Program Accomplishments 2020
The Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich is a non-profit agency serving children ages 3 thru 18, through programs and activities, which stress character development. The Boys & Girls Club offers a variety of recreational, cultural, social and sports-oriented experiences for members.
The Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich has a lineup of tested, proven and nationally recognized programs that address the most critical issues affecting today’s youth and provide them with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to pursue their dreams and succeed in life. Our programs are carefully designed to support achievement of the Youth Development Outcomes, which our National Movement has articulated for young people leaving our Clubs at age 18: Positive Self-Identity; Educational, Employment, Social, Emotional and Cultural Competencies; Community and Civic Involvement; Health and Well-Being; and a Moral Compass.
Our Club provides a diverse program in hopes of attracting and retaining boys and girls with a wide variety of interests and needs. This is accomplished partly by offering programs in all five Core Program Areas: Character and Leadership Development, Education, Health and Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.
Our 2020 accomplishments at a glance:
See how the Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich has impacted the lives of children, their families, and the community:
Bilingual Outreach Program: This program encouraged Spanish-speaking youngsters and their families to participate in Club activities promoting intercultural understanding. Our Bilingual Outreach Coordinator was available to translate Club literature into Spanish and to assist families with pertinent Club paperwork and registration forms. During the mandatory program closure as a result of COVID-19, the Bilingual Outreach Coordinator made wellness phone calls to check in with families and secured donations for a few families that were struggling during this difficult time.
Child Care Programs: The Club is extremely proud of our licensed Before and After School Programs. Our Before School Program, has an average enrollment of approximately 38 youngsters. Children are dropped off as early as 7:00 a.m., are supervised by caring Club personnel, receive a nutritious breakfast, and take part in age-appropriate educational and recreational activities. Homework help is available each day, as well. Our After School Program, with a 2020 average enrollment of more than 90 children, is effective, affordable, and popular with parents and children, alike. The tuition for these programs is extremely reasonable, with scholarships available for families who qualify for financial assistance.
Coffee Socials: The Club began offering Coffee Socials periodically to engage parents and obtain feedback about the program offered. To date, more than 90 parents have participated and provided the Club and its employees with valuable feedback to ensure the programs are meeting the needs of the families it serves.
“Friday Night Fun” Program: A fun-filled, age-appropriate program conducted almost every Friday evening that school was in session for Mini Members (3 years old and toilet trained to 5 years old, not yet in kindergarten) and members in grades K-6. For a nominal fee, parents enrolled their children for an evening of fun, including planned activities and dinner.
Full-Day Programs during School Holidays and Recesses: Full-day programs were conducted to provide care for youngsters whose parents must work during school recesses and vacations. The program operated from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with scholarships available. This year, the program was extended to offer half-day sessions in the morning, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and in the afternoon, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for members who were not in need of child care all day, but were looking for fun and engaging activities to participate in. “Mini Members” were offered a half day program during school recess as they have been in the past, but this year, there was both a morning, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and afternoon, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. session to choose from to offer more flexibility for parents. Without a doubt, this was an exciting way for members to spend their school vacation!
COVID-19 Camp: In an effort to remain flexible for the families we serve, the Club designed a COVID-19 response camp that would be put in effect on the second day of a multi-day closure to provide child care to working families if the district needed to close as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak. In addition to planning this program and promoting it to the Oyster Bay-East Norwich community, we arranged to promote this program to other local districts in the event they may experience a closure and need child care.
Virtual Learning: When the Club was forced to close down in March of 2020, it quickly jumped into action to respond to the needs of its members by providing virtual programming on a regular basis. When school returned to in-person learning, the Club was available to members before and after school. There were two occasions when the school adjusted their schedule to make a regular in-person day a virtual day leaving parents scrambling for child care. The Club opened its doors and provided a safe place for members to go to complete their virtual learning and have fun.
