News & Events

From South Africa to San Marcos: Connecting Youth Across Continents

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:17:26 GMT

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.

Alongside Sarah Young-Sheppard from the Social Emotional Wellness Initiative, the Club designed a full itinerary showcasing the best of the region. The youth spent a sun-filled day at the beach in Carlsbad, and for the first time ever rode bicycles. They explored the San Diego Zoo – and marveled at animals they have never seen before like the polar bears, pandas, gorillas and koalas. They took in the sights of Coronado and even tried tacos for the first time at Tacos El Gordo in Chula Vista, a group favorite.

With their visit happening over the holidays, they even experienced the magical wonder of seeing the impressive lights and festive decorations of Candy Cane Lane in Poway. One night at the Club, the group enjoyed a homemade Thanksgiving dinner, complete with all the traditional fixings.

After their adventure-filled days, the team was able to rest and refresh at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites in San Marcos – perfectly located just one block from the Club’s main Clubhouse. The hotel generously provided accommodations at no-cost to the group, ensuring our youth and staff had a comfortable place to recharge each evening and that their modest budget was able to stretch even further during their stay.

Among their favorite experiences of the week for the youth was a special Leaders-in-Training (LIT) summit at the Club’s Teen Center, where they connected with LIT teens from across the region including, Boys & Girls Clubs of Whittier and Pico Rivera, Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City and Boys & Girls Club of Fontana.

“I will never forget the teen day because it helped us get to know each other’s personalities, interests and skills, and also allowed me to learn about many different Clubs,” Onwabile shared.

Lavendar reflected on the similarities they found despite the distance: “Even if we’re from different places, we have so much in common...We think of the same things and laugh at the same jokes.”

This exchange carried special significance for two of our own teens, Dean and Isa, who had the opportunity to visit the Boys & Girls Club of South Africa in the summer of 2024 as part of service trip. Now serving as the hosts, the pair joined the South African youth for a day trip to Disneyland, enjoying one of Southern California’s most iconic destinations together. Their shared experiences created a full-circle moment of connection and friendship.

“Two years ago, I got the chance to learn and explore all there was to offer in South Africa in both the cultural and tourist aspects,” said Isa. “Now that they’ve had a chance to experience what it’s like over here, we have a kinship coming from both perspectives. It’s comforting knowing that there are others who understand what it’s like to be changed by this opportunity.”

At their core, Boys & Girls Clubs are about creating spaces where young people can connect, learn and grow – and sometimes, that space stretches across an ocean. When youth and teens are given the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and build relationships across communities and cultures, they gain more than just memories; they gain perspective, confidence and a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it. That is the lasting impact of connection – and the promise Boys & Girls Clubs work every day to fulfill.

Celebrating our 2026 Youth of the Year

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:31:12 GMT

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.

Meet our 2026 Youth of the Year, Isabella!

Isabella has been a proud Club member since fourth grade and is an active leader in our Teen Center, participating in programs such as Leaders in Training and Career Pathways. Through these experiences, she discovered a passion for working with children and aspires to pursue a career in healthcare or education, where she can provide guidance, compassion and stability to those in vulnerable situations. Inspired by the support she's received at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, Isabella is committed to giving back to her community with care, advocacy and dedication.

We look forward to cheering Isabella on as she represents our Club at the county-level competition in March!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR TEEN FINALISTS

Javier Julian

Mission Hills High School

“When I first joined the Club, I was a shy and uncertain child, but I quickly realized I had entered a community that welcomed me with open arms. The staff and mentors were approachable and genuinely cared about every member’s well-being and growth, and it wasn’t long before I felt at home.”

Sophie

San Marcos High School

“Being part of the Club means everything to me. I am deeply grateful to every staff member who has supported me throughout my journey and given me a reason to keep going.”

Daniela

San Marcos High School

“The Boys & Girls Club became my safe space, a place where I found structure, guidance, support, and motivation. Attending the Club has played a huge role in helping me grow academically, personally, and emotionally, especially through programs like Leaders in Training and Career Pathways.”

Laurence

Mission Hills High School

“Ever since I started coming to the Club, it has been one of the biggest turning points in my life. Taking a chance and accepting my friend’s invitation changed everything for me.”

JR. YOUTH OF THE YEAR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Kayla

La Mirada Academy

Karen

San Marcos Middle School

Sharett

San Eli jo Middle School

Quinn

Do uble Peak K-8 School

Brian

Woodland Park Middle Sch ool

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Camila

Knob Hill Elemen tary

Hazel

San Elijo Elementary

Blake

Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary

Grecia

Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation Branch

Nelyna

Richland Elementary

Ariana

La Mirada Academy

Leah

Double Peak K-8 School

Alaina

Jennifer Loscher Branch

Elias

San Marcos Elementary

The Automopeel: Teen Innovators Drive Creativity at Best Buy Charity Classic

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 23:42:48 GMT

The Automopeel: Teen Innovators Drive Creativity at Best Buy Charity Classic

This year, a team of teens from the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos presented a project at Best Buy’s Charity Classic event in Minneapolis for the second year in a row, making them the first Best Buy Teen Tech Center to achieve this milestone. Building on the success of last year’s “World’s Largest 3D-Printed Keyboard,” teen members Dean, Julian and Philip sought to raise the bar with a new challenge: designing and building a fully functional 3D-printed go kart.

The result? The Automopeel —a banana-shaped go kart that’s as innovative as it is eye-catching.

“It was great to be chosen a second time because it was an opportunity to show our improvement from one year to the next,” said 16-year-old member Dean. “Being able to showcase our abilities again and go back with an experienced approach was reassuring and gave me a boost of confidence for the second year.”

Over the course of five months, the trio poured more than 200 hours– including Saturdays – into bringing their vision to life. Determined to grow in every category of last year’s project, they pushed the boundaries of design, tackled more complex 3D modeling and refined their 3D printing skills.

“I didn’t expect that working in a team environment can sometimes be difficult or feel slow because there are moments when you have to wait on partners to finish up a part of the project before you’re able to start on yours,” explained Phillip, a newcomer to this year’s showcase project team. “This taught me patience, as well as problem-solving and creativity skills because there were times when there wasn’t a clear answer to issues we encountered on the project, training my brain to come up with makeshift solutions.”

For Dean, Julian and Phillip, the Automopeel was more than a project – it was a chance to grow, experiment and push their limits. “It taught me to think more critically and challenge myself, but also to be patient when working with others,” Julian reflected. The project tested their creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills, all while giving them the confidence to tackle bigger challenges in the future.

About the Best Buy Teen Tech Center powered by Sony:

Our Best Buy Teen Tech Center, powered by Sony, is located in the Teen Center of BGCSM’s main Jennifer Loscher Branch. The space houses state-of-the-art software and equipment, offering teens, ages 13-18, with opportunities to explore and collaborate with technology through project-based learning. Featuring a fully-outfitted sound studio, 3D printers, a laser engraver, vinyl cutters, high-powered computers and more, members can explore several different areas of technology as they build skills in innovation, design and problem-solving.

See innovation in action! Schedule a tour of the Best Buy Teen Tech Center and discover how our members are turning ideas into real-world creations.

Building Brighter Futures: Warren Gorowitz’s Impact at BGCSM

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 22:54:20 GMT

Board Spotlight: Meet Warren Gorowitz

BGCSM Board Chair Paul Malone (left) and President & CEO Christine Vaughan (right) presenting Warren Gorowitz with a National Service to Youth award in recognition of five years or volunteer service.

Warren Gorowitz has built his career on looking ahead — whether through his leadership in sustainability, his work as a professor or his dedication to strengthening communities. This forward-thinking mindset is exactly what he brings to the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (BGCSM), where investing in youth means building a brighter future for us all.

At BGCSM, everything we do centers on helping young people reach their full potential. That mission cannot come to life without dedicated board members who believe in the power of community — and Warren Gorowitz is one of them.

Since joining the Board of Directors in 2020, Warren has become a passionate advocate for the Club’s mission — not just as a representative of one of our longstanding corporate partners, but as someone personally moved by the stories, strength and potential of the youth we serve. “There’s a perception that we’re just an afterschool program,” he said. “But it’s so much more than that.”

“I've really worked hard to deepen the relationships that we have with the nonprofit partners that we that we support,” Warren said, explaining the company’s intentional shift away from transactional giving and toward a model rooted in genuine connection, collaboration and a clear understanding of each organization’s impact.

"We encourage people to get involved in ways that are meaningful for them — whether that's joining a committee or just volunteering at one of the events that we do,” he said. “Not everybody in the workforce has the ability to give money, but if they're giving their time, they're doing something for the community.”

Warren’s leadership reminds us that true impact happens when passion meets purpose. Whether he’s championing corporate support, mentoring the next generation or lending a hand at Club events, Warren shows up — not just as a board member, but as a believer in what’s possible when we invest in youth.

At the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, we’re grateful for his vision, his heart and his unwavering commitment to building Great Futures at the Club and beyond.

Step inside the Clubhouse and see where Great Futures begin. Schedule a tour with a board member to learn more about the Club, our programs and how to get involved!

At the Forefront of Youth Mental Health

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 23:53:43 GMT

Inside the Wellness Program at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

“Just hit the ball as hard as you can. Pretend it’s Fruit Ninja.”

That’s what Mr. Alex, a Behavioral Support Specialist at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (BGCSM), told a young Club member who was having a tough time managing his anger. Though hesitant at first, by the tenth swing, he was fully engaged, releasing the tension he had bottled up into his batting swings again and again without being prompted.

“I didn’t know I could express my anger in a different way,” he said to Mr. Alex, opening the door to a new path for managing his emotions.

This is just one example of the many creative and intentional approaches the Wellness Team at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos uses to support youth mental health.

“There are some kids who will close off if you ask them to talk about their feelings, so we have to find subtle ways to help them process those emotions,” said Mr. Alex.

But breakthroughs don’t happen overnight. They are the result of showing up consistently, patiently and without judgement. For Alex and his fellow Wellness Team members, consistency is key to building the kind of trust that helps our youth feel safe enough to express themselves and begin developing the tools they need to navigate their emotions in healthier ways.

Evolving to Meet Today’s Youth Mental Health Needs

In 2018, BGCSM became the first Boys & Girls Club in the region to integrate dedicated mental health support into its programming with the launch of the Wellness Program. What began as a small, responsive initiative to address the growing need for mental health services for youth has since expanded into a comprehensive, proactive support system embedded throughout the organization.

“These aren’t the kids we served 10 years ago,” said Wechsler, highlighting a rise in observed challenges related to attention and impulse control, difficulty with social interactions and symptoms of anxiety and depression among youth that have been on the rise over the last decade.

According to a report published by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, in 2024 , around one in seven children and adolescents aged 10 to 19 were affected by mental health conditions, with anxiety, depression and behavioral disorders among the most common.

To meet these evolving needs, the Wellness Team acknowledges that it can’t rely on traditional approaches alone. Addressing mental health with youth requires creativity, flexibility and a deep understanding of how to make these lessons both engaging and relatable.

Behavioral Support Specialist Alejandra especially enjoys leading group sessions, where she can connect with youth in a meaningful way while reaching more kids at once.

“One of my favorite moments was when I made Thanos gloves with the kids,” she recalled. “I had them write a coping skill on each finger of the glove, and they added a gem to symbolize it – their own infinity gauntlet of coping skills. The kids really enjoyed the activity and made a powerful and real connection to the lesson.”

Equipping Staff to Recognize and Respond

In 2023, Rady’s Children’s Hospital reported a 30% post-pandemic increase in children experiencing mental health crises.

This statistic mirrors what our program staff are seeing at our Club sites – more youth are struggling at an alarming rate, and the need for mental health support is urgent.

“We’re just beginning to see how many new delays and challenges youth are facing as a result of the pandemic,” said Wechsler.

As these challenges become more prevalent, the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is not only expanding direct services but also ensuring that every adult on staff is prepared to step in with care and confidence. With a goal to certify 100% of staff in Youth Mental Health First Aid, BGCSM is equipping its entire team with the training they need to serve as the first line of support when a child needs it most. To date, 90% of Club staff are trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid.

The Big Picture: Supporting the Whole Child

Our mission has always been about helping kids reach their full potential, and today that means addressing mental health with the same care and intention we give to academic success and enrichment.

The Wellness Team is always looking ahead and piloting innovative ways to expand program offerings and deepen its positive impact at the Club. From introducing a wellness coach at our Double Peak School site to developing a pet therapy program, aligning strategic community partnerships and even streamlining internal processes that improve youth outcomes, the wellness team continues to trailblaze what's possible in the field of youth wellness.

While the pressures facing today’s youth are ever-changing, there is one thing we know for certain at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos: we can’t build great futures without making youth mental health a top priority.

Making Every Chapter Count

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 22:53:46 GMT

How Volunteer Peggy Martin is Inspiring Young Readers

When you walk into the Zable Foundation Clubhouse on a typical Wednesday, you’re likely to be greeted by the sound of enthusiastic chatter as little voices ask, “What are we reading today?” followed by a chorus of excited first- and second-graders screaming, “Hi Miss Peggy!”

That warm welcome is for Peggy Martin, a dedicated volunteer, whose gentle presence and genuine love for kids, continues to make an indelible mark on the Club.

Peggy brings a passion for youth development to BGCSM Bookworms, a growing program at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos focused on encouraging early literacy among youth ages 6 to 8. Funded by the Dr. Seuss Foundation, this initiative creates a fun, group-based learning environment where young readers can grow their skills and confidence. Held twice a week at both the Jennifer Loscher and Zable Foundation Branches, Bookworms combines story time with hands-on, book-themed activities — all made possible with the help of volunteers like Peggy.

“I love what the Club is doing with the kids,” she said. “I like that it gives them a place to go after school...that the Club is here to be that extra support for the families, for the kids and for the community.”

After a successful career rooted in human resources, office management and accounting in Washington State, Peggy relocated and eventually retired in San Marcos. She looked for meaningful ways to give back to her community, and that search led her to the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos—and she hasn’t looked back since.

“I look forward to Bookworms every week. I love the little kids,” she said, her face lighting up. “The first week I returned after an injury, I was sitting outside, and as the kids came walking up from school, they started yelling, ‘Miss Peggy! Miss Peggy!’ My heart nearly burst.”

Now in her second-year volunteering in the program, Peggy has not only built strong bonds with the children in her group, but has seen firsthand how consistency, encouragement, and a little fun can go a long way. “Last year, I saw such growth—not just in their reading skills, but in their ability to sit still and stay engaged,” she said with pride, explaining how rewarding it is to witness this kind of progress during such a formative time.

Peggy’s dedication is a powerful reminder of the incredible impact volunteers can have on the lives of young people. Through her service, she has not only helped kids build their literacy skills—she has also played a role in strengthening their confidence, their curiosity and their love of learning.

“Reading opens up so much of the world to everybody,” said Peggy. “More than anything else that I do, it makes me feel like I'm helping—and that’s important to me.”

