Basketball is ranked as one of the most popular sports in the world. The game is all about shooting a ball through a hoop. It’s an extremely fast and exciting game, which is very popular among kids. It can be played both indoors and outdoors and makes it an all year round game. Children in the age group of four to eight years can work on dribbling, passing and catching. Older ones can practice shooting too. The size of the court, basket height and length of time can be varied according to the age, size and skill of the players.

It’s a very good game for kids as it encourages them to move around and stay active. Basketball involves a lot of running and jumping which helps kids develop speed, strength and cardiovascular health. In addition to this, it burns calories and keeps the body lean. For parents fighting with child obesity, this can be the most appropriate solution. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, a game like basketball keeps children fit and agile and is fun to play at the same time.

Benefits of basketball for kids:

• Builds endurance
• Improves balance and coordination
• Develops concentration
• Burns calories
• Build muscles
• Encourages socializing
• Instills the concept of team spirit

Nowadays kids area drifting towards sedentary activities like computer games and watching TV. This is highly detrimental to their overall well being as it can lead to obesity and other lifestyle diseases. Games like basketball keep a child active and are entertaining too. What’s more, your kid develops a lot of confidence each time he/she makes it to the basket. Kids even get to interact with each other and learn the art of developing team spirit over and above a competitive attitude. This will be very beneficial for them as they grow into adults.

While kids play basketball, injuries and accidents are a common phenomenon as it’s a fast paced game. Parents need not frown over this as it’s a very small price to pay in exchange of the immense benefits the game has to offer for the overall development of a child. It is important to make sure your child does a little warm up exercises and stretching before hitting the court. After a game, it’s equally important to cool down and stretch again. Last but not the least, your child should keep fluids handy and rehydrate regularly.

We at Boys & Girls Club of Central Texas conduct Co-Ed Basketball registration which begins from December 3 and ends on December 13. To get your kid registered in the same, kindly visit the Woody Hall Unit located at 5100 Trimmier Road in Killeen between 3pm and 7pm from Monday to Friday and between 10am and 3pm on Saturday.

For more details, visit us at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas at 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541 or call Ms. Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant) at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

Youth Football Texas - Kids Activities Texas

“Money does not grow on trees” might be the perfect lesson for life to teach your children. However, this lesson is not quite as easy to teach, as it is to say. It takes years of setting rules, reasoning out with your kids, and helping to practically implement money management skills, before you can safely hand over a stash of notes to your teens, knowing that they will be in safe hands. No age is too early to begin imparting these valuable skills to your little ones, and you can start with children as young as two.

The following tips should help you get your way around bringing out the smart shopper in your child, but remember that you will needs lots of patience and perseverance to actually achieve your goal.

• Start giving your child a weekly allowance: You can follow the thumb-rule of a dollar multiplied by your child’s age, per week to decide the amount of allowance that is suitable for your child.
• Teach them how to divide their money into different jars: Help your child to divide his/her money into different jars, labelled ‘charity’, ‘quick cash’, ‘middle-term goals’, and ‘long-term goals’, or anything else you can think of.
• Involve them in the grocery shopping experience: Right from making a shopping list to sticking to it at the grocery store, and looking out for the best prices, grocery shopping is one of the best ways to teach your child how to manage money.
• Be a good role model: It’s simple- your child will mimic your money-spending habits; splurge and he’ll splurge, save and he’ll save!
• Inculcate the reward feeling of a hard-won goal: Even if you can afford something that your child really wants, do not buy it right when she asks for it. Let your child anticipate the reward, so that she can value it when she finally gets it.
• Play board games that involve money: Board games that involve fake money, like monopoly, are a great way to make your child learn the importance of saving, and get a feeling of handling money.
• Let them take charge occasionally: Get your child involved in processes like planning a vacation, letting them do the research, make bookings, and take important decisions. This will instil in them the much-needed confidence to be world-ready.
• Open for them an account of their own: Opening a savings account for your child is a great way to make them feel responsible and secure, and also help them save a big amount of money without spending needlessly.

We at Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas, run a wide number of grouped and individual recreational, educational and social programs for the overall development of your kids. One such program is the ‘Money Matters’ program which promotes financial responsibility and independence among the kids. It teaches them managing their budget and saving and investing the right way.

To know more about this program or to enrol your kid in the same, kindly visit us at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas at 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541. You can also contact Ms. Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant) at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

Boys And Girls Club Texas - Kids Activities Texas

Children are like a blank canvas. They are a clear reflection of what we instill in them. Be it habits or values; they absorb everything like a sponge. The most crucial years in a child’s life are the first ten years. These first ten years can actually make or mar the personality of a child. It is in these tender years that we can instill good habits in them that will last them a life time.

