Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties

11/19/2024

What a wonderful day of giving and learning! 💖

The 7th Annual Bucket Fillers Reading Day, in partnership with EEmbracing Our Differences brought together BGCSDC staff, volunteers, and 10,000 students from 537 classrooms across 70 elementary schools in Manatee and Sarasota Counties to celebrate the importance of kindness.

Using the concept of an invisible bucket to encourage positive behavior, the Bucket Fillers book series teaches children how to "fill buckets" through acts of kindness, love, and appreciation for others. Embracing Our Differences provides books to each participating student and classroom and each child receives their own book 📚 to read at home with their family.

11/15/2024

Clubs have been buzzing with excitement this week, celebrating Family Literacy Month through engaging 📚 reading comprehension activities and a fun-filled book scavenger hunt. 🔍 Members embraced teamwork and stayed active with energetic games like "crab 🦀 soccer," freeze tag, statue relays, and hula hoop challenges.

STEM activities sparked creativity and critical thinking as members designed turkey 🦃 traps, crafted maps, and experimented with ice melting. Meanwhile, their artistic talents shone during Thanksgiving-themed art projects, vibrant watercolor creations, and journaling sessions 📓that encouraged self-reflection and personal expression.

A ❤️heartfelt thank-you to Safe Children Coalition and State College of Florida (SCF) Occupational Therapy students for enhancing the week with engaging activities and meaningful discussions about situational awareness and managing emotions.

11/11/2024

Today, we give thanks to our veterans for their courage and sacrifice. 🇺🇸

11/06/2024

It’s never too early to learn about the power of voting! Yesterday, our Clubs transformed into mini election hubs where members cast their votes for President, the ultimate BGC snack, and favorite game. 🗳️ They gained hands-on experience with the voting process, learning the importance of patience and respecting privacy along the way. And, of course, everyone enjoyed posing for their “I Voted” photo! 📸

11/01/2024

Clubs were alive with spooky 👻 fun this Halloween! 🎃 From creative costumes to haunted crafts, Club members got into the Halloween spirit with games, treats, and eerie activities! Check out some of our favorite moments!

10/30/2024

👏Thank you to our friends at SRQ Magazine for the opportunity to participate in October's “In Conversation With – Innovation in Philanthropy” feature where BGCSDC President/CEO, Bill Sadlo had the opportunity to discuss impactful initiatives alongside fellow community leaders from All Faiths Food Bank NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties and Safe Children Coalition Together, we are committed to enacting lasting change in our community! 💙

Check it out! ⬇️

In Conversation with innovative organizations leading the way in regional philanthropy.

10/25/2024

Let the games begin! 🏈

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties is proud to be a part of the Florida Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, which works to secure statewide funding and resources for local Clubs and helps youth achieve their full potential.

Together, we have a chance to support kids and teens across the state through Game Gives Back. Game Gives Back is hosting a spirited, friendly competition between Gator🐊 and Bulldog🐶 fans in honor of the big game on Saturday, November 2.

Choose your team and make a difference - donate today at
➡️bit.ly/GGBFlorida.

10/24/2024

Meet our Mental Wellness Coach and “MVP of Mindfulness!” Ms. Danae helps our team develop tools for focus, resilience, and a positive mindset. Whether it's guiding a calming practice, teaching stress-reduction techniques, or simply lending an ear, she ensures Team BGCSDC is ready to tackle any challenge life throws their way.

YOU can help local youth build mental strength and resilience by supporting the Club With your support, we can ensure members have access to the full slate of award-winning and nationally recognized programs year-round.

Be an MVP and support BGCSDC All-Stars today! ➡ https://bgcsdc.org/get-involved/back-to-schoolhyperlink

10/23/2024

Meet our Leadership Coach, Mr. Geo! He’s working hard this Back to School season building champions who lead with integrity, teamwork, and heart. 💙 From helping members discover their voices to encouraging them to make a difference, Mr. Geo is shaping tomorrow's leaders today.

YOU can help members become leaders in and out of the classroom 📚by supporting the Club. With your support, we can ensure members have access to the full slate of award-winning and nationally recognized programs year-round.

Be an MVP and support BGCSDC All-Stars today! ➡ https://bgcsdc.org/get-involved/back-to-school

10/22/2024

Meet Jillian, our Enrichment Coach, the “Hostess of Healthy Habits!” Ms. Jillian is here to make sure Team BGCSDC stays at the top of their game with a winning strategy for nutrition, physical activity, and fun! From teaching the importance of balanced meals 🍽 to encouraging members to be more physically active 💪, Ms. Jillian keeps our players fueled up and ready to crush the school year.

YOU can help our members stay in peak form by supporting the Club. With your support, we can ensure members have access to the full slate of award-winning and nationally recognized programs year-round.

Be an MVP and support BGCSDC All-Stars today! ➡ https://bgcsdc.org/get-involved/back-to-school

10/21/2024

🏀 This school year is shaping up to be a slam dunk, thanks to our incredible team of academic coaches, leadership trainers, and wellness professionals dedicated to Club members' success. Over the coming days, we’ll introduce you to a few of these coaches who are working hard to ensure members have a successful school year.

But while our coaches fuel the brains, muscles, and hearts of our members, you are the key player who takes us from good to great. Whether they’re athletes or mathletes, you can help us support them in reaching their full potential. 💙

➡Learn More Here: https://bgcsdc.org/general/building-champions-how-boys-girls-clubs-are-shaping-sarasota-and-desotos-future-all-stars.html

➡Be an MVP and support BGCSDC All-Stars today! ➡ https://bgcsdc.org/get-involved/back-to-school

As seen in Your Observer, September 26, 2024

10/18/2024

👏We were thrilled to be able to reopen on Monday, ready to serve the children and families who need us most! Our members are back in action, diving into the activities they love and helping restore a sense of normalcy after Hurricane Milton. Together, we’re building a safe and supportive space where fun and learning can flourish! 💙

10/14/2024

📌IMPORTANT UPDATE ON CLUB OPENINGS📌

10/13/2024

📌IMPORTANT UPDATE: Please see the attached announcement regarding Club openings.

10/09/2024

Thinking of our Club families, staff, and community as we navigate this together. Stay informed with updates on our social media and website: https://bgcsdc.org/. Take care and stay safe. 💙

10/08/2024

Our hearts and thoughts are with our Club families, staff, and community as we all prepare together. We will continue to monitor the situation and post updates as necessary on social media and at https://bgcsdc.org/.

Stay safe, everyone. 💙

10/06/2024

Our thoughts are with our Club families, staff, and community as we all prepare. Our team will be closely monitoring the situation and will share additional updates as needed on social media and at https://bgcsdc.org/

10/04/2024

The Back-to-School season at BGCSDC has been filled with opportunities for growth, discovery, and creativity. From academic challenges to wellness activities, Club members have been actively engaged in programs designed to spark curiosity and build essential life skills, setting them on the path to success.

📚 Academically, members explored nouns, learned about Madagascar through weaving, and took on STEM challenges by building paper bridges and "index card towers of knowledge.

❤️ They embraced generosity through activities focused on helpfulness, fostering kindness and community.

⚽They played high-energy games like "Cone Race" and a Tic-Tac-Toe relay, emphasizing teamwork, communication, and strategy.

🎨 In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, members created vibrant "Mexican Folk Art Mirrors," learned Spanish colors, researched countries, crafted art inspired by Frida Kahlo and created their own versions of a Mexican sun, symbolizing the strength and power in Mexican folk art.