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."

-Dr. Seuss

Become a Volunteer:

Great Futures are made possible by great volunteers. Ready to make a difference? Visit our volunteer page to start your application and join the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos today!

Help our Club Teen Win a $5,000 Scholarship as the Cox Mobile Fan Favorite

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:33:53 GMT

Vote now for San Diego's phone case design finalist as Cox Mobile Fan Favorite

21 Boys & Girls Clubs of America teens nationwide competing for $5,000 scholarship

San Diego, CA, March 28, 2025 – Cox Mobile and Boys & Girls Clubs of America announced the addition of the Cox Mobile Fan Favorite Contest to their Mobile Phone Case Design Contest. Starting today, individuals nationwide can vote for their favorite phone case design as the Cox Mobile Fan Favorite. The winning artist will receive a $5,000 Cox Mobile scholarship.

Aimee G. has been recognized as one of the 22 finalists in the competition, representing the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos and the San Diego Cox Market. Aimee’s design highlights, “A future where we can come together as humanity to help preserve our beloved earth with more sustainable practices like utilizing renewable energy like windmills. A world that is more harmonious meshing modern human life and technology with the more natural world. My illustration is one of a dream to pass on the world as we know it with all its life on to future generations.”

You can vote for San Diego’s finalist Aimee G. at www.cox.com/phonecasecontest and in local Cox retail stores until April 18th.

Every vote helps showcase the creativity and talent within the San Diego community while supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of America nationwide.

“Our partnership with Cox Mobile has made a lasting impact on the kids and teens we serve,” said Christine Vaughan, President & CEO for Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. “Opportunities like the Cox Mobile Phone Case Design Contest and Cox Mobile Fan Favorite Contest not only inspire creativity but also show our Club members that their talents and ideas are valued.”

About the Mobile Phone Case Design Contest

The Mobile Phone Case Design Contest encouraged teen members to design a phone case inspired by “A World Within Reach.” The designs illustrate the power of digital access and connectivity in unlocking opportunities for education, creativity and innovation. The contest marks the 20 ^th anniversary of Cox Innovation labs, located in Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide.

On March 25, Cox Mobile and Boys & Girls Club announced Gracie A. of Louisiana as the grand prize winner. She received a $25,000 scholarship and OtterBox will manufacture her design. The phone case will be sold online and in Cox retail stores. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In addition, Gracie’s home Club in Acadiana, Louisiana will receive a $25,000 grant for a Cox Innovation Lab, providing technology and resources kids need to succeed.

“For decades, Cox has been proud to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to empower young people with the technology and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Chanelle Hawken, San Diego Market Vice President for Cox Communications. “This contest reflects our shared commitment to fostering imagination and innovation, and we’re honored to help bring young artists like Aimee’s vision to life while supporting the incredible work of Boys & Girls Clubs here in San Diego and nationwide.”

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America ( BGCA.org ) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,400 Clubs serve more than 3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and X .

About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. As the largest private broadband company in America, we operate fiber-powered networks in more than 30 states, providing connections and advanced cloud and managed IT services for nearly seven million homes and businesses nationwide. We're dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities, and the characteristics that make each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.

Through Cox Business, Hospitality Network, RapidScale and Segra, Cox Communications provides a broad commercial services portfolio including advanced cloud, managed IT and fiber-based network solutions that create connected environments, unique hospitality experiences and support diverse applications for nearly 370,000 businesses nationwide.

Breaking Barriers & Creating Impact: Meet Our 2025 Youth of the Year

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:30:56 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos named Delilah Garcia this year's Youth of the Year at a celebration on Jan. 31, 2025.

Meet Delilah, Our 2025 Youth of the Year

Dressed in a bold pink blazer, Delilah Garcia walks into a room with confidence—a reflection of the determination that defines her journey. As this year’s Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, her story is one of perseverance, ambition and a deep commitment to helping others.

From her first moments at the Club as a young girl to returning as a dedicated member of the Career Pathways Program, Delilah has taken full advantage of the opportunities offered to her. The Club has been more to her than just an afterschool program––it has been a space where she has discovered her strengths, refined her goals and found a true passion for advocacy and leadership.

“The Boys & Girls Club means a lot to me because it offers me a safe place where I can express myself and has given me access to a variety of opportunities I wouldn’t have had outside of here,” said the Mission Hills High School senior.

Delilah remembers her first experiences at the Club not yet as a member, but as “Mr. Roger’s little sister.” With her parents living in Mexico while they were in California, Delilah’s older siblings stepped in to care for her and her sister.

She fondly recalls the Boys & Girls Club as a nurturing environment or, in her words, “a home I didn’t even realize I needed” highlighting how much it meant to her and her family that she was welcomed into youth programming while her brother worked as a Youth Development Professional at San Marcos Elementary School. Her weekly time at the Club with her brother came to an end in fifth grade when her parents returned to the U.S., but the impact of those early experiences stayed with her.

Delilah found her way back to the Boys & Girls Club in her sophomore year of high school as part of the Career Pathways Program, where she connects with

professionals, develops both hard and soft skills like public speaking, and participates in college and career readiness sessions that have helped her confidently navigate the college application process as a first-generation student.

The program not only equipped her with career readiness tools but also provided financial support through a stipend funded by the Best Buy Teen Tech Center. This allowed her to cover personal expenses and enjoy time with friends without the constant worry of adding financial stress to her family. For Delilah, the program isn’t just about building a resume—it’s about building a future.

“Before Career Pathways, I wasn’t sure of my career options. I was kind of always set that I was going to be a doctor or in the medical field,” she said. “But thanks to the program, I was able to get internships that were paid throughout the summer that helped me understand more about what I wanted to do in the future, and it broadened my horizon of what the opportunities actually were.”

Delilah gained her first real-world work experience--and a glimpse into the medical field--through an internship with TrueCare, a local nonprofit healthcare provider. But it was through her second internship with local developer Sea Breeze Properties that sparked a newfound interest in the world of business. This experience solidified her decision to pursue a bachelor's degree in business, with a possible minor in statistics or data science.

Pursuing an education is deeply meaningful to Delilah, as her mother faced barriers that prevented her from accessing the resources needed to further her own education, despite a strong desire to do so. For this reason, and her own experience as a first-generation Hispanic student, she empathizes deeply with these groups and is determined to uplift them. Her involvement with the Club has inspired her to take part in volunteer work and advocacy efforts, ensuring that she is always pushing herself to give back.

Delilah’s passion she has for helping others shines through her role as an ambassador for Project Next, where she empowers fellow first-generation students by providing them guidance and resources to prepare for their academic and career paths after graduation.

Additionally, as the social media manager for the Mission Hills’ First Gen Club, she promotes educational opportunities and fosters a sense of community among students facing similar challenges.

But Delilah is no stranger to challenges; in fact, she embraces them. Coupled with her love for field hockey and experience as a sports captain, her goal is to enter the sports industry—a field she loves and where she is eager to inspire more female representation.

Delilah considers being named Youth of the Year an honor and a privilege and looks forward to competing at the County-level competition in March. Her journey with the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos has helped her make informed decisions, discover her strengths, refine her goals and ultimately has given her the confidence to build community and advocate for others. While her Great Future is just beginning, one thing is for certain--she will continue to inspire and uplift those around, pink blazer and all.

Welcoming Christine Vaughan as our Next President & CEO

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 22:32:18 GMT

Welcoming Christine Vaughan as our Next President & CEO

We are excited to share an important update from the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. After four incredible years of outstanding leadership at the Club, Cathy Baur, our President & CEO, will retire in November following her 35-year career of inspiring powerful and positive change in our community.

With the support of Blair Search Partners, the Board of Directors conducted an extensive search, and we are pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Vaughan as our new President & Chief Executive Officer, effective Nov. 4.

Christine is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders. A powerful storyteller with more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has demonstrated her ability to create inclusive and supportive environments where young people can thrive. Her enthusiasm, servant-leadership style, and daring creativity inspire those around her, fostering a belief that every child deserves opportunities to connect, grow, and reach their full potential.

Christine joined the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos in 2022 as our Vice President of Development & Marketing, where she has been instrumental in leading our philanthropic efforts, refining our marketing strategies, and strengthening our resource infrastructure. Under her leadership, the Club has not only diversified its philanthropic revenue streams but has also elevated our special event fundraising, increased volunteerism, and enhanced community engagement. Her strategic vision has been vital in advocating for youth and the Club, ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of our community.

Prior to joining the Club, she served as the Director of Communications at Cal State San Marcos, where she led marketing, strategic communications, branding, and media relations during a period of unprecedented growth for the university. During her 12-year tenure, she was instrumental in growing the university’s Giving Day campaign, developed the case for support for the university’s first comprehensive campaign which exceeded its goal by raising $55M and conceptualized and championed the first-ever Graduates on Parade, which was covered by the New York Times. Prior to working at Cal State San Marcos, she managed public relations and special events for Interfaith Community Services for nearly five years.

Christine’s commitment to youth empowerment extends beyond her professional career. As a fourth-generation Girl Scout and recipient of the Gold Award, she leads two large Girl Scout troops for her daughters and supports leader development as the volunteer Service Unit Manager for Vista Girl Scouts.

As we look to the future, we are excited to have Christine at the helm as we embark on this new chapter. Her leadership will undoubtedly bring new opportunities and continued success to our Club and the young people we serve.

The Growing Divide and Soaring Cost of Summer Camps

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 19:29:59 GMT

The Los Angeles Times recently published an insightful article that rings true for so many working families. Among the rising costs of inflation is the very real struggle that parents face trying to find quality, affordable care for their children during the summer.

Too often, summer camps offer limited hours that don’t align with a working parent’s schedule, and they come with a huge price tag. The average weekly day camp in California is a staggering $530 per child.

Finding viable options can feel nearly impossible for families with modest means and can be gut wrenching for those falling below the poverty line.

Thanks to our community of champions and supporters, the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is able to fill a critical gap that helps our youth thrive and gives parents have peace of mind. Strong families build strong communities, and when we support our youth by investing in their development, we all thrive together.

Sponsor a Youth at Camp

To ensure that all youth have access to a safe and fun summer program, our Club offers camp scholarships. You can make a meaningful difference this summer by sponsoring a youth for a week at summer camp. Scholarships help ease the burden for working families, and our programs provide a positive and lasting impression on our youth as they grow in their confidence, leadership, and character.

Spread the Word

There are still three more weeks of summer for our San Marcos youth, and you may know someone looking for a fun and affordable camp for their kids.

Our weekly summer camps offer:

Flexible drop-off and pick-up hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Engaging and fun activities that change with each week’s theme
Outdoor games, water play, and friendly competition in our Games Room
Optional field trip add-ons to the Wave, laser tag, bowling, Cinepolis, and more
Caring and consistent staff trained in wellness, first aid, and youth safety

… all at the affordable price of $135 a week! (yes, you read that correctly: $135)

Looking for more ways to help? Join us for:

Flapjacks for Backpacks

Saturday, Aug. 3 from 7-11 a.m.

Featuring a pancake breakfast fundraiser, backpack & supply distribution, and resource fair. Buy your tickets now to support youth scholarships!

Annual Auction

Saturday, Oct. 5 starting at 5 p.m.

Boogie on back to 1979 with our disco-inspired gala as we celebrate 45 years of youth impact. Reserve your table or tickets today!

Volunteer with our Club

Make a positive difference as a Club volunteer. Work with youth, help with special projects, share your expertise, or support us behind the scenes. Contact Ashley, our amazing Events & Volunteer Coordinator, to learn more at ashley@boysgirlsclubsm.org .

Free Outdoor Movie Night on Friday, July 26

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 20:17:17 GMT

Join us for a Free Outdoor Movie Night at North City on Friday, July 26

Featuring Disney's Moana

250 North City Drive, San Marcos

Pre-Show Activities: 5-6:30 p.m.

Movie Start: 6:30 p.m.

Another FREE outdoor movie night at North City is coming Friday July 26, featuring Disney's Moana. Bring your blankets and low beach chairs to enjoy an evening under the stars with complimentary popcorn, delicious food and beverage offerings for purchase, and even appearances by Moana and Hei Hei!

Pre-Show Activities - 5pm-6:30pm

Movie Start - 6:30pm

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos!

Cooking up Confidence in the Kitchen

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 16:33:41 GMT

Our members are learning the art of healthy cooking thanks to Aroma Housewares!

Something extra savory has been cooking in the Clubhouse kitchens of the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos . Thanks to the generous support of Aroma Housewares , nearly 40 youth gained confidence in the kitchen this spring as they chopped, steamed, grilled, and baked delicious recipes as part of three popular cooking clubs that inspired young chefs to flex their culinary skills.

“Cooking is more fun when sharing it with people,” said third grader Valentina, who recently discovered her passion for the culinary arts.

Valentina was one of the lucky young chefs who participated in a 10-week cooking club this spring at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos.

The experience was made possible through a partnership with Aroma Housewares, who generously covered all costs to run three unique cooking clubs at both the Jennifer Loscher Branch and Zable Foundation Branch Clubhouses. In addition to funding all cooking necessities – including fresh ingredients, kitchenware, custom-made aprons, and staff support – Aroma also donated several tabletop appliances that allowed the clubs to explore different cooking techniques.

“We are so thankful for the incredible support and partnership of Aroma Housewares,” said Bianka Campos, branch manager for the Jennifer Loscher Branch Clubhouse. “Our members loved being part of the cooking club, and it was so special to watch their self-confidence build each week as they mastered new skills in the kitchen.”

Putting their new Aroma Housewares supplies to good use, youth explored a variety of cooking styles and created culinary masterpieces like spaghetti and meatballs, dumplings, spring rolls, and Bolani, an Afghan flatbread. The youth also learned valuable foundational skills, including the flavorful power of spices, kitchen safety, and how to properly operate different countertop appliances, including an Aroma food steamer, rice cooker, 3-in-1 grillet, and multi-cooker.

Known for their high-quality products and superior designs, Aroma Housewares is a global leader in tabletop cookware and appliances, and America’s top manufacturer of rice cookers. The San Diego-based company, led by its founder and CEO Peter Chang since 1977, cares deeply about making a meaningful difference in the world. While cookware is their specialty, their heart for people is inspiring.

Oh, The Places You'll Go with Literacy

Fri, 17 May 2024 16:27:22 GMT

New Reading Program Pairs Volunteers with Young Readers

Dr. Seuss once famously said, “You’re never too old, too wacky, or too wild to pick up a book and read to a child.” His words – and books – were at the heart of a new literacy program that launched this spring, linking volunteers with young readers at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos .

Funded by a generous grant from the Dr. Seuss Foundation Fund at the San Diego Foundation , BGCSM Bookworms welcomed 46 first- and second-grade youth as part of the piloted literacy program. Twice a week, youth members met with volunteers at the Jennifer Loscher Branch and Zable Foundation Branch clubhouses to read books, play literacy games, and complete book-themed activities.

