There is something transformative about stepping foot in the Pacific Ocean for the first time. The shock of the cold, the instinct to jump out, and the quiet realization of how vast the world truly is as you gaze out to the horizon that never seems to end. For Club kids Lavendar, Onwabile, Yonganini and Mangaliso, this moment marked one of many meaningful “firsts” that came to life during a journey that was years in the making – one that began 10,300 miles away. This past December, four youth and two staff members, Sonto Ngubane and Boitumelo Ramasodi, from the Boys & Girls Club of South Africa spent 12 amazing days in Southern California, thanks to the support of the Pacific Youth Foundation, as part of an initiative to build international friendship among Club youth. BGCSM was honored to host the South Africa group for the first week of their trip.

We had the honor of celebrating 19 incredible youth who represent the very best of the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos at the 2026 Youth of the Year celebration. These exemplary members were recognized for their outstanding leadership, strong character and dedication to making a positive impact in their schools, Clubs and communities. The evening highlighted their inspiring stories, resilience and aspirations, serving as a powerful reminder of the power of youth voices and the importance of providing opportunities for young people to thrive. We are so proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see the bright futures ahead of them.