Great Futures Start Here

The Many Benefits Of Summer Camps For Kids

12. February 2016 Administrator Blog, Kids Activities (0)
Summer camps are an ideal learning experience for kids as they learn to live life to the fullest. Such camps also help in nourishing their souls and make them grow into better individuals. It is the responsibility of every parent to enroll their children in a summer camp because the benefits associated with such a camp are aplenty. Some of these are:

  • Ample physical activity: These days most of the children prefer playing games on the gadgets rather than venturing out in the open. A summer camp provides them an opportunity to get involved in various physical activities. They can perform fun activities such as running, swimming, hiking etc. This makes them physically fit and active.
  • Build self-confidence: Going to a camp helps in building their self-confidence by providing them with diverse opportunities to succeed. The activities they perform at a camp are entirely different from their regular school curriculum. This helps them explore various facets of their personality and boosts self-esteem.
  • Make friends for a lifetime: Children get the opportunity to make new friends during a camp. They get to relax without any social expectations and this encourages development of new bonds. All the fun camping activities such as singing, talking as well as playing helps children come closer and become the best of friends.
  • Gives a break from technology: Kids learn to get involved in the real world while staying in a camp. They hang out far away from the virtual world of Internet, computer, TV and smartphones. Encountering real life situations in the camp nurtures their creative juices and helps them discover their potential.
  • Increases independence: A camp is the perfect destination for kids to imbibe decision-making skills. They do not have their parents or teachers to guide at every step and this makes them become more independent. A camp provides kids with the freedom of making choices which enhances their personality.
  • Promotes flexibility: The setting and environment in a camp helps the children in becoming pros at bearing setbacks. They try and learn new things while enjoying in the camp. They face failure which helps them to learn how to endure disappointment. Camps help them conquer their fears and this is one of the greatest lessons to be learnt in life.
  • Imbibes social skills: A summer camp is a warm and close-knit community where children are required to respect and co-operate with each other. Staying together with other kids helps them discover the power of communication. They also learn to sort out their differences in an amicable way without creating any unpleasant situation.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, organize summer camp for middle school kids. For details about the registration process, call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Teach Your Kids To Be Digital Artists

20. January 2016 Administrator Blog, Kids Activities (0)
With the advent of technology, newer channels are being developed to express creativity and showcase it in front of the whole world. One of the most recent mediums that are becoming widely popular to display thoughts and experiences is ‘Digital Art’.

Digital art has various forms such as graphic design, videography, photo illustration, web page design, special effects etc. This field offers bright career prospects and therefore it is important that you encourage your kids to widen their interest in the digital arts arena. There are kids clubs in Texas that organize digital arts programs for kids to hone their talent.

There are a plethora of career options in digital arts. Your child can become an animator, a cartoonist, web designer, photographer, multimedia artist etc. The scope is endless and fresh career opportunities are being added every now and then. Parents and teachers can make the child a digital artist by supporting his inventiveness and creativity. Following is a list of some steps that you can consider:

  • Make your children join a kids club: A large number of kids clubs organize special workshops pertaining to Digital Art. They offer programs in subjects such as web page design, graphic designing, photo illustration etc. You should get your kids enrolled in one such club so that they can start utilizing their creative skills in the subject of Digital Arts.
  • Encourage your child to do drawing: During pre-school, you should encourage your kids to draw or paint and expand their imagination. Drawing is very helpful for the kids as it not only boosts their confidence but also improves their motor skills. It also makes them inclined towards digital arts when they grow up. The same thing is applicable for teachers who can push the child towards getting better at his art work.
  • Display your child’s art work: There are many online platforms where you can display and promote your child’s work of digital art. A number of websites have digital museums where digital art works of kids can be uploaded by the parents and teachers for everyone to view. Positive feedback will motivate your child to take up a career in this field.
  • Introduce your children to comics: Comics are a great way of introducing your children to storytelling and churning their creative juices. They help the kids develop visual literacy and aid them in understanding a story by joining visual elements. This is an intrinsic aspect of digital arts where you have to convey something through your designs and illustrations.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, offer various digital arts programs for kids of different age groups. For more information, call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Tips To Choose An After-School Program

14. November 2015 Administrator Blog, Kids Activities (0)
Parents often look for interesting after-school programs or activities to keep their kids engaged and make them learn new things. The kids can play sports, join drama classes and learn various creative skills, which will be useful for them in their later life. These programs can keep the child occupied in learning activities that are beneficial for their social well-being as well as help them explore their hidden talents.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right after-school program for your child:

  • Know the interest of your child: Before you start looking for an after-school program, make sure you understand your child’s likes and dislikes. You can even consult his teachers for any suggestions according to the child’s performance in sports and academics.
  • Check what kids’ club has to offer: You can get the list of extracurricular activities from the club to ensure that they offer the particular program that interests your child. Whether your child wants to join a sports activity or looking forward to learn some dramatic skills, make sure the club has the intended programs.
  • Check the curriculum and quality of program: The program that you choose must offer a variety of enriching activities, both creative and athletic. Besides art and craft, the program can include performing arts, music, drama and other activities. Special events should also be organized from time to time to encourage children’s participation. You should make sure the program helps in developing interpersonal and social skills of the child as well as foster his self-worth.
  • Staff and safety: It is your prime responsibility to ensure that the club that you select ensures safety of the children. Make sure they have the necessary equipment for protection of the kids during sports and other activities. Also, the facility should be clean and well ventilated. The instructors at the club should be qualified and trained to cater to the needs of the child.
  • Assistance in homework: Besides recreational activities, you can also opt for tutoring programs to help your child with homework. It will help in keeping a balance between academics and extra-curricular activities. The child will also be able to learn time management skills which can be very beneficial throughout his life.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, organize an array of after-school programs for kids aged between 6 and 18 years. For more information about activities offered, you can call at (254) 699 - 5808 or visit the club at 304 W Ave B Killeen, TX 76541