“I wanted to be part of this initiative because I love to read, and I think it's such an important foundational skill for young people to have confidence in reading and be able to learn about the world and feed their curiosity. If you can't read, you just can't learn,” said Barbara, a member of Contemporary Women of North County who volunteered weekly to support the new program.

The past spring, BGCSM Bookworms coincided with the Club’s daily Power Hour , which dedicates an hour of Club time each day to focus on academic achievement and provide homework support. While the literacy club focused on elevating and enhancing youth outcomes in reading, it also helped rebuild and reinvigorate volunteer support following the pandemic. Thirteen new volunteers joined the Club through the program, spanning from college students to active retirees.

“It’s been really rewarding to work directly with the kids and do something as impactful as helping them learn to read,” said Nikou, a recent graduate of Cal State San Marcos who is preparing to attend dental school. “This experience actually inspired me to look into pediatric dentistry because I feel so connected with all the kids.”

Avid readers themselves, both Barbara and Nikou know the transformative power that reading can provide, transporting readers to new worlds and introducing people and cultures they might otherwise never encounter. Research continues to show how cultivating a love of reading at a young age has a lifetime of benefits, including helping strengthen self-confidence and imagination, and develop core learning skills.

Earlier this month, youth members and volunteers for the BGCSM Bookworms specialty club got together for a special end-of-school-year celebration to recognize youth achievement and share appreciation for the program’s amazing volunteers. At the beginning of the program, members set their own reading goals, which included goals like reading a certain number of books or improving their reading level by the end of the semester. Nearly all of our BGCSM Bookworms celebrated reaching their reading goals as the program wrapped up.

In total, the BGCSM Bookworms from both the Jennifer Loscher Branch and Zable Foundation Branch Clubhouses spent more than 2,400 minutes reading with volunteers. They also got to take home a total of 262 books to continue strengthening their reading muscles outside of the Club.

The BGCSM Bookworms club plans to return in the fall and inspire even more young readers.

"It is such a joy to see our kids have a love of learning so young, “said Chelsea Piedras, Zable Foundation Branch Director. “Our youth were always so eager to come to BGCSM Bookworms to discuss and connect with staff and volunteers about the books that they were reading together.”

Become a Volunteer

Great Futures are fueled by amazing volunteers. To get started at a volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, visit our volunteer page to start your application.

Finding Courage to Rise Above

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 16:31:47 GMT

Introducing Isabella Jimenez-Ramirez, San Diego County Youth of the Year!

Isabella poses with friends, family, and BGCSM staff at the San Diego County Youth of the Year Ceremony on Mar.12, 2024

When Isabella Jimenez-Ramirez first started coming to the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (BGCSM) at the age of 7, she was painstakingly shy. A self-described wallflower, she surprised everyone when she chose to join the Club’s flag football team in first grade, even though everyone towered at least an entire foot above her. She knew nothing about the game and didn’t consider herself much of an athlete. But that didn’t stop her from finding the courage to try something new. It’s that same resilient spirit and enduring curiosity that today has propelled Isabella to her next big moment as she vies for the title of California Youth of the Year, the highest honor in the state for a Boys & Girls Club teen.

“The Club is my home away from home. I can be here and let my imagination just go,” said Isabella, or Isa as she’s known around the Club. “I have this daily boost of dopamine knowing that I'm coming here and it just helps me out. It's really important to me in that way because it helps me be a better person.”

Last month, Isa’s cheering squad of mentors and lifelong friends from the Club showed up in a big way when the Mission Hills High School senior was named the San Diego County Youth of the Year. The prestigious honor means that Isa will serve as an ambassador for more than 33,000 Boys & Girls Club youth members in the San Diego region.

Isa credits the Club for helping her through her hardest struggle when the once-shy youth almost failed out of school due to an undiagnosed learning disability. Once thrust into middle school, she began to sink. Isa found herself struggling more with her schoolwork and was overwhelmed academically and emotionally.

“Academics had become dreadful; I wasn’t in the best spot in my life, but as I have grown over the years and leaned into the amazing support system of mentors at the Club, what once felt unbearable has now become my unstoppable fuel.”

Fortunately, Isa had access to an abundance of academic resources right there at the Club. Thanks to her hard work, help from her mentors at BGCSM, and resources to better support her learning style, Isa was able to finish her seventh-grade year with nearly straight A’s.

Today, the 17-year-old often spends her time after school at the Club’s Teen Center, where you might find her working on homework, chatting with friends, playing Guitar Hero, or experimenting with the various machines in the Best Buy Teen Tech Center powered by Sony.

Having been a part of a wide range of programs, Isa acknowledges that the skills she’s developed and experiences she’s had with the Club have helped her become a confident and well-rounded young adult.

Being a part of the Club has also ignited one of Isa’s true passions: serving her community.

As an active member of the Club’s Leaders-In-Training (L.I.T.) program, she has been able to make an impact both within the Club and outside of it in her San Marcos community. Isa has developed leadership skills through community service, hands-on field trips, and special workshops and projects like collaborating with community partners to conduct vaccine outreach and education efforts.

Last summer, Isa had the opportunity to work with TrueCare, a local nonprofit healthcare provider, during a paid summer internship as part of the Club’s Career Pathways program. The yearlong workforce readiness program helped her develop important workforce readiness skills like interviewing, creating a resume, networking and more.

As she looks to the future, Isa plans to spend the next year continuing to explore what she loves. With encouragement from the staff at BGCSM, Isa is forging her own path, but for the moment, has her sights set on her upcoming high school graduation and potential title of California Youth of the Year.

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Receives Neighborhood Grant from Rite Aid Healthy Futures

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:36:30 GMT

More than 370 nonprofits receive $10,000 general operations grant

San Marcos, Calif . – Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos has received a $10,000 Neighborhood Grant from Rite Aid Healthy Futures to continue advancing its important mission focused on promoting the wellness, health, and success of school-aged youth in the San Marcos community.

Part of its overall Empowering Children signature initiative for Rite Aid Healthy Futures, the Neighborhood Grants help nonprofits address the toughest health and wellness challenges facing kids today.

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos joins 370 other grassroots organizations who have each received a $10,000 grant for general operations. The funds will help them continue to deliver critical services as inflation, food insecurity, troubling mental health trends and other converging factors impact children.

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos will use these funds to support the continued operation of after-school programming across its 14 sites and full day camps during school breaks and holidays. Programs connect youth with high-impact, educational learning programs, recreational activities that encourage healthy lifestyles, and social-emotional wellness services to youth who attend school in the San Marcos Unified School District and live in the surrounding communities.

“We are proud to have been selected as one of the many worthy recipients of a Rite Aid Healthy Futures Neighborhood grant,” said Cathy Baur, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. “These funds will help us promote equity in our community by giving each child and teen we serve the tools to lead successful lives.”

The grants are funded through the KidCents customer fundraising program, which allows Rite Aid customers to round up their purchases in-store and online to support children’s health and wellness.

By rounding up their nickels, dimes and quarters, millions of Rite Aid customers contribute to local charities restoring hope, resiliency and self-esteem in children.

“Children today face acute and converging crises across a range of fields that adversely impact their quality of life,” said Matt DeCamara, executive director of Rite Aid Healthy Futures. “Thanks to the generosity of Rite Aid customers, these hyperlocal organizations can continue to provide much needed programs and services steadying the course for children today and guiding them toward promising tomorrows.”

For a full list of recipient organizations, please click here .

About Rite Aid Healthy Futures
Rite Aid Healthy Futures is a public charity that improves the lives and futures of kids in Rite Aid communities through partnerships that help build healthier, more equitable neighborhoods. Launched by Rite Aid in 2001, Healthy Futures supports causes, initiatives and organizations that help kids live long, happy and healthy lives. Grants are made possible through the generous donations of customers who round-up their purchases at Rite Aid through the KidCents program. Visit RiteAidHealthyFutures.org to learn more.

About Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (BGCSM) is a nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to inspire and enable all young people to become productive, responsible and caring citizens. As part of a nationwide movement of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, BGCSM offers youth programs, developed and run by trained youth development professionals, that emphasize three priority outcome areas: academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles. The organization, which first opened its doors in 1979 at Woodland Park, now serves more than 2,500 members, ages 6 to 18, annually at two standalone Clubhouses, ten school-based sites and two affordable housing communities throughout San Marcos. To learn more, please visit www.boysgirlsclubsm.org.

###

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Media Contacts

Marisol Ortega

Communications & Marketing Coordinator

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

marisol@boysgirlsclubsm.org

(760) 534-0503

Lauren Garrido

Communications & Marketing Director

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

lauren@boysgirlsclubsm.org

(760) 539-3310

Healthy Futures Media Contacts

Emelia Gabbert-Payne
Communications Specialist
Rite Aid Healthy Futures
Emelia.Gabbert-Payne@RiteAid.com
26 7 -576-2460 (Text messages OK)

Andrew Staub
Communications Manager
Rite Aid Healthy Futures
Andrew.Staub@riteaid.com
717-649-2437 (Text messages OK) [EGP1]

[EGP1] Please feel free to include one or both of our contacts alongside your organization’s own media contact.

Volunteer Spotlight: Dayleen Coleman

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 23:22:56 GMT

Say "Howdy" to Dayleen Coleman—owner of D'Liteful Chocolat and resident Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos trick roping instructor!

When Chef Dayleen Coleman was drawing up the business plan for her San Marcos chocolate and dessert shop— D’Liteful Chocolat —she made it a point to give back through her work, however she could. Now as she keeps busy selling her handmade chocolates and patisseries, Dayleen finds ways to donate both her time and resources to local organizations like Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (BGCSM).

Dayleen’s affinity for working with BGCSM and supporting San Marcos youth comes partly from her own experiences as a Boys & Girls Club member growing up in Exeter, Calif.

Most recently, Dayleen served on the volunteer committee responsible for organizing the organization’s annual auction —its biggest fundraising event. Taking place on October 14, the event drew in a crowd of nearly 300 local business and community leaders who wanted to help support the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos’ mission to create new opportunities for kids and families.

In addition to helping plan the event and contributing an auction item, Dayleen donated some of her time to coordinate the Auction’s youth performance. She worked with San Marcos Middle School students Kaylah, Serena and Delilah to teach them the art of trick roping, which they successfully performed for the event’s guests.

Trick roping is a performance art that originated in Mexico, where it's known as Floreo De Reata, and has also become synonymous with Western Culture here in the United States after its introduction in the 1890s. It is traditionally performed at rodeos, and it involves spinning a lasso in a variety of complex motions.

The art is a practice very near to Dayleen’s heart. While the San Marcos community might recognize Dayleen for her talent as a chocolatier, or her work with youth as a former social worker for Casa de Amparo , she was once known for something very different.

Growing up, Dayleen performed trick riding and roping as part of the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls , an elite troupe of young girls and women who travel all over the U.S. and the world showcasing their talents for wide audiences. Dayleen herself was able to experience this travel all over the world, performing at rodeos, western reenactments, and even NFL games for the 49ers . The troupe would also occasionally pick up jobs as stunt doubles for Hollywood films.

Once Kaylah, Serena, Delilah and a few of their friends learned a bit of Dayleen’s story, they saw it as an opportunity to learn something new after school at the Club. Though, they quickly realized that there was much more to trick roping than they had initially thought.

“[Ms. Dayleen] makes it look easy, but it’s really hard,” said sixth-grader Kaylah. Trick roping is one of the first skills that Kaylah has had the opportunity to explore since she became a Boys & Girls Club member earlier this school year.

Just like Kaylah, eighth-grader Delilah started her Boys & Girls Club journey just this school year. She also felt that it was much harder than she initially expected, but she was proud of herself that she could do it. She credits Dayleen’s patience and tendency to give personal instruction for helping her learn so quickly.

By the time the Auction performance rolled around, Delilah’s nerves had subsided, because she knew that she would be up there with her friends by her side. The performance ended up being a crowd favorite, with a few audience members even getting up to join them. Amongst them was San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones , who was able to pick up a few of their skills.

Though the performance has passed, both Delilah and Kaylah are excited to continue working on their trick roping skills with Dayleen. Volunteers like Dayleen create opportunities for BGCSM members to explore new topics and develop new passions and skills during their time at the Club.

To learn more about volunteering with BGCSM, visit www.boysgirlsclubsm.org/volunteer.

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Welcomes New Board Member

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Welcomes New Board Member

The organization strengthens its ties to the community with the addition of Robin Flaum

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is pleased to announce the appointment of Robin Flaum, senior director of global market development, biosciences, at Thermo Fisher Scientific, to the organization’s board of directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Robin as our newest board director,” said Cathy Baur, president & CEO for the youth development organization. “Her passion for our mission and fresh perspective will help shape the trajectory of our club and its impact on the community for years to come.”

Flaum brings more than 35 years of experience in marketing, brand strategy, operations, customer care, and various other skills. In her role at Thermo Fisher Scientific, she is responsible for the marketing strategy, development, and execution for the Molecular Biology business. Throughout her career, her passion to provide educational opportunities for the younger generation has led to her becoming an advisory board member at Cal State San Marcos for the School of Business Administration.

“I believe in the power of connection to bring out the best in all of us,” said Flaum. “Every child deserves someone who will show up and never give up on them. Being a part of Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos gives me an opportunity to be an advocate and champion for its members, helping them to reach their full potential—regardless of their resources, background, or circumstances. The power of the Boys & Girls Club is in making a lifelong impact on members’ lives and helping build a brighter future for all youth.”

Member Spotlight: Meet Caydee

Fri, 12 May 2023 15:55:23 GMT

A Surprising & Rising Star

Caydee never imagined that she’d find herself enjoying the spotlight. The fifth grader is quick to point out how painfully shy and soft-spoken she was when she was younger. But being part of Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos has given her the space and support to find her voice in the most unlikely of places: center stage.

Caydee’s theatrical journey began in spring 2022, when her friends encouraged her to join them in the drama specialty club as part of the afterschool programming at Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. Originally cast to be part of the chorus line in the Club’s performance of “The Wizard of Oz,” Caydee was much more of a wallflower. That is until the lead actress set to play Dorothy got sick.

To the surprise of many, Caydee had memorized everyone’s lines including Dorothy’s. As the saying goes – the show must go on – and it did with Caydee stepping into the lead role where she dazzled on stage. The experience surprised her and left her wanting more. The next fall, when the drama Club voted to perform scenes from the beloved musical “Annie,” Caydee auditioned and earned the role she was dying to have.

“Her rendition of Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ captivated everyone,” said Francisco Madriz, director of operations. “She nailed her performance, and we all got such a kick out of how naturally she played such a notorious antagonist, when in real life, she is one of the kindest and most considerate kids you’ll ever meet.”