A good parent works on developing healthy habits in his kids through a holistic approach. A lot comes within the ambit of healthy habits. Good nutrition, physical activities, hygiene, the sleep cycle, manners and much more contribute to healthy habits in kids. Habits can’t be forced upon a child and the best approach is to rationalize with a kid as to why a certain habit is worth inculcating.

The following are some healthy habits for kids:

• Good eating habits: The food habits that a child develops in his early childhood are more or less likely to stay with him for life. Encourage your child to eat nutritious home-made food as against junk food. Try to include vegetable servings, whole wheat, salads, porridge, yoghurt and plenty of fresh fruits in your child’s daily diet. This will go a long way in developing good eating habits and will also keep diseases like obesity miles away from your child well into adulthood.
• Physical activities: With the boom of computers, TV’s and video games, kids are literally glued inside their homes. It’s very important for kids to be physically active in order to be healthy in the long run. Ensure that your child spends at least half an hour outside in the fresh air daily. In addition to this, involve your child in various outdoor activities like cycling, swimming and skating. Play board games with your child and bond over a picnic or even something as simple as a walk.
• Good hygiene: Hygiene comprise of both oral hygiene and physical hygiene. Teach your child about the importance of good oral hygiene. Make sure you child brushes twice a day and take him for regular dental check ups. Encourage your child to wash hands after every meal and even after visiting the washroom. Do let your kid know the importance of short and clean nails, well kempt hair and overall grooming.
• Sleep habits: It’s very important for children to sleep enough for proper overall development. A child requires at least 9 to 10 hours of sleep on an average. Instill in your kid the habit of going to bed early and consequently waking up early.

We at the Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas run various health programs which aim to create a healthy and appropriate surrounding for kids. To name some of these programs are Cavity-Free Zone, SMART Moves, SMART Girls, SMART Leaders and Passport to Manhood.

If you are interested in enrolling your kids in these programs, visit us at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas at 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541 or call Ms. Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant) at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

Child Care Texas - Kids Activities Texas

Statistics show that there are as many as 46 million adult cigarette smokers and 3 million teenage smokers in the U.S. By creating awareness about the hazards of smoking, the number of adult smokers has dwindled but the awareness campaigns haven’t made an effect on the teenagers. Research shows that 80% of adult smokers started smoking as teenagers. The reason for this is that when one starts smoking as a teenager, the chances of ending up as an addict increase manifold. Once the body gets used to a certain amount of nicotine present in cigarettes, it begins to crave for it when it is deprived of it. This is where addiction begins.

A majority of teenagers are getting hooked to cigarette smoking for a variety of reasons. Some prominent reasons are:

• Teens surrounded by family members who smoke can easily take to smoking. They might find it okay to smoke as well.
• Peer pressure also influences teenagers to smoke as a part of their lifestyle. They may start smoking just to fit in the circle and not be the odd one out. Acceptance by peers is crucial to their self-esteem.
• Media bombards teens with images of their favorite celebrities or singers smoking at a young age. This is usually presented as being harmless and cool. A teenager may get carried away with such images and want to emulate such personalities.
• Some teens start smoking as an act of rebellion against their parents or some people of authority.
• Others smoke to combat their low self-esteem and to reduce stress.
• Some smoke just for the heck of it. They want to know why there is a fuss about prohibition on smoking.

Whatever are the reasons for smoking, it is very important for teenagers to be aware of the fact that it can be incredibly damaging to their life and future. It can even sabotage their relationships with their loved ones and deeply hurt them. Every time you take a puff, you are greatly damaging your body. Here’s how:

• Cigarettes have tons of harmful chemicals including tar, carbon monoxide and nicotine, which are highly addictive.
• Smoking causes diseases like bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease and many types of cancers including lung and mouth cancer.
• It reduces your endurance when playing sports.
• It really bad breath and yellow teeth.
• Research shows that nicotine can cause a significant damage to the growing brain of a teenager.

The special programs at Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas like SMART Moves and SMART Leaders prepare teenagers to help them resist alcohol, tobacco, other addictive drugs and premature sexual activity.

For more information visit us at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, located at 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541. You can also call Ms. Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant) at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

Boys And Girls Club Texas - Child Care Texas

The trickiest years in human life are probably the teenage years ranging from 10 to 17 years. It is a challenging journey from childhood to adolescence in terms of physical, cognitive, social and moral development. An adolescent’s self worth largely depends on how they look like and feel about themselves. They go through tremendous physical changes due to the hormonal releases in the pituitary gland. Their brains begin to process thoughts that are more abstract and most of these thoughts are focused on themselves. As they gain confidence and self-awareness, they become more capable of making friendships based on intimacy and loyalty. They lean on friends for support and cut down on time spent with family.