Member of the Month Program: Each month, the Club nominates one member as its "Member of the Month." This member is chosen by Club staff, based on a member’s character, willingness to help, and positive attitude.
Mini Member Programs: This feeder program serves children, ages 3 years old and toilet trained to 5 years old and not yet in kindergarten, and is operated by trained professionals. Mini Members are invited to participate in age appropriate activities during school recess and summer camp programs where “minis” enjoy a morning session of fun and engaging activities that keep with a weekly theme.
Nutrition Program-Monthly Healthy Meals: Once per month throughout the school year, members assisted in preparing and enjoying a healthy dessert. In addition, Before and After School Program menus have been revised to include healthy snacks and breakfast on a daily basis. Our members have begun to look forward to our healthy offerings. Foods that were met with hesitation in the past are now welcomed.
Summer Camp: Camp is comprised of on-site activities based on weekly themes. Our program for members in grades K-12 operated from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with the option to add Extended Care, which allowed children to arrive as early as 7:00 a.m. and/or stay as late as 6:00 p.m. Our Mini Member program was available to members, ages 3 years old and toilet trained to 5 years old and not yet in kindergarten. Families who demonstrated a need, had the cost of camp (which is already affordable) subsidized from 10 to 90 percent through our scholarship program. Flexible options allowed families the opportunity to sign up day-by-day, or just for the afternoon to better fulfill their child care needs. The option to purchase lunch was also available.
Torch and Keystone Clubs: Torch and Keystone Clubs are comprised of young members, ages 12–18, who planned and implemented community service projects. In 2020, 71 tween and teen members participated in these Clubs. For example, each year around the holidays, these young adults conduct a canned food drive, organize food packages and distribute same to needy families who have been identified as Club scholarship recipients. In addition, canned goods are donated to a local food pantry. The Club continued a partnership with C2 Education of Jericho and provided workshops to members on a variety of topics that better prepared them for continuing their education. Some examples of the topics offered included: The Difference Between the ACT and SAT, How to Build a College Resume, and Study Practices for Mid-Term Exams.
Youth of the Year Program: Sponsored by Disney and administered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the national program recognizes exemplary character, superior leadership skills, outstanding service to the Boys & Girls Club and the community, and academic achievement. This is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive! Each year, the Club sends a candidate to Albany, New York, to compete against other Boys & Girls Club youth for the New York State Youth of the Year title. The 2020 Youth of the Year, James Bodian, was selected to receive the honor for our organization.
Junior Youth of the Year: In 2020, the Club introduced a new component to its member recognition programs, the Junior Youth of the Year award. This award is presented to one member, ages 10-13, who shows dedication to the Club, commitment to good character and emerging leadership skills. The 2020 Junior Youth of the Year was Max Lapidus.
Safety Driving Initiative: In 2020, the Club facilitated a teen driving safety programs called “UPS Road Code.” The program focuses on different safety principles, from basic instruction to the consequences of risky behaviors, such as talking on cell phones, texting or drinking while driving. Completion of the program earns participants a certificate for 10% off their car insurance when they start driving. The program was open to youth ages 13-18 and included an interactive driving simulator.
The Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich is a non-profit agency serving children ages 3 thru 18, through programs and activities, which stress character development. The Boys & Girls Club offers a variety of recreational, cultural, social and sports-oriented experiences for members.
The Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich has a lineup of tested, proven and nationally recognized programs that address the most critical issues affecting today’s youth and provide them with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to pursue their dreams and succeed in life. Our programs are carefully designed to support achievement of the Youth Development Outcomes, which our National Movement has articulated for young people leaving our Clubs at age 18: Positive Self-Identity; Educational, Employment, Social, Emotional and Cultural Competencies; Community and Civic Involvement; Health and Well-Being; and a Moral Compass.
Our Club provides a diverse program in hopes of attracting and retaining boys and girls with a wide variety of interests and needs. This is accomplished partly by offering programs in all five Core Program Areas: Character and Leadership Development, Education, Health and Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.