Caydee has been coming to the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos since she was in first grade. From that once shy six-year-old, Caydee has blossomed into a confident young leader, who inspires her fellow Club members to be the best version of themselves. Her can-do spirit and natural leadership style earned her the prestigious recognition of being named the 2023 Junior Youth of the Year at the Jennifer Loscher Branch.

“ Every time I see the words ‘Be Great’ on the wall at the Club, it makes me smile ,” said Caydee. “ It reminds me that no matter what may have happened earlier in my day, I can make it a great day at the Club – and I do. I am able to express myself in such positive ways here – it’s like my second home .”

Next month, Caydee will star as the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull in scenes from “Matilda, the Musical,” which she will perform for the youth and families at the Jennifer Loscher Branch. The character Agatha Trunchbull’s nasty disposition could not be more different than Caydee’s.

Specialty clubs, like the drama club, offer an opportunity for members to explore new activities and interests in a fun and supportive small group over the course of 8-10 weeks. Led by our passionate Youth Development Professionals, the themes and topics run the full gamut from baking and robotics, to music, soccer, candle making, STEM Club, animation, drama, and so much more. There has even been a specialty club dedicated to mastering Dungeons and Dragons.

While drama is certainly among Caydee’s favorite specialty clubs she has been part of over the years, her all-time favorite has been the seashell club. But don’t let the name confuse you, it was a baking club that the youth members renamed the seashell club.

Whether it’s making the most delicious batch of cookies, practicing dribbling maneuvers in soccer club, or running her lines in drama, Specialty Clubs have given Caydee the opportunity to express her creativity and discover new hobbies that she may have previously never considered before.

“ To me, being a Club kid means you’ll always have a place that’s there for you ,” said Caydee. “ This is a place where you can truly express yourself and learn new things, but also have a ton of fun at the same time! ”

Connect with Us

Interested in seeing our spring showcase at our Jennifer Loscher Branch Clubhouse next month? Contact events@boysgirlsclubsm.org for more details.

Good luck, Otis!

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 22:59:52 GMT

Good luck, Otis!

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos hosted its Wags & Wellness send-off party for Otis, a two-year-old golden retriever who will become the Club’s official pet therapy dog! BGCSM supporters gathered at the Club to bid Otis farewell before he embarked on a training and certification program that will enable him to provide the best care and experience for Club members as part of the new Pet Therapy program. This program will be an extension of the Wellness Program, which was created in 2018 to address the gap in access to mental health services and resources for San Marcos youth, aiming to support Club members in achieving their academic and personal goals by fostering coping skills, building self-esteem, setting goals, making responsible decisions, and providing positive reinforcement.

The Wellness Program provides youth with access to individual and group counseling, psychoeducation, case management, and crisis intervention at the Club, in addition to connecting families with a network of community resources. When Otis returns, he will work together with BGCSM’s Wellness Program Director and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Amy Wechsler, to help Club members gain the tools they need to better understand their emotions and express them. Through a series of weekly workshops, youth in the Pet Therapy Program will explore a wide range of topics such as listening, impulse control, social skills, and healthy lifestyles. Otis will also offer social-emotional support during counseling visits, reduce stress during Power Hour (with some well-deserved belly rubs!), boost literacy as Club kids read to him, encourage active and healthy lifestyles during outdoor playtime, and foster positive pet interactions with Club members. Club members already adore Otis and have already formed a special bond with him during his visits. According to Hannah M., a second grader at the Club, "He makes me feel better when I am having a bad day because he's cute and soft!" Everyone at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is eagerly anticipating Otis's return, as they know he will do a fantastic job in providing the support and care that the Club members need.

Stepping Out to Lead

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 18:21:04 GMT

Stepping Out to Lead

When you’re 6’4” with fiery red hair, you are born to stand out. And that’s exactly what 16-year-old Shaun Travers told an audience of more than 100 guests at the 2023 San Diego County Youth of the Year Celebration.

The event, presented by Cox Communications and hosted by Thermo Fisher Scientific, celebrated the achievements of the region’s top youth last month where Shaun was one of four finalists.

“It’s the experiences at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos that have truly given me the opportunity to lead,” said Shaun.

For Shaun, that passion for service and leadership, was nurtured early on at Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. Shaun joined the Club as a kindergarten student when his mother needed a safe place for him to be after school as she worked. Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos proved to be the perfect solution — and the place where Shaun would eventually consider the Club his second home.

“The Club is a place where I feel safe and included,” said Shaun. “No matter what’s going on in my life, when I’m here, I always feel better, act better, and strive to be a better person.”

Shaun attended La Mirada Academy and was a member of the on-campus after-school program. There, Shaun was able to explore a wide range of activities, many of which sparked new passions and hobbies. Time and time again, Shaun would naturally gravitate toward leadership roles within the specialty clubs. In middle school, it all clicked when Shaun joined the Torch Club and Leaders in Training, Boys & Girls Clubs’ signature civic engagement and leadership development programs. These programs presented Shaun with the opportunity to serve as the club president and complete over 300 volunteer hours by the end of middle school, earning the teen the title of Junior Youth of the Year for La Mirada Academy.

“Shaun is a shining example of someone who gives so willingly from the heart,” said Stanley Fa’asua, Site Director for BGCSM’s afterschool program at La Mirada Academy. “Even now, years after leaving my program, Shaun continues to volunteer and spend time coming to give back to younger members.”

Shaun’s favorite service projects have been building care packages for the homeless, fundraising for disaster relief, leading outreach for COVID-19 vaccine education, and serving free meals to the community. The moment that stands out the most for Shaun was last year when the teen helped establish and outfit a state-of-the-art music studio in the Club’s Best Buy Teen Tech Center powered by Sony. That experience has helped fuel a passion for sound and lighting engineering, a field Shaun hopes to study in college.

Leading by example matters to Shaun. The 16-year-old junior at San Marcos High School still logs hundreds of service hours each year while balancing the demands of school, a part time job, and volunteer commitments at church. This summer, Shaun will represent the Club – as one of two standout youth leaders – on a two-week service trip to Alaska.

“Shaun exemplifies what it means to be a Boys & Girls Club kid,” said Cathy Baur, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. “The Club strives to empower, motivate, and inspire youth to be the best version of themselves, and we are proud of the amazing leadership Shaun continues to show every day at the Club.”

New Wheels for the Club!

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 23:42:13 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos purchased three new vehicles to transport members to cultural excursions

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos added three new hybrid vehicles to its fleet thanks to a $300,000 grant award from the California Natural Resources Agency. Funding will support the All for 1 Culture Club, a newly-launched program that aims to connect teens with opportunities to expand their knowledge and understanding of diverse cultures.

“We are proud to be able to help our members expand their worldview by connecting them with meaningful cultural experiences,” said Cathy Baur, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. “Our new vehicles will create countless opportunities for youth to create lasting memories as they explore new places and gain new experiences.”

During the program’s launch in the fall semester, members in the All for 1 Culture Club attended eight field trips, including leadership camps in Big Bear and Mammoth Mountain, museums in Balboa Park, Old Town San Diego, and a live production of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird at the San Diego Civic Theatre.

In conjunction with the offsite cultural expeditions, members participate in a bi-weekly specialty club, a semester-long program prepared and facilitated by BGCSM staff. Held during the afterschool program at the organization’s Teen Center and on-campus middle school sites, members immerse themselves in new cultures as they create hands-on projects, try new types of cuisine, and produce presentations on the history and traditions of different countries.

The All for 1 Culture Club was one of 65 projects awarded funding through the inaugural cycle of grants through the Youth Community Access Grant Program. Funded by Proposition 64, the California grant program supports youth projects that support access to natural or cultural throughout the region resources with a focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities.

The program is available to students in grades 6-12 who attend BGCSM's afterschool programs at the Teen Center, located in the Jennifer Loscher Branch, and on campus at Double Peak School, La Mirada Academy, San Elijo Middle School, San Marcos Middle School, and Woodland Park Middle School.

Meet our new Vice President of Development & Marketing

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 01:13:27 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos' Welcomes Christine Vaughan as the New Vice President of Development & Marketing

Serving 1,000+ More Kids in San Marcos

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 01:08:24 GMT

BGCSM will Serve an Additional 1,000 San Marcos Students through the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos began the new year by opening its newest on-campus program site at Knob Hill Elementary. The new location will serve up to 84 students each day after school as part of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program in partnership with the San Marcos Unified School District.

Xenia Ramirez, Site Director at the new program, excitedly welcomed members to the new program site that incorporates Power Hour, the national Boys & Girls Club homework help program, along with three locally-developed specialty clubs: soccer, Nature Club, and Art Club. After opening Knob Hill, Xenia expressed her thoughts on the new site, "It's been so rewarding to bring the fun, energy, and programs of our Club to Knob Hill. We're looking forward to growing our site and welcoming even more kids in the coming months."

The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) will allow BGCSM to serve over 1,000 additional SMUSD students in Kindergarten through 6 ^th grade at its two branches and on seven school campuses:

Double Peak School
Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School
Knob Hill Elementary School
La Mirada Academy
Richland Elementary School (beginning Spring 2023)
San Elijo Middle School
San Marcos Elementary School
San Marcos Middle School
Woodland Park Middle School

Enrollment is currently open at multiple locations for students who meet the following ELOP requirements: students who are classified as English Learners, students who meet income or categorical eligibility requirements for free or reduced meals under the National School Lunch Program, or students identified as foster youth or homeless as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act.

To inquire about availability and learn if your family qualifies for ELOP, click here to find the contact for your child’s school or site location.

Taking Center Stage

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 23:05:40 GMT

Members Showcase New Talents & Skills

Color Guard took the stage, Leaders in Training spoke on community service and the confidence skills they gained, and Dance delivered a choreographed piece that had been practiced to perfection in front of a crowd of their peers, parents, and supporters on Friday, Jan. 13, for the San Marcos Middle School site's Boys & Girls Club "Superbowl." A winter showcase featuring awards presentations, performances, and projects that members worked on in specialty clubs throughout the fall semester. Specialty clubs, 8-10 week programs offered as part of BGCSM’s afterschool program, provide members with opportunities to explore new interests as they gain skills in a recreational setting. The wide range of fall specialty clubs at the San Marcos Middle School site included Color Guard, Dance, Leaders in Training (LIT), Soccer All-Stars, Club 49 (Fitness Club), D.I.Y, Drama, and All for 1 Culture Club.

Roger Garcia, the Site Director for San Marcos Middle School, recognized everyone who made the winter showcase a success, with a special thanks to “the school & faculty for allowing us to use their facilities, the parents for entrusting their kids with us, the Boys & Girls Club staff who always coming in daily with great attitudes to ensure our kids have a fun time –and finally the kids! Without them we would not be able to do what we do, and they always bring a smile to our face.”

Building Great Futures with Thermo Fisher Scientific

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 08:36:36 GMT

STEM is LIT!

On Monday, January 16, volunteers from Thermo Fisher Scientific honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by hosting STEM is LIT! with youth at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos! Designed for students in the third grade, the program provided Club members with opportunities to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through a variety of fun, hands-on activities. Equipped with their own lab goggles and aprons, members created their own DNA double helix out of candy, widened their STEM vocabulary, and even extracted the DNA of a strawberry! At the end of the exciting day camp, students were able to take home a bag of goodies filled with notebooks, pencils, books, and more so that they could further explore their newfound interest in STEM.

Volunteers also taught members about the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the history behind Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream,” speech. Together, as a group, they thought, shared, and wrote down their own dreams – to finish college, become a teacher, a video game designer, and a scientist!

Our Club members had a blast learning about DNA and dreaming about their Great Futures. Thank you to Thermo Fisher Scientific for taking the time to volunteer at our Club and for showing our members that STEM is LIT!

"Everybody can be great – because anybody can serve."

- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We're thankful for moments like this

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 00:33:10 GMT

Thank you for Building Great Futures at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos!

Thanks to the support of our incredible community, we welcomed more than 3,000 kids through our doors this year, creating meaningful moments and spaces for our youth to play, explore, grow, and gain new skills.

Here are just a few of the exciting moments during 2022 at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos:

Opened our beautiful new Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation Branch with an exciting maker space, gamesroom, tech center, culinary kitchen, and community room.
Renovated our Jennifer Loscher Branch from the roof to the floors and never missed a single day serving our kids.
Provided nearly 1,000 kids with new school supplies and backpacks to start their academic year.
Brought hands-on STEM and robotics activities to the Club.
Launched All-for-One Culture Club, giving our middle school and high school members new cultural experiences and excursions.
Explored the great outdoors in Mammoth as our teens flexed their leadership skills.
Celebrated our San Diego County Youth of Year, Ernie Montano, and even cheered him on as he threw out the opening pitch during the National League Championship Series.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of the big moments and the little ones, too!

From all of us at Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, we wish you a joyful and happy Thanksgiving!

Building Great Futures on Giving Day

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:57:30 GMT

BGCSM Community to Celebrate Giving Day on Nov. 29

Join us for #BGCSMGivingDay to celebrate Great Futures at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos! Your support will ensure all San Marcos youth have opportunities to develop lasting friendships, unleash their creativity, and accomplish their goals!

Areas you can make an impact today:

Where It's Needed Most: ensure a bright future is within reach for all youth by supporting our fun, impactful programs and activities at the Clubhouse
Great Futures Scholarship Fund: offer a memorable summer camp experience for San Marcos youth and ensure cost is not a barrier to new opportunities and activities
Gamesroom Refresh Project: upgrade the Gamesroom at the main Clubhouse with the latest and greatest interactive games that encourage healthy lifestyles, strategic thinking, and goods sportsmanship
Wags & Wellness with the Pet Therapy Program: create one paw-sitive place with Therapy Dog Otis and provide youth with wellness activities that promote healthy communication, self-confidence, and leadership

We are #GreaterTogether ! Make a gift, become a Giving Day Ambassador, or spread the word to join our community of champions for youth dedicated to creating opportunities for local youth!

MAKE A GIFT

BECOME A GIVING DAY AMBASSADOR

SPREAD THE WORD

Giving Thanks with Turkey & Tech

Sat, 19 Nov 2022 16:31:05 GMT

The technology-fueled Cox Innovation Lab at the newest Boys & Girls Club branch was made possible by a grant from The James M. Cox Foundation.

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Celebrates Grand Opening of Cox Innovation Lab

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos had one more exciting reason to give thanks at this year’s annual Thanksgiving celebration with the official ribbon cutting of its Cox Innovation Lab on Thursday, Nov. 17. The new high-tech space will help narrow the digital divide by giving more kids access to the tools and technology they need to explore and develop important STEM and digital literacy skills.

Club members, families, and local community leaders will joined top executives from Cox Communications for a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the Club’s newest branch – the Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation Branch – which opened its doors just four months ago.

The Cox Innovation Lab, which is made possible by a $20,000 grant from The James M. Cox Foundation, is a technology-fueled makerspace featuring new Chromebooks and iPads powered by Cox’s high-speed internet and equipped with graphic design software, a green screen, robotics programming software and equipment, two 3-D printers and pens, a fully outfitted podcast station, and flexible furniture that inspires collaboration and connection.

