Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between each of your Clubs?
Our Clubs differ in size and location, and in the number and ages of children served. However, all of our Clubs focus on the same five core programming areas:
- Character & Leadership Development
- Education & Career Development
- Health & Life Skills
- Arts & Cultural Enrichment
- Sports, Fitness & Recreation
For a complete list of specific programs within each area, click here. Each Club is slightly unique in terms of the specific activities they offer. Most of the time, this is based on the varied skills and talents of our staff. For example, our Greg McCray Club has a drum line called The Stick Patrol led by a knowledgeable staff musician. For more information on the activities offered by a particular Club, please contact the Club directly.
What types of activities do you offer?
Each Club offers different activities that correspond to our five core programming areas. For more information on the types of activities offered by a particular Club, please contact the Club directly.
Is transportation from my child’s school to the Club provided?
Transportation from certain schools to certain Clubs is provided. In the event that your child attends a school where transportation is not provided to their Club, you are responsible for getting your child to the Club after school. To learn whether transportation is provided from your child’s school to his or her Boys & Girls Club, please see the Club Locations section of our Web site. Regardless, parents are ALWAYS responsible for picking up their child from the Club before 6 p.m. Transportation IS NOT provided during the summer.
What are the Club hours?
Clubs are open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. after school. During the summer, Club hours vary. Please see the Summer Programs section for more specific information.
Are snacks or meals provided?
During the school year, Boys & Girls Club members receive an afternoon snack. During the summer, members receive breakfast and lunch only.
Are Clubs closed on holidays? What about Spring Break, Winter Break, teacher planning days and early-release days?
Clubs are closed on all major holidays as well as during Spring Break and Winter Break, as specified by the individual county school year calendars. To best accommodate our members and their families, our Clubs are open on teacher planning days from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but members are expected to bring their own lunch. All Clubs also open early on early-release days during the school year. Please direct any questions regarding Club hours on specific dates to your Club director.
What is the child-to-staff ratio at your Clubs?
Our Clubs average a child-to-staff ratio of 20 to 1, meaning that there is one staff member per every 20 children at each of our Clubs.
What does a typical day look like at one of your Clubs?
When our members arrive after school, they immediately begin Power Hour, which is one hour dedicated to homework and studying. During this time, members receive assistance and tutoring from staff and volunteers. After Power Hour, members rotate to various groups (i.e. art, dance, Girl Scouts, special program topics, etc.). During the summer every day is different and may include day-long field trips, guest presenters, outdoor activities and various events.
What is the discipline policy at your Clubs?
Our Clubs follow a five-step process when taking disciplinary action. Any member exhibiting inappropriate behavior will first receive a verbal warning. If the behavior continues, the member will be given a time out. If steps one and two are unsuccessful, the member will then receive a written infraction, which will also be provided to the parent. If the behavior persists, the member will be suspended. If all else fails, the member will be expelled.
If there is a hurricane or major emergency, how do I obtain information about my child’s Club?
We have an emergency hotline that parents, staff, media and other interested parties may call at any time to receive information about our Clubs in the event of severe weather conditions or other emergency. The number is 850-915-8866.
What are your staff’s qualifications?
All Boys & Girls Clubs staff are professionally trained in first-aid and CPR and attend various youth development trainings year-round. Once per year, our organization also offers a week-long staff training program focusing on youth development, educational and cultural enrichment, child safety, communication, and gang awareness among other important topics. All of our Club directors hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, but many also possess advanced college degrees and professional certifications. We also have certified teachers on staff to assist in the administration of academic programs and tutoring. Many of our part-time staff are degree-seeking college students specializing in education, child development, recreation and similar fields of study. All paid staff and volunteers undergo a background check and drug testing before they begin working with us.