Four key program areas
What the Club does every day helps improve the lives of children. Club activities support youth development in four key program areas:
- ACADEMIC SUCCESS to help youth achieve academic goals, stay in school, explore career interests, learn new skills and consider post-secondary education options.
- HEALTH & WELL-BEING to help youth engage in positive behaviors that nurture well-being, set personal goals and grow into self-sufficient adults, including daily physical activity, healthy food choices and an appreciation for the outdoors.
- CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP to empower youth to become engaged in the Club and the community, sustain meaningful relationships, and respect one another.
- LIFE & WORKFORCE READINESS to equip to navigate adulthood and pursue a fulfilling economically valuable career path.
Academic Success
- Project Learn, ages 5-18, engages Club members in tutoring, homework help, service projects and fun learning activities.
- National Fine Arts, ages 5-18, encourages artistic expression through drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, collage, mixed media, digital art, acting, beading, and sculpture.
- Digital Literacy Essentials, ages 5-18, engages and excites youth through project-based experiences to gain technological skills that explore digital safety, privacy, digital presence, online communication and gaming.
Health & Well-Being
- Triple Play, ages 5-18, features activities that promote a healthy mind, body and soul. This program incorporates healthy living and active learning in every part of the Club experience with an emphasis on good nutrition, regular physical activity and improving overall well-being.
- Garden Program, ages 5-18, engages youth in gardening, including cultivation and harvesting, planning healthful meals and snacks and selling fresh produce to area businesses and the Bemidji School District. The garden includes over 20 outdoor raised beds and a high tunnel. A continuation of the Club’s gardening program that includes four fully self-contained vertical hydroponic systems that will inspire youth to garden year-round.
- SMART Moves, ages 5-18, focuses on emotional well-being, including self-regulation, impulse control, and stress management. Additional lessons help youth resist the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
- Positive Club Climate, ages 5-18, is a collaboration between staff, members, and volunteers to create a mindset and climate where all feel emotionally safe and supported. A focus on preventing bullying is also a key part to this program.
Character & Leadership
- Youth of the Year, ages 13-18, allows young people to showcase their talents and achievements, share their hopes and dreams, and work toward a bright and positive future. Members compete at the local, state, regional and national levels for Youth of the Year titles and along with the advancement comes educational scholarships for participating teens.
- Million Members, Million Hours, ages 5-18, introduces members to making a positive difference in their lives and communities by providing opportunities to serve in year-round volunteer activities.
- Leadership Club, ages 12-18, provides teens a structured opportunity to develop interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic and a sense of community engagement while experiencing on-the-job Club work.
- Youth for Unity, ages 5-12, focuses on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Club and in the community.
Life & Workforce Readiness
- Career Launch, ages 13-18, is a job-readiness and career-preparation program along with activities like mock job interviews, resume building, job application completion – all experiences that help guide members as they work toward high-school graduation and prepare for post-secondary education and the workforce.
- DIY STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), ages 5-18, provides members with fun, hands-on activities to explore the science of every day.
- Money Matters, ages 5-18, builds basic personal money management skills, including budgeting, saving and investing.
- Computer Science, ages 5-18, members learn computer science skills based on their needs and unique interests. Youth will develop critical thinking, problem-solving and coding skills.