“We are thankful for our partners at Cox Communications who are helping provide meaningful digital experiences for our youth – many of whom do not have these tools available to them at home,” said Cathy Baur, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos.

“A reliable connection to the internet is more important now than ever before,” said Ingo Hentschel, senior vice president and region manager for Cox Communications. “We’re committed to ensuring our children are connected at school, at home and right here at the Boys & Girls Club where so many children spend their afternoons. We look forward to the incredible achievements we’re going to see from all of these bright kids in the coming years.”

Following the ribbon-cutting celebration, Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos served its annual grab-and-go style Thanksgiving dinner to nearly 300 of its youth and their family members. Organized by teen members in the Club's Leaders in Training program, the dinner was made possible by the generosity of local San Marcos businesses and community members. Food and supplies were donated by the San Marcos Grocery Outlet and the meals—complete with all the traditional fixings—was prepared by San Marcos restaurant, The Bellows.

About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. The largest private broadband company in America, we proudly serve seven million homes and businesses across 18 states. We're dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities, and the characteristics that make each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.

About The James M. Cox Foundation
The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises’ founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. James M. Cox was Ohio's first three-term governor and the 1920 Democratic nominee for president of the United States. The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including conservation and environment; early childhood education; empowering families and individuals for success; and health.

About Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (BGCSM) inspires and enables all young people to become productive, responsible and caring citizens. As part of a nationwide movement of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, BGCSM offers exceptional youth programs, developed and run by trained youth development professionals, that emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. The organization, which first opened its doors in 1979 at Woodland Park, now serves over 3,000 members, ages 6 to 18, annually at two standalone Clubhouses, seven school-based sites, and two affordable housing communities throughout San Marcos. Visit www.boysgirlsclubsm.org to learn more.

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Welcomes Two New Board Directors

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 20:05:44 GMT

Two Community Members to Join BGCSM Board of Directors

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos has announced the appointment of two additions to its Board of Directors. This expands the BGCSM Board of Directors to 14 members. The newest board directors include Leon Wyden, Vice President, Finance & Administrative Services at California State University San Marcos, and Maria Gomez, Field Representative for EDCO Waste & Recycling Services, local business and community leaders who both expressed a strong commitment and desire to furthering opportunities for local youth.

“Leon and Maria are wonderful additions to our Board of Directors,” said Cathy Baur, President & CEO for the youth development organization. “They both bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to what is already a very strong board.”

The new additions to the Board of Directors:

Leon Wyden

Leon L. Wyden Jr. has been working in higher education finance since 2006. He currently serves as Vice President, Finance & Administrative Services at California State University San Marcos. Previous positions include vice president for administration and finance at Frostburg State University, vice president for business affairs at the University of Findlay, vice president for finance and administration at Tiffin University, and associate vice president of finance and planning at Upper Iowa University.

Wyden is a CPA whose first position in higher education was as Deputy Controller at Howard University. He began his career with the accounting firm Ernst & Young in Detroit, followed by recruitment to a position at the pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick, N.J. This position was the start of a 28-year career in senior financial positions in the automotive and technology industries. Wyden and his wife Karen, reside in San Marcos, CA. They have two adult sons who live in Michigan.

Maria Gomez

Maria Gomez has been with EDCO Waste & Recycling for over 16 years. In her duties as Field Representative, she is responsible for the implementation of recycling and organics mandates that meet the State of California CalRecycle requirements in the cities of Vista and San Marcos. Previously, she held the position of Customer Service, which entailed daily interactions with customers seeking information and solutions in a professional and positive manner. She is currently an Ambassador for the Vista Chamber of Commerce and a booster member for the Mission Hills High School Dance Team.

The Boys & Girls Club is very important to her family - Her 3 children, which include twins, are currently members of San Marcos. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family.

Celebrating San Diego's Birthday with #SanDiegoGives

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 18:19:05 GMT

Support Local for San Diego's Birthday on July 16!

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos will be a part of San Diego Gives, a campaign a campaign that shines a light on pressing community needs and the local nonprofits responding to them. The campaign kicks off on Saturday July 16, on San Diego's Birthday! Join us for one of the birthday celebrations happening throughout the County to kick-off the campaign. Funds raised will be distributed to all 327 participating nonprofits throughout the county!

Click here to learn more about San Diego Gives.

Celebrating the Grand Opening of the Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation Branch

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 23:37:27 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Board of Directors, members and staff cut the ribbon to its new Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation Branch alongside San Marcos City Council. Photo by Brant Bender

On June 28, 2022, one year after kicking off construction, the City of San Marcos and the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation Branch, located in the Richmar neighborhood of San Marcos. A collaboration between the nonprofit youth organization and the City of San Marcos, the Boys & Girls Club’s new 6,000 square foot Clubhouse will serve up to 125 elementary school-aged children each day.

The City of San Marcos’ commitment to revitalizing the Richmar neighborhood spans nearly two decades. When the City was looking for the perfect community-focused tenant to occupy a vacant block of commercial space in the Richmar neighborhood, City staff presented the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos with an incredible offer: a $1 per year, 30-year renewable lease and $1.2 million of additional funding to help pay for the tenant buildout to open a second San Marcos Clubhouse. The funding was made possible through affordable housing grants and the City’s allocation of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

This morning, the San Marcos City Council, the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos’ Board of Directors and key stakeholders toured the completed space, which has been filled with state-of-the-art technology and equipment for local kids to learn, create, explore and play in their own neighborhood.

“We are so excited to celebrate the opening of our new Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation Branch with the partners and community who made it possible,” said Cathy Baur, President & CEO for the Boys & Girls Club. “The Clubhouse will have such a positive impact on so many young people in our San Marcos community, helping them develop into stellar citizens of tomorrow.”

The Clubhouse will provide youth with safe, engaging spaces with access to the tools and mentors they need to build great futures. The new spaces include:

EDCO Gamesroom: The heart of every Boys & Girls Club, the EDCO Gamesroom provides youth opportunities to learn collaboration and good sportsmanship with a state-of-the-art Exergames T-wall, jumbo foosball table, air hockey and more.

The Alexander & Eva Nemeth Learning Lab: This room is a dedicated space for students to complete their homework with guidance and tutoring from BGCSM staff, equipped with desks, Chromebooks and activities to promote academic success.

North City Tech Center: Furnished with state-of-the-art technology, the North City Tech Center will provide kids access to computers and coding programs, virtual reality goggles, robotics and other equipment to emphasize principles of STEM.

Maker Space: Encouraging creativity and self-expression through the arts, this space is home to easels, paint, markers, cameras and a green screen wall for youth to incorporate technology into their creative process.

Demonstration Kitchen: Kids will learn about the science of food, basic cooking skills and kitchen safety, as they create delicious, healthy food. A free healthy meal will be provided each day to all members during the afterschool program.

Community Connections Center: This multi-use meeting space features modular furniture and conference equipment, offering the potential to host partners in the community.

BGCSM presented with San Marcos Chamber Excellence in Business Award

Sat, 18 Jun 2022 00:21:52 GMT

Video courtesy of The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos presented with San Marcos Chamber Excellence in Business Award

On June 8, 2022, The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce hosted the State of the City Address, where community leaders celebrate the businesses and organizations that contribute to the progress and success of San Marcos. Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos was presented with the Chamber’s Excellence in Business Award, an award given to Chamber businesses for their outstanding and innovative contributions to the community. We’re so humbled to be recognized by the Chamber with this honor and proud to be a part of our amazing San Marcos community!

The Conrad Prebys Foundation Awards $100,000 Grant to the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos to Support Access to Youth Programs

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 18:46:18 GMT

San Marcos, Calif. – June 6, 2022 – Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos received a $100,000 grant from The Conrad Prebys Foundation in support of the nonprofit youth development organization’s efforts to keep its programs and services accessible to all families.

“We are honored to receive a grant from The Conrad Prebys Foundation for the second consecutive year,” said Cathy Baur, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. “This continued support is so significant as the importance of access to safe, affordable out-of-school care becomes more and more apparent.”

Funding will be directed to support initiatives that focus on keeping the organization’s programs within reach of every family including: the Great Futures Scholarship Fund, a program scholarship fund established to provide financial assistance to eligible families; the Teen Transportation Program, which provides students from local high schools with free after school transportation to the Club’s Teen Center; and the Wellness Program, which connects youth with activities and resources to support social-emotional wellness through individual and group-based counseling, case management, crisis intervention, and family connection to community-based services.

The Conrad Prebys Foundation is the largest charitable organization in San Diego County. Continuing its namesake’s passion and legacy for philanthropic giving, the organization has awarded over $28 million in grant funding in 2022 to reflect a balance between focus areas of personal interest to Conrad Prebys and the urgent needs of the community including: healthcare, higher education, youth development, visual and performing arts, and medical research.

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Welcomes Three New Board Directors

Thu, 12 May 2022 06:35:21 GMT

The organization strengthens its ties to the community with local business and community leaders

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos has announced the appointment of three additions to its Board of Directors in 2022.

The newest board directors include Dr. Andy Johnsen, Darius Khayat, and Stacy Moskowitz, local business and community leaders who expressed strong belief and commitment to furthering opportunities for local youth.

“Our Board of Directors plays a critical role for our organization, providing strategic direction as well as fiscal oversight,” said Cathy Baur, President & CEO for the youth development organization. “We are thrilled to add three individuals whose values align with our mission and overarching goal to ensure every child in San Marcos has access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”

The new additions to the Board of Directors:

Dr. Andy Johnsen

As Superintendent for the San Marcos Unified School District, Dr. Andy Johnsen oversees all Divisions within the District, including Business Services, Instructional Services, and Human Resources and Development. Dr. Johnsen’s career spans twenty-seven years as a teacher, principal, director, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Since 2017, he has served as Superintendent in Lakeside Union School District in east San Diego County. Before assuming the role of Superintendent, Dr. Johnsen led the district’s Educational Services Department as Assistant Superintendent.

Throughout Dr. Johnsen’s storied career, he has undertaken an array of initiatives and outreach that have created an environment of collegiality with staff, families, and the community-at-large. Having worked in small, suburban, and urban districts makes him uniquely positioned for success in San Marcos. As a strong communicator and fluent Spanish speaker, he brings a deep sense of inclusivity and insight to his role.

Darius Khayat

Darius Khayat has been a business and estate planning attorney in San Marcos for 30 years. He is a founding member of the San Marcos Lions Club Foundation and has been active in the San Marcos Lions Club for over 25 years. Khayat has volunteered his time in connection with many community endeavors such as the San Marcos Unified School District Proposition K Citizen’s Oversight Committee, the San Marcos Economic Development Committee, the City of San Marcos General Plan Amendment Committee and currently, legal counsel to the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce. A California native, Khayat was born in Sacramento and grew up in Carlsbad. He and his wife, Robin, have been proud to call San Marcos home since 1996, where they live and raise their three children.

Stacy Moskowitz

Stacy Moskowitz is currently a Sr. Sales Executive and has been with Kaiser Permanente for 17 years. Moskowitz brings over 27 years of experience in employee benefits in Southern California. In addition, Moskowitz has served as past President of the local San Diego Association of Health Underwriters.

Moskowitz resides in San Marcos, where her 8-year-old daughter attends a SMUSD elementary school in addition to the youth programs at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. She enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, two dogs and loves to golf in her free time.

Becoming a Leader at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 22:02:54 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos member Ernie Montano has been named the 2022 San Diego County Youth of the Year.

Becoming a Leader at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

Inspiring leader. Community service superstar. Role model. San Marcos teen Ernie Montano can now claim one more title to compliment his extraordinary accomplishments thus far: 2022 San Diego County Youth of the Year.

“I felt super excited,” said Ernie Montano, 17, when he heard his name announced as Youth of the Year for San Diego County. Ernie, who has been a part of the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos for over 11 years, was selected to represent the organization as Youth of the Year last September and on March 8, 2022, he was named the San Diego County Youth of the Year. He will now go on to represent San Diego County in the California Youth of the Year competition in April.

Ernie first joined the Club in 2011 after his family moved to San Marcos from Salinas. His mother turned to the organization’s after school program to provide “the safe place she had been searching for” to help her children “with homework and to keep us off the streets,” Ernie said. Now a senior at Mission Hills High School, he has gone on to become a role model for his peers and younger members as part of the Club’s Leaders in Training (LIT) program and as a Jr. Staff Member during the summer.

Armando Lara, Director of Teen Services, praised Ernie for his time as a Jr. Staff member saying he “worked with kinder and first grade youth to provide impactful summer programming to combat learning loss. He instantly became a favorite of our elementary school members and was a huge support for our summer staff.”

As a role model Club member, Ernie continually sought out opportunities to serve those within his local community and beyond. “My passion for wanting to give back was fulfilled three summers ago when I went on a service-learning trip to Hawaii with other LIT groups,” said Ernie. In recognition of his dedication to service, Ernie was chosen to join members from several Boys & Girls Clubs across California to help renovate a fellow Boys & Girls Club’s outside playground area. Throughout his time as an LIT member, he has served meals and created care packages for people experiencing homelessness in his local community, as well as taken part in humanitarian & fundraising efforts for those affected by natural disasters.

“As an organization determined to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens, we could not be prouder of the exemplary leadership and kindhearted nature that Ernie has showcased over the 11 years that he has been a part of the Club,” said Cathy Baur, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos.

Ernie hopes to use his platform as San Diego County Youth of the Year to advocate for a change in gender stigmas and societal norms that can negatively impact young adults and limit them from expressing themselves. He explained how the Boys & Girls Club has created an environment where “they care about you regardless of your identity and preference—" and this constant feedback gave him a push to truly be himself. A message Ernie hopes to pass along during his time as Youth of the Year is to not feel pressured by societal norms, explaining, “My hope for myself, as I continue to grow and take on new challenges, is that I can support others who may be struggling with the same fears, apprehensions, and labels that I once knew. I am grateful for my strong community of support and hope to be a part of other young people’s communities as they pursue their personal journeys.”

Ernie describes his experiences at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos as a “great place for my siblings and I. Knowing that I am safe and that there are people who care about me, means the world to me…We love everything this place is and love everyone who is here,” he continued “It is like a second home and family to us.”

In the future, Ernie has his sights set on attending Palomar College next fall, transferring to a UC university and continuing his efforts of helping others through a career in dentistry.

Founded in 1979 at Woodland Park, the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos moved into its 16,000-square-foot main facility, the Jennifer Loscher Building on Positive Place, in 1995. A 6,500-square-foot Teen Center opened 10 years later. Today, the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is serving nearly 1,000 youth daily throughout the city and is set to open an additional clubhouse in Summer of 2022.