Our 2020 accomplishments at a glance:
- Total Number of Registered Members: 313
- Registered Males: 191
- Registered Females: 122
- Non-Members Served through Community Outreach: 112
- Age Range: 3 years old to 18 years old
- Teen Members: 23%
- 71 teens participated in Club’s community service-based programs. Through the Torch Club (middle school) and Keystone Club (high school), members organized food and supply drives, helped members with their homework, aided staff in facilitating events and acted as mentors.
- Average Daily Attendance: School Year - 94 members, Summer - 37 members.
- The Club provided Latino Outreach efforts to 67 members.
- Transported more than 75 members daily from 3 local schools to our Clubhouse.
- Raised funds thru “Send a Kid to Camp” program, which enabled 27 youngsters to attend Summer Camp on a subsidized tuition.
- Granted scholarships to subsidize before school, after school, and full-day child care tuition to 24 youngsters.
- Provided licensed school-age child care to more than 75 youth daily.
- Offered workshops and programs at no cost to underserved members made possible by a grant from Town of Oyster Bay.
- Provided holiday gifts to more than 40 underserved members and families through our “Secret Snowman” and “Adopt-A-Family” Programs.
- Provided 1,322 healthy meals and 4,704 healthy snacks during 2020.
- 290 donors supported the Club in 2020.
- Continued offering more flexible scheduling options and a reduced fee schedule, offered membership perks, renewal rate discounts and sibling discounts.
- More than 90 volunteers support our members annually.
- The Club provided 409 “Friday Night Fun” experiences.
- Offered a COVID-19 Full-Day Camp for multi day school closures in response to COVID-19.
- Responded to the COVID-19 mandatory closure by providing virtual programming to members, making wellness phone calls to check in with our families, and organizing a food drive in cooperation with Assemblyman Joshua Lafazan.
See how the Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich has impacted the lives of children, their families, and the community:
Bilingual Outreach Program: This program encouraged Spanish-speaking youngsters and their families to participate in Club activities promoting intercultural understanding. Our Bilingual Outreach Coordinator was available to translate Club literature into Spanish and to assist families with pertinent Club paperwork and registration forms. During the mandatory program closure as a result of COVID-19, the Bilingual Outreach Coordinator made wellness phone calls to check in with families and secured donations for a few families that were struggling during this difficult time.
Child Care Programs: The Club is extremely proud of our licensed Before and After School Programs. Our Before School Program, has an average enrollment of approximately 38 youngsters. Children are dropped off as early as 7:00 a.m., are supervised by caring Club personnel, receive a nutritious breakfast, and take part in age-appropriate educational and recreational activities. Homework help is available each day, as well. Our After School Program, with a 2020 average enrollment of more than 90 children, is effective, affordable, and popular with parents and children, alike. The tuition for these programs is extremely reasonable, with scholarships available for families who qualify for financial assistance.
Coffee Socials: The Club began offering Coffee Socials periodically to engage parents and obtain feedback about the program offered. To date, more than 90 parents have participated and provided the Club and its employees with valuable feedback to ensure the programs are meeting the needs of the families it serves.
“Friday Night Fun” Program: A fun-filled, age-appropriate program conducted almost every Friday evening that school was in session for Mini Members (3 years old and toilet trained to 5 years old, not yet in kindergarten) and members in grades K-6. For a nominal fee, parents enrolled their children for an evening of fun, including planned activities and dinner.
Full-Day Programs during School Holidays and Recesses: Full-day programs were conducted to provide care for youngsters whose parents must work during school recesses and vacations. The program operated from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with scholarships available. This year, the program was extended to offer half-day sessions in the morning, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and in the afternoon, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for members who were not in need of child care all day, but were looking for fun and engaging activities to participate in. “Mini Members” were offered a half day program during school recess as they have been in the past, but this year, there was both a morning, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and afternoon, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. session to choose from to offer more flexibility for parents. Without a doubt, this was an exciting way for members to spend their school vacation!
