Making Better Decisions for Stronger Futures

While we may appear to be just an after-school program to some,  we are much more than that.  Program supervision and providing a safe and enjoyable environment is important, however we also strive to reach our members with other areas to help them with decision making skills that will follow them throughout their lives. 

Of course our program offers fun activities, games, snack, and homework help but we also have implemented some pretty powerful Boys & Girls Club programs to help with our mission. This year we have once again implemented our Healthy Habits program, Smart Moves program, Power Hour/ Project Learn, and Triple Play Challenges programs.  These programs help encourage our member to make better decisions to be healthier, fit, and more confident in school and with their friends.

Our Healthy Habits program has been a pretty big hit this year.  Along with running our own Healthy Habits curriculum, we invited in a nutritionist from West Orange Shoprite to teach our kids about eating healthy!  Lachell Miller visits each site once a month to discuss the importance of healthy eating and facilitates a fun edible project. Here are some pictures of Lachell's sessions.

To help members improve their confidence, we are proud to continue providing Smart Moves at each site.   Besides facilitating our regular sessions, every year we like to invite Gale Richter (from B.A.B.E.S.) to run a few sessions on a few different topics.   Her initial sessions, Gale discussed the effects of Drugs and Alcohol and how to avoid accidental ingestion.   Subsequent sessions included discussions about bullying and how to avoid such situations.  Gale also ran fun activities to reinforce her topics.

Besides our incredible visitors, our staff has been monumental in helping us achieve our goals (helping each of our members make the best decisions for a brighter future).  Every day our staff gives our members all of their hearts and attention.  Keeping our children safe and supervised is an important part of their positions, but they go above and beyond helping them in any way they can.  Whether it's with homework, the best way to throw a football, or even help tie their shoes, our staff is there!
 

  

 

After-School Program Chilly Facts

What's Going On As The Chill of October hits us?

It's Mid-October 2012 at the West Orange Community House and Boys & Girls Club. It was just yesterday that we were on the beaches or hanging out by the pool. Now the children in the after school programs have replaced their shorts and t-shirts with warm sweaters and jackets. Oh it's that time again! The chill in the air tells us that not only the Fall has arrived but has also prompted the crazy thought of preparing for the Holidays.

The chilly facts are.... that this time of year is incredibly busy at our programs. We have so much to do and so little time (or as Willy Wonka might say "So little to do and so much time"). October just happens to be our busiest month in the after-school program because we don't have any school days off and plus 3 days are half days for parent/teacher conferences.  This means we are open from 1pm to 6pm during 3 of those days instead of 3-6pm. These are incredibly long days for our kids and our staff........ if we didn't have anything planned.

We purposely plan a lot of activities, special visitors, and tons of play time to help these October days move along smoothly. Let me tell you what we have planned at Gregory, Washington, Hazel, and the Pleasantdale after school programs:

We invited A special Magician to come and perform his mystical show. In late October, the West Orange Fire Department will be presenting a fire safety workshop with our kids(and showing off their gear). An Anti-Drugs and Anti-Bullying Expert, Gale Richter, will be facilitating classes with grades k-5 . LaChell Miller, a Shoprite Nutritionist is visiting each site (once a month), discussing to the children the importance of nutrition and doing an fun edible healthy project.

All of these activities will be in addition to each site-supervisors individual site plans. Power Hour (Homework Club), board games, outdoor games, fun enriching activities, art & craft projects, etc. Thanks to our great staff and leaders, we have quite a year planned for you and your kids! If you have any questions about the programs or activities please email us at bgcwestorange@gmail.com or call 973-736-1282 x19. You can also visit us at www.bgcwo.org for more info.

Boys & Girls Club Changed My Life

The Boys & Girls Club Changed My Life

Read how an after-school program transformed Shavar Jeffries' life.

 

I experienced the life-changing power of effective after-school programs. When I was 10, my mother was killed. Shortly thereafter, my father abandoned my family. My grandmother took me in and put me in after-school programs run by the Boys & Girls Club of Newark, where I received academic, social and emotional support that she could not provide by herself.