Masking Policy Update - Effective March 14, 2022

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 23:43:45 GMT

Effective March 14, 2022, face masks will be strongly recommended, but not required, at Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos programs

March 11, 2022

Dear Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (BGCSM) families,

Thank you for entrusting your children into our care and being a vital part of our BGCSM community! As we continue to adapt and address the lingering effects of the pandemic, we are inspired by the resilience displayed by our families, staff, and especially our
youth members.

As you may know, Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) have updated their mask guidance for school and childcare settings from required to strongly recommended, regardless of vaccination status. Beginning Monday, March 14, in alignment with the San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD), face masks will
no longer be required, but strongly recommended, for youth, staff, and visitors at BGCSM programs.

We trust that you will approach this change as you see best for your child and family, and assure you that BGCSM remains steadfast in our goal to provide a safe, welcoming environment for all youth. Though we all may hold different opinions, we encourage you and all of our members to show kindness and respect to everyone, regardless of their masking choices.

While the masking requirement will no longer be in place, BGCSM is committed to ensuring the safety of our youth:

Deep cleaning and sanitization protocols will remain in place
Air filtration systems are in place for all program areas
Regular handwashing is encouraged
Hand sanitizer and youth masks are available
Monthly pediatric vaccination clinics will continue – In partnership with TrueCare, our Jennifer Loscher Branch will host a monthly pediatric vaccine clinic for children, ages 5 to 18. To learn more, visit www.boysgirlsclubsm.org .

Additionally, we wanted to provide you with an exciting update about our Jennifer Loscher Branch. Over the next few months, you may notice construction crews and equipment around the facility as we work to revitalize our aging building. Please be assured that all efforts are being made to complete the work during morning time before members arrive for the afterschool program. These enhancements on our physical and technological infrastructure will aid our safety strategies and enhance the overall Club experience for our kids and teens for years to come.

Thank you, again, for the support and understanding as we continue to move forward together and create an environment for youth to realize their full potential and build Great Futures.

Sincerely,

Cathy Baur

President & CEO

11 de Marzo 2022

Estimadas familias del Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (BGCSM),

¡Gracias por confiar a sus hijos a nuestro cuidado y ser una parte vital de nuestra comunidad BGCSM! A medida que continuamos adaptándonos y abordando los efectos persistentes de la pandemia, nos sentimos inspirados por la resiliencia mostrada por nuestras familias, el personal y, especialmente, nuestros jóvenes.

Como sabrá, el gobernador Newsom y el Departamento de Salud Pública de California (CDPH, por sus siglas en inglés) han actualizado su guía de mascarillas para entornos escolares y de cuidado infantil de obligatorio a muy recomendado, independientemente del estado de vacunación. A partir del lunes 14 de marzo, en consonancia con el Distrito Escolar Unificado de San Marcos (SMUSD), las máscaras faciales ya no se requiere, pero se recomienda encarecidamente, para los jóvenes, el personal y los visitantes en programas de BGCSM.

Confiamos en que abordará este cambio como lo considere mejor para su hijo y su familia, y le aseguramos que BGCSM se mantiene firme en nuestro objetivo de brindar un entorno seguro y acogedor para todos los jóvenes. Aunque todos podemos tener opiniones diferentes, lo alentamos a usted y a todos nuestros miembros a mostrar amabilidad y respeto a todos, independientemente de sus opciones de máscaras.

Mientras el requisito de uso de máscaras ya no estará vigente, BGCSM se compromete a garantizar la seguridad de nuestros jóvenes:

Se mantendrán los protocolos de limpieza profunda y desinfección.
Hay sistemas de filtración de aire en todas las áreas del programa.
Se recomienda lavarse las manos regularmente.
Desinfectante de manos y máscaras juveniles disponibles.
Las clínicas de vacunación pediátrica mensual continuarán: en asociación con TrueCare, nuestra sucursal de Jennifer Loscher albergará una clínica de vacunación pediátrica mensual para niños de 5 a 18 años. Para obtener más información, visite www.boysgirlsclubsm.org .

Además, queríamos brindarle una actualización emocionante sobre nuestra sucursal de Jennifer Loscher. Durante los próximos meses, es posible que observe equipos de construcción alrededor de las instalaciones mientras trabajamos para revitalizar nuestro edificio envejecido. Tenga la seguridad de que se están haciendo todos los esfuerzos para completar el trabajo durante la mañana antes de que los miembros lleguen para el programa extracurricular. Estas mejoras en nuestra infraestructura física y tecnológica ayudarán a nuestras estrategias de seguridad y mejorarán la experiencia general del Club para nuestros niños y adolescentes en los próximos años.

Gracias, nuevamente, por el apoyo y la comprensión a medida que continuamos avanzando juntos y creando un entorno para que los jóvenes desarrollen todo su potencial y construyan Grandes Futuros.

Sinceramente,

Cathy Baur

President & CEO

New Dates Added: Free weekly COVID-19 vaccination clinics for kids at Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 17:54:41 GMT

Weekly Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in partnership with TrueCare will continue through February

DATES

Every Wednesday through February 2022

January 12th

January 19th

January 26th

February 2nd

February 9th

February 16th

February 23rd

WHERE

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

1 Positive Place, San Marcos, CA 92069

TIME (APPOINTMENTS ENCOURAGED)

3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Call (760) 736-6777 to make an appointment

Walk-ins Welcome

The vaccine i s FREE and available to all youth ages 5-18.
A parent or guardian must be present.
Health insurance information is not required.
Vaccine consent forms will be available on site.

Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos will continue through February in partnership with TrueCare™, a North County nonprofit healthcare provider. Pediatric doses of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine will be available to children, ages 5 to 18, every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 1 Positive Place in San Marcos.

The free vaccines will be available for any child with a parent or guardian present, and health insurance is not required. Vaccine consent forms will be available on site. While walk-ins are welcome, families interested in bringing their children to be vaccinated are encouraged to make an appointment with TrueCare at (760) 736-6777 to allow for sufficient preparation of staffing and supplies. Additional information can be found at www.boysgirlsclubsm.org

2020-2021 Annual Report

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 17:51:32 GMT

2020-2021 Annual Report: Whatever it Takes to Build Great Futures

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is proud to present its 2020-2021 Annual Report detailing highlights, challenges, and successes of the organization from July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021. Thanks to support from dedicated advocates for local youth, BGCSM was able to continue its mission-driven work to provide life-changing programs and opportunities to local kids and teens.

Thank you to all of the individuals, businesses, and community organizations who partnered with our Club to do whatever it takes to serve youth, families, and the San Marcos community!

Free weekly COVID-19 vaccination clinics for kids to begin November 17 at Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 23:28:38 GMT

Free weekly COVID-19 vaccination clinics for kids to begin November 17 at Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

DATE

Every Wednesday* beginning November 17, 2021

*No clinic on December 29, 2021

WHERE

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

1 Positive Place, San Marcos, CA 92069

TIME (APPOINTMENTS ENCOURAGED)

3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Call (760) 736-6777 to make an appointment

Walk-ins Welcome

The vaccine i s FREE and available to all youth ages 5-18.
A parent or guardian must be present.
Health insurance information is not required.
Vaccine consent forms will be available on site.

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos will host weekly COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children beginning Nov. 17 in partnership with TrueCare™, a North County nonprofit healthcare provider. Pediatric doses of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine will be available to children, ages 5 to 18, every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 1 Positive Place in San Marcos. The clinics will recur weekly until February of 2022.

BGCSM President & CEO Cathy Baur joins City Manager Jack Griffin on the City of San Marcos Podcast

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 15:15:02 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos President & CEO, Cathy Baur, joined the City of San Marcos podcast to talk with City Manager Jack Griffin about the new branch on Autumn Drive, the Club's longstanding partnership with the City, and other news and updates from the Club.

>> See more

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Receives $200,000 Gift from Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation, Plus Additional $125,000 in Match Potential

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 15:02:42 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (BGCSM) has received a $200,000 lead gift commitment from the Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation to launch its Building Great Futures Capital Campaign.

The gift from the Zable Foundation also comes with a matching challenge. In addition to the $200,000, the Zable Foundation will match contributions from other donors dollar-for-dollar up to $125,000.

The funds will be used to help purchase furniture, equipment, computers and other items, as well as provide operating funds for the new Clubhouse to open at 413 Autumn Drive in San Marcos.

“With the help of the Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation, we are launching a $1.5 million capital campaign to transform an empty concrete space into a welcoming and exciting Clubhouse that will have an immediate and lasting positive impact on the San Marcos community for generations to come,” said Cathy Baur, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos.

According to Warren Magill, the Autumn Drive Clubhouse project is a perfect fit for the Zable Foundation. “Promoting programs that benefit youth, particularly youth that don’t have access to resources and support systems, was very important for Walter and Betty,” said Warren Magill, President of the Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation. “The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is creating a state-of-the-art Clubhouse where youth will have all the tools and support they need to build a bright future.”

The Autumn Drive Clubhouse will be located in the Richmar community; a neighborhood the City of San Marcos has worked hard to lift up from its past as one of the oldest and poorest communities in San Marcos plagued by crime, drug and gang activity. The Autumn Drive Clubhouse is in the heart of this revitalized neighborhood, which now features attractive and modern affordable housing units and mixed-use buildings, creating a walkable and safe community.

The City’s commitment to the revitalization included providing the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos a $1 per year, 30-year renewable lease and $1.2 million of additional funding to help pay for the tenant buildout to open a second San Marcos Clubhouse. That funding was made possible through the City’s recent allocation of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).

In addition to the support from the Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation and City of San Marcos, BGCSM has also received a $100,000 Neighborhood Reinvestment Program grant award for the project from the County of San Diego’s District 5, recommended by Supervisor Jim Desmond.

The need for a Boys & Girls Club in this neighborhood is critical. More than 500 youth live in Richmar’s affordable housing complexes. Nearly 80 percent are being raised in single-parent homes where the average yearly income is below $31,250. Every elementary student in this community is reading below grade level, according to school reports.

“We have an opportunity to make a profound and positive difference in these children’s lives. The new Club will offer a safe space where youth can form meaningful relationships with others and find their identity through involvement in our nationally acclaimed programs,” said Baur.

The new Autumn Drive Clubhouse will provide youth with safe and engaging spaces that will help them build bright futures. Planned spaces will include:

Game Room: The heart of every Boys & Girls Club, the game room will include pool tables, air hockey, foosball and more.
Performing Arts Area: This area will enable youth to explore their creativity with a stage, lighting, and state-of-the-art sound system for performances.
Maker Space: Youth will have access to tools, equipment and supplies that will encourage and foster curiosity, discovery and learning.
Tech Center: Access to technology will help youth to complete schoolwork and gain skills for their future careers.
Demonstration Kitchen: Kids will learn how to cook healthy and nutritious meals and snacks.

Construction of the Clubhouse will begin in July and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

For more information on the Building Great Futures Campaign and Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, visit: www.boysgirlsclubsm.org/building-great-futures

About Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) youth development organization whose mission is to inspire and enable all young people to become productive, responsible and caring citizens. Today, we serve more than 4,000 San Marcos youth ages 6 to 18 years old with programs and services provided at the main Clubhouse, as well as after school programming at 12 school-based and community sites. We give children what they need most during the critical hours when they are out of school and away from parental supervision: a safe environment where they can have fun and be themselves, adult role models who respect and listen to them, and engaging, constructive educational and recreational activities that channel youthful energy into challenging and productive pursuits. Our vision is to provide a world-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who comes through our doors.

KUSI GOOD MORNING SAN DIEGO: Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos starts construction on new clubhouse

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 19:39:46 GMT

Our President & CEO, Cathy Baur, and teen member, Ernie, talked with KUSI Good Morning San Diego's Allie Wagner on the impact our new Clubhouse on Autumn Drive will make on the community and the incredible partnership with the City of San Marcos!

>> Read more

City of San Marcos partners with Boys & Girls Club to create new clubhouse in Richmar neighborhood

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 15:39:01 GMT

The City of San Marcos’ commitment to revitalizing the Richmar neighborhood spans nearly two decades. Today, the City and the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos celebrated the construction kickoff for the neighborhood’s new crown jewel – a 5,390 square foot Boys & Girls Club Autumn Drive Clubhouse that will serve up to 150 youth every day.

When the City was looking for the perfect community-focused tenant to occupy a vacant block of commercial space in the Richmar neighborhood, City staff presented the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos with an incredible offer: a $1 per year, 30-year renewable lease and $1.2 million of additional funding to help pay for the tenant buildout to open a second San Marcos Clubhouse. That funding was made possible through the City’s recent allocation of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).

The new Clubhouse, expected to open this fall, will become a safe haven for local kids to play, imagine, explore and learn in their own neighborhood. The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos launched a $2 million campaign to establish funding for furnishings, fixtures and start-up operating expenses prior to its anticipated fall opening.

“The need for quality childcare programs has never been greater in our community,” said Michelle Bender, City of San Marcos Deputy City Manager. “The Boys and Girls Club has been tirelessly working to meet the needs of our community, and they’ve outgrown their existing space. By partnering with this essential nonprofit, the City is proud to help expand services to the youth of our community who need it most.”

Building bright futures

The City of San Marcos has worked hard to lift up the Richmar community, which was one of the oldest and poorest communities in San Marcos plagued by crime, drug and gang activity. The Autumn Drive Clubhouse is in the heart of this revitalized neighborhood, which now features attractive and modern affordable housing units and mixed-use buildings, creating a walkable and safe community.

“The City really understands the impacts the Boys & Girls Club has on this community,” said Cathy Baur, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. “The fact that we are working together to help create a better future for the kids in our community is just remarkable. It improves the quality of life for our city and the region.”

The new Autumn Drive Clubhouse will provide youth with safe and engaging spaces that will help them build bright futures. Planned spaces will include:

Game Room: The heart of every Boys & Girls Club, the game room will include pool tables, air hockey, foosball and more.

Performing Arts Area: This area will enable youth to explore their creativity with a stage, lighting and state-of-the-art sound system for performances.

Maker Space: Youth will have access to tools, equipment and supplies that will encourage and foster curiosity, discovery and learning.

Tech Center: Access to technology will help youth to complete schoolwork and gain skills for their future careers.

Demonstration Kitchen: Kids will learn how to cook healthy and nutritious meals and snacks.

Join us for Summer LEAP with The San Marcos Promise

Thu, 20 May 2021 05:24:36 GMT

In-Person & Virtual Summer Enrichment Classes Available for K-8 Students

Week 1: July 12-16 | Double Peak School

Week 2: July 19-23 | Double Peak School

Week 3: July 26-30 | San Marcos High School

Classes are M-F: 9am-1pm (in-person) & 9am-11am (virtual)

Cost per course: $280 (in-person) | $75 (virtual)

LEAP offers courses that allow your child to explore their interests and discover new passions. The program is designed to build real-world skills while introducing students to a variety of professions. LEAP courses are designed and taught by highly qualified San Marcos Unified School District teachers.

After LEAP care will be available with Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos staff for an additional $90 per week.

Learn more and register on the LEAP webpage .

