitally important to kids in the inner-city. Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs enjoy teams, classes, and leagues in fl ag football, soccer, baseball, and basketball. In addition, our Fitness Authority Program served 282 kids last year and 85% increased their overall level of fi tness. ARTS AND CRAFTS Arts and crafts provide opportunities for kids to think and be creative. Programs enhance Page 9 self-expression and creativity, skill development and exposure to the Arts. Daily projects, hobby crafts, and cultural festivals are the core of the Arts & Crafts program. imPROGRAM, MICHAEL PHELPS FOUNDATION The Michael Phelps Foundation’s signature program, im, provides learn-to-swim instruction, as well as goal-setting and healthy lessons to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. im was developed in collaboration with KidsHealth.org and the Michael Phelps Swim School, in an effort to bring world-class water safety, recreational aquatic activities, health and wellness education, and goal-setting activities to children. Developed in 2009 and launched as a pilot program across six Boys & Girls Clubs in 2010, the program has successfully reached more than 12,000 Club kids through 37 Clubs across 22 states. An annual investment of $360 provides the following for one Club member for one year: After school homework assistance Leadership development programs Recreational activities, including football, baseball, soccer, and swimming A safe, welcoming place to be with peers Unlimited staff and volunteer mentoring Thank you for your consideration in making an investment in great kids and caring staff.
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