These programs helped change my life and put me on a path where, as a taxpayer, law teacher, elected official and former senior executive in the state Attorney General’s Office, I am blessed to contribute to the vitality of our state. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to recognize that helping children do better in school and to avoid the pitfalls of pregnancy, drugs and alcohol, and helping their parents work longer at increasingly skilled jobs, is good for all of us. Finding a way to provide a structured environment, educational enrichment and meaningful mentoring in the after-school hours should be one of our top priorities — even in these tough economic times. I know it works. It worked for me.

Shavar Jeffries is an associate law professor at Seton Hall Law School Center for Social Justice and has served as chair of the Newark Public Schools Advisory Board. Join the conversation at njvoices.com.

West Orange Community House BGC

My Dream by Miya Asobo

My Dream by Miya Asobo

Most of My dreams are irrational.  This seems like one of those irrational wishes.  My dream is to improve my singing skills and sing professionally and maybe form a singing group with my best friend samed Sajeda.  This dream may not come true, but if it does, I will forever mark this as an extreme blessing.

I first met Sajeda in Kindergarten.  We were not exactly friends at first, but we grew closer day by day.  I noticed how great she sang the Star Spangled Banner.  In the first grade, Sajeda was accepted into the Honors Choir.  Even though originally only students in fourth and fifth grade could sing in the Honors Choir. Later on, she and my mother taught me to National Anthem.  They both told me that I sang it beautifully.  In the second grade, I was accepted into the Honors Choir since it was too late in the year to join in the first grade.

Outside of school, we have been performing for talent shows, galas, ceremonies, and much more.  People have also reported that we sing in our sleep!  No matter what, we both enjoy singing.  We may not grow up to be as famous as Beyonce, or as great as Diana Ross, but at least we know that we will always have a special gift.

If my dream ever comes true, I would be one of the happiest people alive.  Happiness is one of the key ingredients to a successful life.  If my dream were to come true, I would use the prize wisely.  I would definitely share it with Sajeda, because she deserves something as well.

I am praying that I receive assistance from the Boys & Girls Club of West Orange to enable me to strive for becoming a great singer.  I also strive to excel in school so I can become a professional... that is a rational dream after all!

2012 NJ Youth Of The Year

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Exceptional Hudson County Teen Named

New Jersey Youth of the Year

By Boys & Girls Clubs of America

David Brown to receive college scholarship as the

2012 New Jersey State Youth of the Year

Selected among 21 outstanding youth from around New Jersey, David Brown has been named the New Jersey Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills, and willingness to give back to the community. As the New Jersey Youth of the Year, he will receive $20,000 scholarship from the state Boys and Girls Club and a $1,000 scholarship from Tupperware Brands, the official competition sponsor. A true example of an extraordinary young leader, eighteen year old David will now vie for BGCA's Northeast Region Youth of the Year title and an additional college scholarship.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive.

"The Club is my home away from home. It's where I go to seek refuge. There are days when I feel like my world is spiraling out of control, but as soon as i enter the Club's doors that all changes."

As BGCA's premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles, and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

Born to a single teen mother, Brown grew up in the Lafayette section of Jersey City and worked at times to help pay his tuition at St. Anthony High School in Jersey City. He graduates on June 18. A manager for the school's basketball team, Brown is a straight-A student and performed 653 hours of community service while at school even though only 25 are required to graduate. He is also member of the National Honor Society, serves as President of Student Government and the National Honor Society.

David will be spending his summer at a pre-college program at Rider University in Lawrenceville before he starts there in the fall. He plans to double major in English and political science.

Introducing..... Chess

The West Orange Community House and Boys & Girls club introduces an official "Chess Club" at the Washington Program.   Rick Greenbaum, who is no stranger to chess, facilitates this program with his own wit and his own chess boards.  Every Tuesday, during this 10 week session,  10-15 kids participate to not only to learn the game of Chess, but learn about "thinking ahead" and "Strategy".  

The idea behind this program, as stated by Greenbaum, is hoping that involving these children in chess will improve their academics.  I personally have not seen children enjoy chess as much as these kids.  This is definitely an under-rated board game and I am excited to introduce Mr. Greenbaum and the chess program at the other after school sites in the next few month!

Warming Up At The West Orange After School Programs

May is here and the warmer weather is finally at hand.  While we encourage our children to go out even when it's chilly, it's much easier to PLAY without heavy sweat shirts and jackets.  You can see the excitement of the children and staff at the Washington After School Program.

