Boys and Girls Club of Oceanside: Home, family, friends, fun, learning and support
“Home, family, friends, fun, learning and support – These are the words that come to mind when I think of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside.” – Laura and Zane, parents
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside is a community-based organization that is dedicated to providing a safe, fun and constructive environment for youth to spend time during non-school hours. Its mission is to enable all young people, especially those that need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring individuals.
Since 1952, the Club has been critical to the personal development of all youth, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances. More than 1,400 children, ages 5 to 18, are served daily at its main Townsite facility, 401 Country Club Lane, and it operates programs at 14 sites throughout the Oceanside and Vista Unified School Districts.
Approximately 90 percent of alumni report that being in a Boys & Girls Club had a positive effect on their lives. That’s because programs are centered on five core areas, including character development, education and career exploration, health and life skills, fitness, sports and the arts, and Clubs are staffed by paid, trained youth development professionals, who form strong bonds with youth and help them to make the right choices in life.
BGCO also provides specialized programming aimed at preventing violence, combatting childhood obesity and educating teens about options available after high school graduation. One collaborative program that has blossomed over the last two years is the Teen Trade Show, which has expanded into a two-day event that reaches thousands of youth at both El Camino and Oceanside High Schools with valuable information about the options available for youth upon high school graduation. The event hosts local employers, universities and community colleges, health organizations, unions, service organizations, military personnel and artistic organizations.
Our full-list of programs and services include:
After-school Programs Gangbusters
Enrichment Programs Soccer Arena & Sports
Holiday & Summer Camps Music Classes
Health and Wellness Cooking Classes
Inclusion Programs Recording Studio
Computer Classes Financial Literacy
R.O.A.D.S Career Development
Scholarships Journalism Club
Teen Trade Show Diversity Training
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Science
Today, BGCO stands as a testament to building bright futures for youth. They have made great strides to improve facilities, expand programs and activities, and keep membership dues low so that no child is ever turned away for financial reasons.
None of this would be possible, however, without the support of the community. BGCO hosts a variety of events throughout the year to raise funds for its programs, including its 7th Annual Golf Tournament on June 22nd, and its 25th Annual Boys & Girls Nite Out event in October. Other ways donors can give is through monetary gifts, corporate matching programs, in-store fundraisers and percentage-of-sale gifts.
For more information on the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oceanside and to find out ways you can support the Club, call 760-443-8920 or visit www.thebgcoceanside.org.