Teenagers are highly conscious of their appearance and have wrong notions of how to stay fit. Media and peer pressure send mixed signals regarding the ideal weight and fitness thus confusing a teenager. Most of the girls fall prey to dieting and end up with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, which prove fatal sometimes. It is very important for teenagers to engage in rigorous physical activity regularly. An upward trend of teenage obesity has been witnessed in the recent years, which call for cutting down on junk food and amending poor lifestyle habits. A healthy diet for teenagers should comprise of plenty of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates and protein.

Good health care is very essential for teenagers as they usually bypass it thinking they are immortal. Keeping a proper check on their health in the teenage years can ward off fatal diseases in their adulthood. They should get themselves screened for any possible heath problems. A track should be kept on their height, weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Car accidents, physical injury, homicide and suicide are responsible for three out of four teenage deaths in addition to cancer and heart disease. The need of the hour is to follow a holistic approach towards maintaining good health. A good diet, physical exercise and healthy mental health are vital in these crucial years.

Peer groups become an indispensable part of a teenager’s life. They prefer sharing their feelings, secrets and sorrows with their peers. Parents are shoved into their outer circle and peers suddenly find space in their inner circle. It is important for parents to be patient and understanding during this transitionary phase as it is a sign of maturity and is a natural process. A balance has to be struck between parents and peers for a positive outcome in the long run.

Enroll your kids in various programs offered by the Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas. These programs aim for improvement in health care of your kids. For more details, visit us at 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541 or call Ms. Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant) at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

Child Care Texas - Boys And Girls Club Texas

Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse refers to the excessive and maladaptive pattern of alcohol or drug consumption. A person suffering from drug abuse has a strong desire to take illicit drugs, faces difficulties in controlling its habit and gives more priority to drug use than to other activities etc.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of teenagers who fall victim to drug abuse. They usually begin taking drugs voluntarily but with the passage of time and continuous drug use, they become drug addicts. This is because the prolonged use of drugs affects the functioning of the brain.

The reasons why teenagers take drugs include, but are not limited to factors like having fun, making friends, being called a ‘risk-taker’ or ‘rebel’, getting stress relief, escaping difficult decisions, peer pressure, being a part of significant group of people, curiosity  etc.

Parents can make out if their kid is suffering from drug abuse with the help of following warning signs:

• Having bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils.
• Stays isolated, withdrawn, depressed or angry.
• Being secretive, particularly about his/her peer group.
• Losing interest from old habits and being untruthful about new interests and activities.
• Demanding privacy and avoiding eye contact.

If your child is abusing drugs or alcohol, it is very important to take an action right way. There are certain institutes which deal with various teenage related problems.

We at Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas offer various programs for the betterment of youngsters. We aim at guiding your kid not just in the academic field but also in extracurricular activities. The special programs at our club like SMART Moves and SMART Leaders prepare teenagers to help them resist alcohol, tobacco, other addictive substances drugs and premature sexual activity.

For more information regarding our programs or for any other related queries, feel free to visit us at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, located at 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541. You can also call Ms. Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant) at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

Child Care Texas - Kids Activities Texas

‘Children are like wet cement; whatever falls on them makes an impression.’ This saying definitely holds true as kids keep on learning without realizing what they actually are. They are unable to distinguish between what is good and bad for them. So, it is the sole responsibility of parents and mentors to create a healthy and safe environment for their kids.

Boys & Girls Club Of Central Texas (BGCCT) provides a great learning environment for your kids. This club offers a wide range of activities and learning programs, which help in your kids’ overall (social, emotional, physical, mental and cognitive) development. All the programs are conducted by well trained and experienced tutors and volunteers.

BGCCT positively impacts the lives of the kids by engaging them in number of learning programs. To name a few programs, character building, leadership,  education, career oriented, health, life skills, fine arts, dramatics, sports & fitness, recreational activities and the list goes on. Being a charity based organization, the club charges very low fees for all these programs.

This club ensures a safe, positive, friendly, fun and supportive relationship between the kids and the mentors. It works towards providing a world-class club experience, which is within the reach of every kid who walks through the BGCCT doors.

If you want a bright future for your kids and want them to lead a healthy lifestyle, BGCCT is all you need. You will also see them growing as responsible citizens. We at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas will engage your kids in various activities, which will boost their academics as well as extracurricular skills.

For more information regarding our programs or for any other related queries, feel free to visit us at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, located at 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541. You can also call Ms. Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant) at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

Kids Activities Texas - Child Care Texas

It has been truly said that we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. By making a donation, one not only makes someone’s life better but also gets blessings for this noble cause. We know that there are hundreds of people who do not have enough money to meet their basic needs. But, there are various charitable organizations which cater to the needs of these people.

Apart from raising the fund, these charities also organize several activities for the betterment of the society. These activities may include health awareness programs, sports activities for kids, art & craft classes etc which are conducted with the money received by the organizations from various sources.