West Orange After School Programs

Where We Operate:

The West Orange Community House and Boys & Girls Club operates most of the After School programs in West Orange.  For more than a decade we have been growing and expanding our programs throughout the town.  Currently we are operating in 5 of the 7 elementary schools in West Orange and hope to one day operate in all 7.  We also fund an enrichment program at the Liberty Middle School and may even open a program, once again, at the Edison Middle School.   

What Makes Us Different:

What makes us different from other after school programs? We like to re-invest in our programs to offer our kids a well rounded experience.  While we are not an Enrichment program, we offer enrichment components at each site plus pizza parties, special visitors like Great Scott the Magician, and extended care till 6pm for those parents who work late.  

Enrichment Activities:

Some of our enrichment programs include fun foods, arts and crafts, step team, architect club, theater, talent shows, lego club, robotics, clay modeling, crazy crafts, all-sports, basketball drills, etc.  While we do not run all of these enrichment activities at each site, we would consider implementing them by request.

Boys & Girls Club Programs:

Because we are a Boys & Girls Club as well, we have also facilitated powerful programs like the Power Hour Homework Club, Smart Moves (drug prevention, healthy habit classes, self esteem building activities, and anti-bullying workshops),  Project Learn (encouraging High Yield Learning Activities), Mind Matters, Torch Club, Key Club,  Triple Play, and The Presidents Fitness Challenge.  Each year we focus on a few of these powerful programs to to aid in the development of our members educationally, physically, and socially.

What's Next?  

While we operate out of the West Orange Community House we do not have the space we need to open our facility as a drop in center for teens.  We currently run a few evening programs like Step-Team and Tae Kwon Do, we are very limited to the programs we can offer the community.  Here's some exciting news though!  The West Orange Community House purchased a large building next door a few years ago but it is still under renovation.

The Vision:

The vision of actually opening a large recreational (indoor) space to children and teens who really need a safe place to go on evening and weekends will be a reality by hopefully 2014.  Adults will be able to benefit from this center as well.  The following are just a few activities that we will be able to offer with this space; indoor soccer, basketball, baseball and batting practice, karate, all types of physical activities, Zumba classes,  organizational events....The possibilities are endless.  Unfortunately it will still take a few years to raise the funds to complete the project, but we look forward to when it does open. 

If you haven't visited our website, please do at http://www.bgcwo.org .  You can see pictures and videos of our programs in action!  Thank you for being such a big part in supporting us, supporting the children in West Orange.

 

Robotics Workshop At Gregory

The West Orange Community House and Boys & Girls Club:  Enrichment Programs

On Thursday, February 16th, We invited Minds In Motion to run a robotics workshop at Gregory School.  Herman, founder of Minds In Motion, personally facilitated the workshop with our 56 members at the Gregory After School Program.  He had never worked with so many children in one session and we all knew it was going to be very exciting.

Although his usual sessions run much more than an hour, Herman's plan was to organize the children into groups of 5-6, build a robot/car, and then at the end of the hour compete in a big race.  Oh wow, was it exciting! Each group was given motors and wheels and then proceeded to the "parts" bin to grab as many pieces as possible to build the best looking robot car. You'll have to watch the video to see who won the race!

This was Mind In Motion's first visit within the West Orange Community House BGC Programs.  We have a few more half days coming up this year and can hopefully have Minds In Motion visit our Washington, Hazel, and Pleasantdale after school programs.   See you all soon!

Hazel Program Expands!

Thanks to Hazel School's Principal Edwin Acevedo our program has expanded into other areas of the school allowing for a more enriching after-school program. Our after-school program was previously facilitated in the gym/cafeteria for years with limited use of the classrooms.

Now, Marlene and her staff are able to offer students more effective and enriching experiences with use of a computer lab, library, and a classroom.  The classroom provides our children a quiet place to complete their home while the gym/cafeteria is used for physical activities.  It also serves as a great area to run their new "Fun-Foods" program and to do special arts and craft projects.  

Along with the classroom, Principal Acevedo gave the program use of the Computer Lab and Library on the 4th floor.  A few days a week our children play exciting educational games on the computers and participate in Ms. Marlene's Story-Time in the library.

Stay tuned for more great stories and advancements to come!