Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County

BGCSTC utilizes professionally designed materials and curriculum based on proven methods from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. As a result of participating in BGCSTC programming, our goals are to:
* Increase the number of club members successfully advancing to the next grade level with their peers or graduating on time;
* Reduce the number of club members skipping class/school;
* Increase the number of club members participating in healthy activities and exercise; and
* Reduce the number of club members engaging in high-risk behaviors

BGCSTC utilizes professionally designed materials and curriculum based on proven methods from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Academic Success and Healthy Lifestyles are two of our three identified priority outcomes. We are proud to offer academic support and innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) lessons to our members. Also, in addition to the several sports and recreational activities we offer, we have nutrition staff teaching healthy habits, cooking skills, and community gardening to our members. No other out-of-school program in the county offers the same quality of evidence-based, comprehensive programming.
Compared to other after-school programs, BGCSTC programming is offered year round and to a wider age range (6-18 years). The cost of club membership is only $35.00 per child, per academic year, making BGCSTC programming significantly less expensive than other area after-school programs. When school is out of session, we offer a 9-week program that is one of the most affordable options for families in the area. Young people will be able participate in all club activities from 7:00am to 7:00pm, with two USDA-compliant meals and one snack each day. There are no income or residency qualifications for participation, so BGCSTC is available to serve all children in the area.

The BGCSTC Resource Development Strategic Plan includes funding from private individuals and business, corporate and private foundations, special events/fundraisers, the Community and Children's Resource Board (CCRB) of St. Charles County, and program fees as applicable. This creates a diverse funding stream with support from corporations, foundations, businesses, and individuals allow us to keep membership costs at a minimum for our families. We continue to cultivate donors and partners by sharing with them the positive impact our programming has on the community. Through this careful and systematic cultivation, we know that much deeper relationships will continue to be created with those wishing to invest in our members' futures.

We also maintain a high level of staffing at each location including a full administrative team, unit directors, prevention specialist, community health specialist, along with our many daily program staff. We benefit from a strong base of volunteers who assist with sports programs, summer blast, and other special projects. We also have a strong relationship with Lindenwood University which includes numerous intern opportunities throughout the year.

Most significantly, we offer a wide variety of research based programs designed specifically around member age, gender, ability, and needs. A few top programs include:
STEM - STEM provides club members unique opportunities for a unique small group, hands-on learning experience not often available in large classrooms.
Healthy Habits - Triple Play incorporates healthy living and active learning in every part of the BGCSTC club experience. It includes daily "open gym" and team sports (basketball, football, cheerleading, etc.). Healthy Habits emphasizes good nutrition, regular physical activity and improving overall well-being for young people. We believe that if children and youth learn these habits early in life, they will continue through adulthood, reducing the risk of disease, illness and higher medical costs.
SMART Moves - The SMART Moves (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training) prevention/education program addresses problems such as drug and alcohol use, premature sexual activity, anti-bullying, and internet safety.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County (BGCSTC) has been active in the St. Charles community for over 65 years, but the need today is vastly different than when we began. Overall poverty levels have remained stagnant for the past few years, but the number of children eligible to receive free or reduced-price school meals continues to climb. The immediate areas surrounding the two BGC-STC locations are seeing an increase in low-income housing, and BGCSTC is working to support these at-risk young people through academic enrichment opportunities and high-yield recreational activities.

BGCSTC began serving boys December 12, 1955 at its original location on Clark Street in historic St. Charles city. Local citizens fixed up an old house to be a safe place for young men to gather. An all-volunteer staff organized football, basketball, and baseball teams, and the boys also worked on arts and crafts, woodworking, storytelling, music, and newspaper. BGCSTC moved to a new location in 1962 in order to accommodate more members and expand its programs to address the increase of juvenile delinquency in the community. Girls were allowed to become members of BGCSTC in 1988, and four years later the club added a second location in the St. Peters/O'Fallon area in response to an increase of at-risk youth in the area. In May of 2014, the St. Charles location moved to a new 28,000 square foot building, fully equipped with two gymnasiums, a multi-purpose recreation room, game room, academic wing, computer lab, and a full commercial kitchen and eating area.
In response to continued need we opened our first school-based unit in 2022. This unit is based in West Elementary in the Wright City School District and serves children ages 5-10.

As we continue to grow, we also add additional program and sports opportunities to engage our current membership and attract new members. We have a current membership of 900 and have capacity to work with many more members. The BGCSTC is part of a nationwide movement of community-based, autonomous club organizations working to help youth of all backgrounds develop the qualities needed to become healthy, responsible citizens. All programs are designed to drive positive outcomes for youth and reinforce necessary life skills. BGCSTC utilizes professionally designed materials and curriculum based on proven methods from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Over the years we have worked to respond to additional community needs including child nutrition, transportation, and substance abuse prevention. We currently provide 30,000 meals to our members on an annual basis and work with local school districts to ensure more members can attend the clubs each day. Our collaborative spirit is consistently demonstrated and we are often recognized by local and regional leaders for the many opportunities we provide to families.