As the school year ends and parents are looking for summer activities to keep their children engaged, the General Heiser Boys & Girls Club of Dumfries provides a myriad of programs and camps.

Diplomas2Degrees (D2D) is a college readiness program that guides Club members as they work toward high school graduation and prepare for post-secondary education and career success. D2D helps teens develop both short and long-term goals, while familiarizing them post-secondary education through experiences like college tours. It also assists youth in securing financial aid and fosters supportive relationships with adults who can provide support throughout the college experience.

Youth of the Year is our signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy. In the 21st-century world and workplace, leadership skills such as communication, goal-setting and teamwork are essential for everyone – especially young people preparing to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. With a grassroots beginning in 1947, Youth of the Year has evolved into a comprehensive leadership development program, which includes:

SMART Girls is a small-group health, fitness, prevention, education and self-esteem enhancement program designed to meet the developmental needs of girls in three age groups, spanning ages 8 to 18. Through dynamic sessions, participatory activities, field trips and mentoring opportunities with adult women, Club girls explore their own and societal attitudes and values as they build skills for eating right, staying physically fit, getting good health care and developing positive relationships with peers and adults.

Passport to Manhood represents a targeted effort to engage young boys in discussions and activities that reinforce character, leadership and positive behavior. Each participant receives a “passport” to underscore the notion that he is on a personal journey of maturation and growth. Each of the program’s 14 sessions use interactive activities to focus on a specific aspect of character and manhood. It also includes a service project where boys learn the importance of giving back to the community.

Power Hour helps Club members ages 6-18 achieve academic success by providing homework help, tutoring, high-yield learning activities and encouraging members to become self-directed learners. Designed specifically to help kids and teens with homework, this program is available after school at various Clubs. Dedicated Youth Development Professionals and volunteers supervise each session and help youth members complete their assignments for the day. When they finish their work, they may choose to participate in a variety of other engaging and educational activities to develop their skills even further. Power Hour is a great opportunity for kids and teens to get their homework completed in a quiet place with support from trained, caring staff at a Boys & Girls Club.

Keystone Club provides leadership development opportunities for young people ages 14 to 18. Youth participate in activities in three focus areas: academic success, career preparation and community service. With the guidance of an adult advisor, Keystone Club aims to have a positive impact on members, the Club, and community. BGCA hosts an annual National Keystone Conference for Boys & Girls Club Teens that brings members from all across the globe together. Throughout the conference, Keystone members engage and socialize with peers, explore relevant issues, and develop skills to support and enhance efforts in their local Boys & Girls Clubs and communities.

Career Launch encourages Club members ages 13 to 18 to assess their skills and interests, explore different career paths, make sound educational decisions, and prepare to join our nation’s work force. Club staff/volunteers help Teens build their job-search skills and job readiness by using the Career Launch Facilitator Guide and working with teens individually or in small groups.

The Teen Camp 2024 will take place starting on June 17. For more information, contact their office at 703-441-0611 or email Lpayton@bgcgw.org.

Also, for children ages 5-12, the Global Odyssey Olympic Adventures Camp will take place from June 17-August 16, and will feature Field Day, Arts & Crafts, Swimming, Field Trips, and other activities.