BRATTLEBORO — The Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro has announced its fall 2018 program schedule. All programs will take place at its Flat Street Club House, unless otherwise announced.
Starting this fall, the Boys & Girls Club will begin a full year of the nationally recognized, evidence-based program “Smart Moves.”
This program is designed as a prevention program to help members of all ages look at topics like substance use/abuse, suicide and self-harm, good decision making and self-esteem, and positive life choices.
The goal is to prevent members from making destructive decisions and making the choices necessary to have as many options open to them as possible.
This fall will also see the start of a new program designed for teens, “How to Adult.” It is a series of weekly workshops designed to help members gain valuable life lessons for the immediate or distant future.
This program will be taught by a rotation of club staff and volunteers who will cover everything from how to iron a shirt to how to fill out a tax form.
In addition to these new programs, many of the club's popular programs are returning, such as the Keystone teen leadership program. Keystone teaches community involvement and civic engagements, and participants also have fun and serve as a teen advisory board to the staff.
Torch Club (pre-teen leadership), much like Keystone, helps members become engaged with their community.
Also returning this fall is “Diplomas 2 Degrees,” the college and career readiness program that helps participants plan for their futures and graduate on time with a plan.
“Co-operative Gaming” teaches problem-solving skills, team work, and decision making through games. “Cooking from Scratch” is a program where members learn cooking skills and nutrition by making meals and snacks for the club.
Juggling will return this fall, in partnership with New England Center for Circus Arts, and the Book Group's lively discussions will continue this fall as well with the club's new friends at the Marlboro College library.
In a new collaboration, the Brattleboro Music Center will come to the club on Flat Street to provide basic music education, as well as some lessons, to club members. Tai Chi classes will also begin weekly this fall, helping members learn balance, body control, breathing, and more.
Kids Club returns for its third year. The licensed afterschool child care program for kids age 6 to 10 has its own space and dedicated staff within the Flat Street Club House. The club does STEM education programs and arts and crafts, plays games, and has the opportunity to use facilities in other parts of the club.
As always, the club will be open for drop-in hours six days a week, with free snacks and dinner every day.