If you want to make a valuable contribution for your society, donating in charitable organizations is a great and secure idea. You can be assured that your contribution, no matter how big or small, reaches the right hands.

We at The Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas are an organization that works for the overall development of children mainly between the ages 6 to 18 years (both boys and girls). We provide a number of recreational, educational and social programs like:

• Character & Leadership: These programs works for building up the kid’s academic performance and moral character. We make them explore the wide range of career opportunities in life and make them confident and a good public speaker.
• Education & Career: These programs aim at enhancing their writing, reading and discussion ability. The power hour caters in providing them thorough guidance in their home work and school assignments.
• Health & Life Skills: These programs aim at increase health awareness amongst the kids. While the cavity-free zone make them aware about good oral hygiene, the SMART Moves program helps youngsters to resist alcohol, tobacco, drug use and premature sexual activities.
• Arts: This program encourages the artistic abilities in the kids. The activities include drawing, painting, printing, collage making, mixed media, photography, sculpture making, web page design, graphic design and many more.
• Sports & Recreations: The sports activities include football, track, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading etc.

You can help us in making these programs more fruitful and productive by making a donation to our organization. If interested or to know more about our organization, visit us at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541 or call Ms. Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant) at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

Boys And Girls Club Texas - Kids Activities Texas

At one point or the other, most of the youngsters feel that their parents do not understand them nor do they respect them as an individual. These days, parents and kids have a wide difference between their attitudes, priorities, thought process as well as understanding. This difference is often termed as generation gap. But luckily, every problem has a solution. There is a way to bridge this yawning chasm between the parents and their toddlers.

Kids often say ‘you never understand me!’ to their parents. In order to genuinely build up a healthy relation, both parents and kids should start treating and understanding each other like a friend. For parents it is important to listen to the child and understand his or her viewpoint. While for a child, he should have respect and love for their parents. Besides being occupied in daily chores and worrying about expenses at home, or office work etc, parents need to spend some quality time with their kids. Here are some tips for parents that can bring them closer to their kids:

• Communication: Unless and until you communicate with your kids, you would not be able to share your thoughts. Make them know what you feel and also listen to their point of view.
• Devoting quality time: Spend a lot of time together having fun. This will help you know each other even more. This will surely take some time but the results are always fruitful.
• Clear boundaries: Do not put a lot of restriction on your kid. Know what they like and dislike. Trust plays a key role here and makes you not worry much about them.
• Step into each other’s shoe: Know and respect each other’s opinions, values and thinking.
• Respect individuality: Parents should let kids know their view point but at the same time they must also give ample space to kids to enjoy their lives. They never like to be spoon fed by their elders all the time.

If you want your kids to lead a healthy lifestyle and become a responsible citizen, it is essential to engage them in various activities which will boost their academics as well as extracurricular activities.
We at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas offer a series of programs for your kids. To enroll your kid in various programs or for any other queries, visit us at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, located at 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541 or call Ms. Carol Dunn at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

Child Care Texas - Kids Activities Texas

“Hands on your hips, a smile on your lips, spirit in your heart, we're ready to start!”

Cheerleading was once considered to be a social activity meant only for girls. But now, it is gaining popularity as a competitive sport throughout the world, involving equal participation of girls and boys. In simple terms, cheerleading is a physical activity which involves gymnastics, tumbling, stunts, jumps and cheers.

If you want to make your kid more active and confident, cheerleading is a great option. It will be beneficial for your kid in the following ways:

• Health benefits: The choreographed routine involved in cheerleading improves flexibility, stamina, muscular strength and endurance.
• Confidence building: Performing in front of people builds up confidence and self esteem in your kid.
• Team work:  Cheerleading teaches coordination and to perform motions on a certain beat. This helps your kid understand the importance of team work and perform as a team.
• Socialize: It is a great way to make new friends and encourage socialization.
• Enjoyment:  Cheerleading, no doubt requires hard work but it involves a lot of fun and excitement.

We at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas offer various sports and recreational activities for your kids. Registration for cheerleading program is held each year in mid of August.  This program is basically for kids between the ages 7 and 12. The age group is determined by the kid’s age as on September 1. Our aim is to help your kids grow and learn in a positive and healthy environment.

All the participants in cheerleading programs must either attend or live within the KISD school district. Besides cheerleading, the other sports activities at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Texas include football, track, volley ball, basketball and many more.

To enroll your kid in any of the above mentioned programs or for any other query about our club, feel free to visit us at Boys and Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, located at 304 W Ave B, TX- 76541 or call Ms. Carol Dunn (Administrative assistant)  at 254-699-5808, Ext: 102.

Kids Activities Texas - Youth Football Texas