FREE COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on May 22

Thu, 13 May 2021 13:45:02 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos to host a FREE Vaccine Clinic with Gary and Mary West PACE

Date

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Location

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

1 Positive Place, San Marcos, CA 92069

Time (APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED)

10:00 am-4:00 pm

Click the button below to reserve your appointment.

The vaccine i s FREE and available to individual ages 18 and older. Health insurance information is not required.

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is partnering with Gary and Mary West PACE to host a free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, May 22, 2021. The clinic will be open to the community offering the single-dose Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine to adults at least 18 years of age. Appointments are required and pre-appointment forms must be completed before arrival. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

>> Click here to learn more about the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine | Español

Positively San Diego: San Diego's Youth of the Year overcomes obstacles to set an example for others

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 21:37:17 GMT

IN THE NEWS: Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos 2021 Youth of the Year, Jared Diaz Barrios, was featured on Positively San Diego

Published by 10News ABC San Diego , March 2021

Finding His Future at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 15:55:10 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos teen member Jared Diaz Barrios has been selected to represent San Diego County the 2021 California Youth of the Year competition

Youth leader. Academic standout. Selfless volunteer. Now, San Marcos teen Jared Diaz Barrios has one more title to add to the impressive list of accomplishments in his young life: 2021 San Diego County Youth of the Year.

“This is a great honor,” said Jared, 15, who was selected Youth of the Year at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos in January, was named San Diego County Youth of the Year on March 9, and will move on to represent the county in the California Youth of the Year competition in April.

Jared was introduced to the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos when his parents enrolled him as a member in 2016 as a safe harbor from their neighborhood overrun by crime and where gang fights and drug deals were part of the landscape. Jared quickly immersed himself in club programs and community outreach activities.

“It’s my home away from home,” he said. “It’s a true family. Everybody is accepted here. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you’ll be loved.”

And supported. Over the years he has seen his confidence grow while learning how to become a role model. He is active in the Boys & Girls Club’s Leaders in Training program and Keystone, the latter a national Boys & Girls Club program encouraging community service. His mentors gush about his accomplishments and promise.

“He joined our leadership groups because he has a passion for helping others and giving back to his friends, family, and community,” said Armando Lara, Director of Teen Services.

Giving back to the community includes completing more than 200 community service hours in the past year; helping to serve 500 meals daily at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos during the COVID-19 pandemic, working on fundraisers to aid fellow clubs in Los Angeles that were impacted by recent wildfires, and partnering with other organizations to feed and clothe area residents in need. In 2020 he was one of an elite few selected for a special service trip to South Africa and had begun raising funds; however, it was postponed because of the pandemic. Jared looks forward to 2022 when the trip will be rescheduled.

“Jared embodies what the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is all about through his selfless dedication and growth as a leader since he first walked in our doors,” said Cathy Baur, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. “He has shown a phenomenal work ethic and character and his dedication to serving the community is unsurpassed. We are proud of what he has accomplished and we are excited to see what the future holds.”

“The Boys & Girls Club has allowed me to develop very important skills, such as, leadership, responsibility, maturity, and a diverse mindset,” he wrote in his application for the Youth of the Year award. “That skill development has allowed me to be successful in all aspects of life and grow into a person I'm proud to say I am. I have been able to expand my opportunities thanks to the developments I've gone through. For example, the skill of respect and maturity that I learned has guided me through school and how to be the best student I can. Finally, the skill development that I appreciate the most that I have been able to develop at the Club is having a diverse mindset; it has helped me create a new perception on how to live.”

Jared spends up to seven or eight hours at the Boys & Girls Club daily, arriving before 11 to study, work on school assignments, meet with friends, play soccer, tutor students, and more. A sophomore at Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, Jared has a 4.0 grade point average, plays setter on the junior varsity volleyball team, and is active in the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program. He has his sights set on attending UC Irvine as a criminology major and aspires to a career as a canine officer, preferably with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

He credits his mentors at the Boys & Girls Club for helping to make it all happen.

“The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos has definitely become a significant part of my life, a place that has taught me how to grow as a person and how to become a success,” Jared said. “I’ve been lucky, fortunate, and blessed to be able to come to such an amazing place every day.”

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Welcomes New Board Director

lauren@boysgirlsclubsm.org (Lauren Garrido) — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 16:15:21 GMT

Warren Gorowitz, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Hunter Industries, is the latest addition to the nonprofit's Board of Directors

SAN MARCOS, CA – Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos has appointed Warren Gorowitz, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Hunter Industries, as the newest addition to its 2021 Board of Directors.

“Warren brings valuable knowledge and a new perspective to our Board, as well as a shared commitment to creating positive change in our community. I have no doubt that he will provide invaluable insights as we move the organization forward,” said Cathy Baur, President & CEO for the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos.

Gorowitz is a 27-year respected leader in the Green Industry and water efficiency and sustainability professional. In his role at Hunter Industries, he provides global leadership and strategic direction in all areas of Corporate Social Responsibility for the San Marcos-based company, including its corporate social responsibility report, employee volunteer and community development programs, and Hunter’s Charitable Giving Committee. He previously served as Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply Vice President of Sustainability and maintained oversight of all sustainability initiatives and Sustainable Solutions products.

“It’s a great honor to serve on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. I look forward to helping the organization continue to provide critical services to the youth in our community, especially during these challenging times as we navigate the pandemic”.

Gorowitz joins an esteemed group of business and community leaders who demonstrate a high level of commitment to San Marcos youth through their volunteer service, providing strategic direction and fiscal guidance for the nonprofit organization.

About Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos
Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (BGCSM) is a nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to inspire and enable all young people to become productive, responsible and caring citizens. The organization, which first opened its doors in 1979 at Woodland Park, serves youth ages 6 to 18 at its standalone branch and 12 extension sites at school campuses and affordable housing communities throughout San Marcos and neighboring communities. BGCSM offers youth programs, developed and run by trained youth development professionals, that emphasize three priority outcome areas: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In response to COVID-19, the organization launched its Distance Learning Center program to support youth and families while local schools conduct virtual instruction. To learn more or support the Club, please visit www.boysgirlsclubsm.org .

Coastal Community Foundation Supports Teen Programs

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 20:32:59 GMT

Funding from the EdVentures Fund Supports Programs for Middle and High School-Aged Members

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is proud to partner with Coastal Community Foundation to provide teens with the tools to build Great Futures! Thanks to grant support from the EdVentures Fund, our middle school and high school members have access to a safe space for distance learning and inovative programs to bolster their skills in STEAM, engage in leadership opportunities, participate in college and career planning, and more!

Pivoting Programs to Support Virtual Learning

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 15:03:42 GMT

Helping Students Succeed at the Distance Learning Center

In a “normal” year, the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (BGCSM) serves over 4,000 youth members ages 6-18 in after school programs and during school breaks. But, as we all know, 2020 is anything from normal. Today, BGCSM is serving as a Distance Learning Center to best needs of the community and provide youth and families with support to navigate the complexities of remote instruction.

“I can’t emphasize enough the important role our Club is playing in our region,” says Cathy Baur, newly appointed President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. “For our families having our doors open means they can go to work with the reassurance that their children will have the support they need to succeed in online learning and be well cared for by our staff.”

Cathy assumed her new role September 1 after just a 45-day retirement from California State University San Marcos where she was Vice President for University Advancement and had served the campus for 12 years.

“I was compelled to join the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos because I felt it was and could play such an important role in helping bridge the growing educational equity divide,” says Cathy. “It became very apparent as COVID-19 progressed and schools began adopting online models that families with means would be augmenting virtual learning by hiring personal tutors, nannies or other types of support – faster internet, better computer systems, etc. For parents who might be struggling financially, those options don’t exist. It started to feel like the speed of your internet might ultimately determine the quality of your child’s education.”

Following only a brief shutdown this spring, the Club quickly adapted to continue its work in the community while in-person youth programs ceased. BGCSM launched the #VirtualClubhouse to offer daily video activities and virtual mentoring to keep youth engaged. During that time, the Club was also able to help the meet basic needs of local families by serving over 30,000 free meals in need through the Free Supper & Weekend Meals Program, made possible by support from The San Diego Foundation, Leichtag Foundation, Rest Haven Children's Health Fund, Rotary Club of San Marcos, and other generous businesses and organizations in the community.

Thanks to the outpouring of support from generous individuals, businesses, and organizations, BGCSM was able to leverage resources in order to safely reopen its main branch as a Distance Learning Center, supporting working families as San Marcos Unified School District began the new school year with remote instruction. Each day, BGCSM staff assist the students with troubleshooting technology issues and offering extra support with assignments while in constant communication with district principals, faculty, social workers, and teachers to best meet the needs and expectations of each school in the district.

“BGCSM staff, and even the Branch Director, are in direct communication with our teachers and admin to help best support our students. They walk over to pick up materials, troubleshoot technical issues, and discuss ways to better assist students who are struggling. Without them, many students would be home alone (likely not online) or parents would have to stay home causing additional financial hardship. The Boys & Girls Club have been invaluable partners in supporting our school and students, especially during Distance Learning,” said Julie Blide, Assistant Principal at San Marcos Elementary.

Prior to reopening, BGCSM implemented an extensive COVID-19 safety plan. The Club enhanced daily cleaning procedures, including adding additional staff focused on safety and cleanliness support. These individuals operate on an hourly schedule with the goal of cleaning commonly touched areas. In addition to an enhanced cleaning routine, BGCSM integrated daily health screenings, temperature checks, and reduced building capacity to ensure a 11:1 youth to staff ratio, which is half the typical program ratio. BGCSM further limits the rotation of students between program spaces to reduce cross contamination. Each of these safety measures is done with staff, students and families safety and health in mind. To date, the Club has avoided any community outbreak of COVID-19.

After the virtual school day ends, students participate in signature BGCSM after school enrichment programs. These programs focus on strengthening skills in STEM, arts & cooking as well as promoting physical and social-emotional wellness to complement lessons learned during the school day.

BGCSM has also integrated social and emotional wellness support into its weekly Club programming under the full-time Director of Member Impact, who holds a Master’s degree in Social Work. Wellness programming provides students with one-on-one or small group support to process feelings and emotions, encourage healthy coping and connection, and combat isolationism. Students are encouraged to build their capacity for self-esteem, trust and healthy relationship building.

In opening the Distance Learning Center, priority was given to families of first responders and essential workers and a lottery system was utilized to fill the remaining slots. Due to social distancing restrictions, the Club was only able to accept 88 students.

Hundreds are on a wait list to take part in BGCSM Distance Learning Center. Working to address the demand, BGCSM is partnering with North City and California State University San Marcos on a creative solution–expand the Distance Learning Center program to The QUAD (CSUSM student housing), which sits largely unoccupied due to COVID-19. Plans are for BGCSM to utilize classroom space to serve another 30 students. BGCSM is currently working to secure the necessary funding to help serve more families on their waiting list.

COVID-19 has also played havoc with BGCSM funding. Its largest fundraiser was cancelled and revenue from summer day camp programs lost. As an organization, the cost of keeping BGCSM’s doors open has tripled due to enhanced safety measures put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For all of us, 2020 is a year unlike any other. The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is adapting, pivoting and working hard to ensure it still fulfills on its mission to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED THE COVID-19 RECOVERY FUND TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO SUSTAIN OUR WORK IN THE COMMUNITY DURING THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES

BGCSM joins The Thumbprint Project Foundation Docu-Series!

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 03:19:48 GMT

Discussing the Impact of COVID-19 on Local Youth

BGCSM teamed up with The Thumbprint Project Foundation to highlight the toll COVID-19 has had on youth in the community. Jonathan, our COO and Ari, our Director of Member Impact discuss various aspects of the health crisis, updates from the Club, and how we're working to ensure youth have the support and resources they need to succeed!

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SAN MARCOS WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT & CEO

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 17:01:58 GMT

The board of directors have selected Cathy Baur to lead the North County nonprofit youth organization

SAN MARCOS, CA – Following a nationwide search, the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos has selected a communications and fundraising veteran with over 35 years’ experience, Cathy Baur, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Baur began her new role at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos on September 1.

Baur joins the Club from California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) where she worked for nearly 12 years; serving four years as Vice President for University Advancement and prior to that as Associate Vice President for Communications. She also served as Executive Director of the CSUSM Foundation Board, a group of community leaders and philanthropists who cultivate and encourage charitable investment in the university. Under her leadership, the University completed its first comprehensive fundraising campaign exceeding its fundraising goal of $50 million with more than $55 million raised when it concluded in 2019.

“We are pleased to have Cathy join the Boys & Girls Club,” said Paul Malone, Boys & Girls Club Board Chair. “Her experience in fundraising and communication will be an excellent complement to our current staff and their expertise in delivering high quality programing to our members.”

In the new role, Baur will have oversight of a staff of 80 and be responsible for all aspects of the Club including strategic vision and growth as well as undertaking a $1 million capital campaign to build out a new site that will serve as the Club’s community resource center.

“The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos plays such a critical role in our community during the best of times and even more so today as our families struggle in dealing with COVID-19,” said Baur, “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join this amazing team and lead the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos as we start this next chapter.”

In addition to her tenure at CSUSM, Baur served as Vice President of Marketing & Sales Support for JPMorgan Chase and also held executive positions at the San Diego Workforce Partnership and Poway Unified School District.

Baur replaces Tish Murry who retired earlier this year after serving more than six years as Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos President & CEO and whose career with the Boys & Girls Club movement was over 30 years.

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (BGCSM) is a non-profit youth development organization whose mission is to inspire and enable all young people to become productive, responsible and caring citizens. The organization, which first opened its doors in 1979 at Woodland Park, now serves over 4,000 members ages 6 to 18 at its standalone branch and 12 extension sites at school campuses and affordable housing communities throughout San Marcos and neighboring communities. As part of a nationwide movement of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, BGCSM offers youth programs, developed and run by trained youth development professionals, that emphasize three priority outcome areas: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. To learn more or support the Club, please visit www.boysgirlsclubsm.org

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Receives $30,000 Regional KidCents Grant

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 22:45:09 GMT

Grant Will Support Programs to Fill the Opportunity Gap for North County Kids and Teens

SAN MARCOS, CA (FEBRUARY 20, 2019) – Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos has been awarded a $30,000 KidCents Regional Grant to further its mission to provide members with the tools for success, especially the most under-resourced youth.

“We are so thankful for community partners like The Rite Aid Foundation who make it possible for us to change the negative trajectory that many of our members are on,” said Tish Murry, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. “This funding will open the door to countless opportunities for our kids and teens.”

The dollars provided by the grant will support programs delivered to over 3,700 members annually after school, on holidays and during school breaks. As many members perform well behind their peers in school when they begin attending the Club, a special emphasis is placed on ensuring that all youth have access to the resources they need to thrive in and out of the classroom. Its latest initiative focuses on social and emotional wellness in hopes that members will become confident thinkers capable of making good decisions and able to sufficiently cope with any obstacles they may face.