COVID-19 Camp: In an effort to remain flexible for the families we serve, the Club designed a COVID-19 response camp that would be put in effect on the second day of a multi-day closure to provide child care to working families if the district needed to close as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak. In addition to planning this program and promoting it to the Oyster Bay-East Norwich community, we arranged to promote this program to other local districts in the event they may experience a closure and need child care.
Virtual Learning: When the Club was forced to close down in March of 2020, it quickly jumped into action to respond to the needs of its members by providing virtual programming on a regular basis. When school returned to in-person learning, the Club was available to members before and after school. There were two occasions when the school adjusted their schedule to make a regular in-person day a virtual day leaving parents scrambling for child care. The Club opened its doors and provided a safe place for members to go to complete their virtual learning and have fun.
Member of the Month Program: Each month, the Club nominates one member as its "Member of the Month." This member is chosen by Club staff, based on a member’s character, willingness to help, and positive attitude.
Mini Member Programs: This feeder program serves children, ages 3 years old and toilet trained to 5 years old and not yet in kindergarten, and is operated by trained professionals. Mini Members are invited to participate in age appropriate activities during school recess and summer camp programs where “minis” enjoy a morning session of fun and engaging activities that keep with a weekly theme.
Nutrition Program-Monthly Healthy Meals: Once per month throughout the school year, members assisted in preparing and enjoying a healthy dessert. In addition, Before and After School Program menus have been revised to include healthy snacks and breakfast on a daily basis. Our members have begun to look forward to our healthy offerings. Foods that were met with hesitation in the past are now welcomed.
Summer Camp: Camp is comprised of on-site activities based on weekly themes. Our program for members in grades K-12 operated from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with the option to add Extended Care, which allowed children to arrive as early as 7:00 a.m. and/or stay as late as 6:00 p.m. Our Mini Member program was available to members, ages 3 years old and toilet trained to 5 years old and not yet in kindergarten. Families who demonstrated a need, had the cost of camp (which is already affordable) subsidized from 10 to 90 percent through our scholarship program. Flexible options allowed families the opportunity to sign up day-by-day, or just for the afternoon to better fulfill their child care needs. The option to purchase lunch was also available.
Torch and Keystone Clubs: Torch and Keystone Clubs are comprised of young members, ages 12–18, who planned and implemented community service projects. In 2020, 71 tween and teen members participated in these Clubs. For example, each year around the holidays, these young adults conduct a canned food drive, organize food packages and distribute same to needy families who have been identified as Club scholarship recipients. In addition, canned goods are donated to a local food pantry. The Club continued a partnership with C2 Education of Jericho and provided workshops to members on a variety of topics that better prepared them for continuing their education. Some examples of the topics offered included: The Difference Between the ACT and SAT, How to Build a College Resume, and Study Practices for Mid-Term Exams.
Youth of the Year Program: Sponsored by Disney and administered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the national program recognizes exemplary character, superior leadership skills, outstanding service to the Boys & Girls Club and the community, and academic achievement. This is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive! Each year, the Club sends a candidate to Albany, New York, to compete against other Boys & Girls Club youth for the New York State Youth of the Year title. The 2020 Youth of the Year, James Bodian, was selected to receive the honor for our organization.
Junior Youth of the Year: In 2020, the Club introduced a new component to its member recognition programs, the Junior Youth of the Year award. This award is presented to one member, ages 10-13, who shows dedication to the Club, commitment to good character and emerging leadership skills. The 2020 Junior Youth of the Year was Max Lapidus.
Safety Driving Initiative: In 2020, the Club facilitated a teen driving safety programs called “UPS Road Code.” The program focuses on different safety principles, from basic instruction to the consequences of risky behaviors, such as talking on cell phones, texting or drinking while driving. Completion of the program earns participants a certificate for 10% off their car insurance when they start driving. The program was open to youth ages 13-18 and included an interactive driving simulator.