Silent and shy, Eric sat in the corner of the Boys & Girls Club game room. It was his first day. He wanted to play pool or foosball with the other kids, but he did not know anyone and was too shy to introduce himself. Instead, he stayed quiet as a mouse and watched.
Seven years later, Eric is a confident young man who is not afraid to get involved. Through his Boys & Girls Club, he organizes community clean ups and teen nights, he directs younger Club members in the computer lab and leads groups during visits to Camp Whitcomb/Mason in the summer. He even planned a pool tournament for youths ages 6 to 8.
Leadership Taught Here
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee firmly believe that today's members are tomorrow's future leaders. That is why each Club offers programs to build the confidence, dignity and pride of our members. Giving members recognition when they do well and making sure that their talents are recognized – whether artistic, athletic or intellectual – is a vital part of this process.
The Boys & Girls Clubs also offers support and guidance to members who want to improve themselves and their neighborhoods. Leadership training, community service outings and volunteer opportunities ensure that all Club members can discover the benefits that come with making a difference.
Unique Character & Leadership Offerings
Keystone Clubs & Torch Clubs exist at each of our sites. Keystone Club (ages 14-18) and Torch Club (ages 11-13) create community service projects and help staff in planning programming for teenagers. The Club votes for officers such as president, vice president and treasurer. Community service projects can include anything from neighborhood cleanups to raising money with a bake sale for the fight against malaria in
Africa.
Sista Pride/Señoritas En Acción empowers our teenage female members to grow, adapt and thrive. Through innovative programming that promotes self confidence, personal responsibility and leadership, the girls attain skills that allow them to respectfully, responsibly and assertively confront the problems and issues that matter to them like conflict resolution, avoiding unhealthy behavior and life skills training.
Circle of Hope is a mentoring program for members who have a parent in jail. It pairs these members with an adult who volunteers to meet for at least one hour per week and stay committed to the relationship for at least one year. Pairings are made with adults and members who have similar interests, and the Boys & Girls Clubs offer activities, trainings and special events for the participants.
Truancy Abatement and Burglary Suppression (TABS) combines the efforts of Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee Police Department and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee to combat the truancy and juvenile deliquency.