The KidCents Regional Grant Program, which provides grants of $15,000-$30,000, significantly expands the reach of KidCents by funding specific out-of-school-time programs focused on children’s nutrition, physical fitness and academic success. “We created the KidCents program to ensure that kids have a chance for better lives and brighter futures,” said Tracy Henderson, director of The Rite Aid Foundation and charitable giving initiatives. “With the introduction of the KidCents Regional Grant program, we are expanding our efforts even more while filling a need for valuable out-of-school-time programming.”

The inaugural cycle of grants launched in May 2018 and was available in select counties in the following states: California, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington. Another cycle of KidCents Regional Grants will launch later this year. To learn more about the program visit riteaid.com/grants.

About the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is a non-profit youth development organization serving an average of over 1,100 youth members, ages 6 to 18, across 13 locations each day. The Club is open weekdays after school until 7:00 p.m., offering a blend of programs aimed to achieve three priority objectives: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. For more information, visit www.boysgirlsclubsm.org .

About The Rite Aid Foundation

Through KidCents, members of Rite Aid's loyalty program, wellness+ rewards, can round up their in-store or

online purchases to the nearest dollar and give their change to one of more than 400 nonprofit organizations

For more information, visit www.kidcents.com .

Since its inception in 2001, The Rite Aid Foundation has awarded more than $50 million to nonprofit organizations. Additionally, Rite Aid, through the efforts of its customers, supplier partners and associates, has also raised more than $87 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals across the country since 1994.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with fiscal 2018 annual revenues of $21.5 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company's website at www.riteaid.com .

###

Media Contact

Lauren Garrido

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

lauren@boysgirlsclubsm.org

(760) 471-2490

San Diego Sockers & Legacy Laces To Host April 7th Cleat Drive For Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 23:24:18 GMT

The Team Will Host The Legacy Laces Cleat Drive During The April 7th Game At Pechanga Arena San Diego

SAN DIEGO (Tuesday, February 26, 2019) - The San Diego Sockers announced today that they have partnered with Legacy Laces and the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos to help underprivileged kids obtain the gear they need to participate in team sports. The team will host the Legacy Laces Cleat Drive benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos during the April 7th home game at Pechanga Arena San Diego.

“We are committed to providing San Diego with a spirit of charity and humanitarianism, and activities that enhance our community,” said Sockers’ General Manager Sean Bowers. "We were delighted to partner with Legacy Laces and the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos as they have a mission to help underserved youth with a chance to play sports, build character and possibly earn a college scholarship. This is a perfect fit for our organization and we are excited to be a part of the program."

Fans are encouraged to donate new and/or gently used (i.e., no rips, holes, tears or excessive wear) cleats at the Sockers' match on April 7, 2019. Turf and futsal shoes are also welcome. In exchange for each pair of cleats donated, the Sockers will provide a Buy-One, Get-One-Free (BOGO) coupon for the April 13th match.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Sockers and their generous fan-base for this event! With their help and the help of the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, we will be able to provide numerous kids with the gear they need to get involved in organized sports so they can benefit from all the positive aspects that come along with being part of a team,” stated Jeanette Wood, Founder and Executive Director of Legacy Laces.

“A pair of cleats can open the door to so many opportunities for youth in our community, eliminating one of the challenges that might deter them from getting involved in organized sports. We are so thankful to be a part of this wonderful event and are proud to partner with two organizations whose values align perfectly with our mission,” said Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos CEO Tish Murry.

The Sockers begin a three-game homestand on Friday, March 1, 7:35 p.m. against the Turlock Express with Landon Donovan playing in his second career MASL match. It will also be Honoring Heroes Night, as the team will honor and celebrate local military, police, fire, EMS personnel, and teachers for their work. Supporters will receive a free Sockers License Plate Frame, while supplies last. Tickets are available by calling the 866-799-4625 or by visiting AXS.com.

ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO SOCKERS:

The San Diego Sockers are the winningest franchise in the history of indoor soccer, with fourteen professional
championships. Helping elevate the sport of indoor soccer to previously unforeseen heights in the 1980s and 1990s, the Sockers won ten championships in eleven years under the leadership of head coach Ron Newman. Revived after a nine-year absence in 2009 by owners Dave Pike, Carl Savoia and Phil Salvagio, the Sockers won four straight championships to restore their place in indoor soccer history as an elite franchise. The San Diego Sockers hold the U.S. professional team sports record for longest winning streak, capturing 48 straight matches from 2010-13, including a perfect 24-0 season in 2011-12. The Sockers play their home matches at Pechanga Arena San Diego, formerly the San Diego Sports Arena.

ABOUT LEGACY LACES

Legacy Laces was founded to ensure there would be a way to bring excess, outgrown and/or retired gear to underprivileged kids so they would have the opportunity to play team sports and benefit from all that athletics has to offer. For more information, please visit LegacyLaces.org.

ABOUT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SAN MARCOS

The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos serve over 5,000 youth ages 6 to 18 years old in San Marcos through programs and services provided in the Club setting, and at community events and functions. The Club is part of a nationwide movement of community-based, autonomous organizations and Boys & Girls Clubs of America working to help youth of all backgrounds develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders. For more information, please visit BoysGirlsClubSM.org.

Shaping Future Leaders at the Club

lauren@boysgirlsclubsm.org (Lauren Garrido) — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Members are gaining leadership skills, getting involved in their community, and preparing for future careers through Leaders in Training

The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is fostering the next generation of leaders through our Leaders in Training (L.I.T.) program, made possible by the Pacific Youth Foundation. It focuses on providing teen members--and pre-teen members in Junior L.I.T.--opportunities to prepare for their future careers while giving back to the Club and their community. They also serve as role models for younger members, assisting staff with programs, organizing special events, and even tutoring other members. All L.I.T. members are given expectations and responsibilities to fulfill, with a requirement to meet at least 30 hours of volunteer work per 3-month period. Each week, teens are provided a variety of opportunities to gain work hours by committing to tasks around their Club site and reporting back to their Site Director. Teens are able to learn valuable leadership skills while challenging themselves to be a positive force in their community!

Reading towards Great Futures

lauren@boysgirlsclubsm.org (Lauren Garrido) — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 01:00:22 GMT

Our kids are hitting the books for the Read with Reed 83 Challenge!

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 65 percent of fourth graders read at or below the basic level. Our Club is teaming up with former Club kid and Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Reed to encourage our kids to "catch" a love of reading through the Read with Reed 83 program! During the 50-day challenge, students in 1st through 8th grade are encouraged to read for at least 30 minutes a day, tracking the number of books and pages they've tackled to earn prizes from the Touchdown Treasure Chest as they pass reading milestones. Our Club will host a special reading rally this month to recognize the top MVP readers who will win a ticket to an NFL game!

Club Kicks Off Fall Specialty Clubs

lauren@boysgirlsclubsm.org (Lauren Garrido) — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Providing all of our members with locally-developed, specialized programs for all members to get involved in.

The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos strives to provide every member with a diverse Club experience to meet the interests of all kids & teens who attend. In addition to national Boys & Girls Clubs of America programs, our Youth Development Professionals at all of our sites create and facilitate a wide variety of semester-long specialty clubs to get involved in. Each program places a special emphasis on our three priority outcomes: Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles. Our kids and teens commit to the specialty clubs that align with their interests, ending each semester with a Specialty Club Showcase of awards, performances, and presentations of each program's long-term projects.

Our kids & teens are exploring a wide range of specialty clubs this fall, including:

Lego Robotics
Comic Book Club
Rocket Club
Ceramics
Dance Club
Knitting Club
Soccer Club
Cooking Club
Photography Club

...and more!

October Staff Spotlight: Meet Mr. Mando

lauren@boysgirlsclubsm.org (Lauren Garrido) — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

In the Teen Center, "teens have the power to shape our daily programming and become leaders," said Mr. Mando. As Director of Teen Services at our main branch, Mr. Mando enjoys being able to make an impact on teens, providing them with opportunities to learn about real life experiences in a fun, friendly environment. From being able to earn work experience hours in our Leaders In Training (L.I.T.) to tapping into their creative side in the Best Buy Teen Tech Center presented by Sony, our teens have a variety of opportunities to stay on the path to success. Having been with the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos for five years, Mr. Mando has been able to watch members grow as they get their first jobs, graduate from high school, and break out of their shells on a daily basis, becoming more involved and more vocal around the Club. He is excited to watch the Teen Center grow even more, with attendance now averaging 60 teens per day.

With membership for high school students only $10 per year, our Club strives to ensure that all teens have chances to learn and grow at the Club. Learn more about the Teen Center at https://www.boysgirlsclubsm.org/the-club-teen-center.

Golf Classic raises over $133,000 for Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

lauren@boysgirlsclubsm.org (Lauren Garrido) — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 00:22:17 GMT

On September 15, over 110 golfers hit the links at St. Mark Golf Club for the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos 38th Annual Golf Classic, presented by Stone Brewing. The golf tournament is one of the Club’s larger fundraisers, supporting its annual operating budget. Attracting support from sponsors across the country, the tournament raised over $133,000 for the vital programs focused on providing all kids and teens with opportunities to succeed.

Golfers were treated to an assortment of food and beverages on the course, with opportunities to participate in contests and a raffle, ending the event with a live and silent auction during the awards banquet. Awards were presented to the top three teams in the tournament, who qualified to participate in the upcoming Randy Jones Invitational, along with Tournament Chair Steve Wagner, President & Co-Founder of Stone Brewing, in recognition of the company’s commitment to youth as a longtime supporter and the event’s title sponsor for the second consecutive year.

For more photos from the event, please visit http://www.boysgirlsclubsm.org/golf-classic

About Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is a non-profit youth development organization, serving over 3,000 youth members at 13 locations. The Club is open Monday - Friday from 2:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. offering programs, developed and run by trained youth development professionals, that emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles.

Team Up for Kids with Buffalo Wild Wings

lauren@boysgirlsclubsm.org (Lauren Garrido) — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Join us for Community Day on April 19

Join us on Wednesday, April 19, for Community Day as we celebrate our partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings! There will be youth performances from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and our Buffalo Wild Wings will be donating 10% of the day's proceeds to our Club!

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos presented with new security system

lauren@boysgirlsclubsm.org (Lauren Garrido) — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is the recipient of a new security system, thanks to Security 101, based in San Diego. The organization was nominated by law enforcement officials of San Marcos and chosen to be one of three finalists in the company’s Gift of Security contest. With the help of social media followers, board members, staff, volunteers, parents, and community supporters, the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos was able to win the contest by taking 49% of the votes. The new state-of-the-art surveillance system will be a valuable addition to the Club, as it has been in great need of an updated system to secure the property and ensure the safety of the kids and teens who attend the Club’s main branch and administration offices, Jennifer Loscher Branch.

Security 101 is a nationally recognized as a leader in the security industry, offering a full range of services. The company has hosted the Gift of Security contest for five years, opening the opportunity to deserving non-profits organizations in the area.

News & Events

From South Africa to San Marcos: Connecting Youth Across Continents

Celebrating our 2026 Youth of the Year

Meet our 2026 Youth of the Year, Isabella!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR TEEN FINALISTS

Javier Julian

Sophie

Daniela

Laurence

The Automopeel: Teen Innovators Drive Creativity at Best Buy Charity Classic

The Automopeel: Teen Innovators Drive Creativity at Best Buy Charity Classic

Building Brighter Futures: Warren Gorowitz’s Impact at BGCSM

Board Spotlight: Meet Warren Gorowitz

At the Forefront of Youth Mental Health

Inside the Wellness Program at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos

Evolving to Meet Today’s Youth Mental Health Needs

Equipping Staff to Recognize and Respond

The Big Picture: Supporting the Whole Child

Making Every Chapter Count

How Volunteer Peggy Martin is Inspiring Young Readers

Help our Club Teen Win a $5,000 Scholarship as the Cox Mobile Fan Favorite

Vote now for San Diego's phone case design finalist as Cox Mobile Fan Favorite

Breaking Barriers & Creating Impact: Meet Our 2025 Youth of the Year

Meet Delilah, Our 2025 Youth of the Year

Welcoming Christine Vaughan as our Next President & CEO

Welcoming Christine Vaughan as our Next President & CEO

The Growing Divide and Soaring Cost of Summer Camps

Sponsor a Youth at Camp

Spread the Word

Looking for more ways to help? Join us for:

Flapjacks for Backpacks

Saturday, Aug. 3 from 7-11 a.m.

Annual Auction

Saturday, Oct. 5 starting at 5 p.m.

Volunteer with our Club

Free Outdoor Movie Night on Friday, July 26

Join us for a Free Outdoor Movie Night at North City on Friday, July 26

Featuring Disney's Moana

250 North City Drive, San Marcos

Pre-Show Activities: 5-6:30 p.m.

Movie Start: 6:30 p.m.

Cooking up Confidence in the Kitchen

Our members are learning the art of healthy cooking thanks to Aroma Housewares!

Oh, The Places You'll Go with Literacy

New Reading Program Pairs Volunteers with Young Readers

Finding Courage to Rise Above

Introducing Isabella Jimenez-Ramirez, San Diego County Youth of the Year! ﻿

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Receives Neighborhood Grant from Rite Aid Healthy Futures

More than 370 nonprofits receive $10,000 general operations grant ﻿

Volunteer Spotlight: Dayleen Coleman

Say "Howdy" to Dayleen Coleman—owner of D'Liteful Chocolat and resident Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos trick roping instructor!

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Welcomes New Board Member

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Welcomes New Board Member

The organization strengthens its ties to the community with the addition of Robin Flaum

Member Spotlight: Meet Caydee

A Surprising & Rising Star

“ To me, being a Club kid means you’ll always have a place that’s there for you ,” said Caydee. “ This is a place where you can truly express yourself and learn new things, but also have a ton of fun at the same time! ”

Good luck, Otis!

Good luck, Otis!

Stepping Out to Lead

New Wheels for the Club!

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos purchased three new vehicles to transport members to cultural excursions

Meet our new Vice President of Development & Marketing

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos' Welcomes Christine Vaughan as the New Vice President of Development & Marketing

Serving 1,000+ More Kids in San Marcos

BGCSM will Serve an Additional 1,000 San Marcos Students through the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program

Taking Center Stage

Members Showcase New Talents & Skills

Building Great Futures with Thermo Fisher Scientific

STEM is LIT!

"Everybody can be great – because anybody can serve."

- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We're thankful for moments like this

Thank you for Building Great Futures at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos!

Building Great Futures on Giving Day

BGCSM Community to Celebrate Giving Day on Nov. 29

Giving Thanks with Turkey & Tech

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Celebrates Grand Opening of Cox Innovation Lab

Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos Welcomes Two New Board Directors

Two Community Members to Join BGCSM Board of Directors

Introducing Isabella Jimenez-Ramirez, San Diego County Youth of the Year!

More than 370 nonprofits receive $10,000 general operations grant