Teaching Public Speaking Skills To Kids

5. November 2015 Administrator Blog, Kids Activities (0)
Public speaking skills are an important aspect of any profession nowadays as one may need to give presentations or deliver briefings. Thus, it is important to be able to speak confidently in public and express their views efficiently. The art of public speaking must be inculcated in kids from a very young age. Starting early will help your child develop confidence and excellent communication strategies that will help him in his life later on.

Following are some tips for parents and teachers on how they can teach public speaking skills to their kids.

  • Make it a fun activity: Presenting public speaking as an important or fearful task can discourage children. Instead, try to develop it as a fun activity for them. This will not only help them develop the requisite skills but also keep the fear of public speaking at bay. For instance, you can start out by giving them an interesting topic to speak on or organize enjoyable activities like an extempore etc.
  • Practice: Developing good speaking skills requires a lot of practice and consistent efforts. You must persuade your children to listen to some of the great speeches of all times. The speeches should be chosen according to the age of the child and how much he can comprehend. Sit with him and note down the points that you both find important. Afterwards, incorporate the positive aspects whenever you prepare him for public speaking.
  • Encourage your child to participate in educational fairs: Educational fairs offer a great opportunity for children to become better public speakers. They have to present their projects and explain it in detail to a formal audience comprising of adults. This will encourage your child to speak confidently in front of a large audience.
  • Enroll your child in dramatic arts: There are a number of kids clubs that offer drama classes for children. Enrolling your child in one of such classes can greatly help him in learning attributes like managing stage fright, memorizing particular things and voice projection etc. Teachers in drama classes must also encourage kids so as to develop their confidence.
  • Limit Audiences: When the kids are ready to give their first speech, let them speak in front of a small group of people initially. You can increase the audience over a period of time as they start to build up more confidence. Also, you should refrain from pointing out the flaws in front of everyone.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, can help to inculcate public speaking skills in your child. We offer various character and leadership activities for kids up to the age of 18 years. For more information, you can call us at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit the club at 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Reasons To Enrol Your Child In Swim Lessons

12. August 2015 Administrator Blog, Kids Activities (0)
Swimming is a sport which can be done both individually and as a team. This skill not only mitigates the risks of drowning but is also filled with fun. Encouraging the child to swim at an early age will also help him in overcoming the fear of water. An activity which will stay with him for a lifetime, swimming must be included in a child’s developing years.

Here are some benefits of enrolling your kid in swim lessons:

  • Easier to learn at a young age: Children are quick learners as their impressionable minds are eager to explore and their abilities are immense. They tend to pick up new skills faster. It is recommended to expose them to swimming lessons even before they develop the fear of water so they indulge in it with pleasure.
  • Safety: A child who is trained in swimming will always be comfortable around water and, thus, feel safe. This life skill will ensure that your child will not fear drowning and can enjoy his time in the water – be it in a swimming pool or beach side. 
  • Exercise that is also fun: Swimming is a great cardio vascular workout. The upside is that along with an all-body exercise, it is also a lot of fun. With increasing obesity and bone problems in children, swimming may prove to be a beneficial activity for staying fit. Since it is a low risk, high intensity workout, it is a good activity to keep children engaged and active.
  • Builds confidence: If your child knows how to swim, he is likely to be more confident. Swimming is taught in stages and every subsequent level that is learnt by the child infuses confidence to achieve the next one.
  • Improves concentration and coordination skills: Swimming also gives important life lessons on managing time and reaching goals. This increases concentration levels in children and improves their coordination between their mind, limbs and body. 
Swimming is a great exercise for the general well-being of a child. This activity offers unique bonding opportunities and people of different ages can indulge in it together. Swimming lessons, under the guidance of a trained coach, can help the child in mastering the skill.

We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, offer ‘Swim Team’ program for the kids aged 7 to 17 years. To enrol your child at the club, you can call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Fun Activities For Kids In Texas

21. July 2015 Administrator Blog, Kids Activities (0)
Learning is an ongoing process and children learn more effectively through fun activities. Parents in Texas encourage their children to join kids club so that they can interact more with the peer group and develop new skills by participating in different activities. These fun activities help the children get involved in diverse interests and pursue their hobbies. Most of the activities offered by the club are for groups, so it promotes unity and imparts important values. The fun activities including indoor/outdoor games and sports events keep the children involved and active.

Sports And Recreational Activities

The club often offers camps that involve swimming, hiking, horse riding, fishing, archery, canoeing, etc. A number of sports fitness and recreation activities are available for different age groups to ensure that children participate in sports and focus on developing their physical fitness. Some of the sports and recreation activities offered by the club include Youth Basketball, youth Football, and cheer leading activities. These activities are available for all youth in 7-12 years age group. The club organizes leagues to develop the competitive spirit and build up excitement among the children.

Art And Craft Activities

Varieties of arts activities are there that help the children explore their hidden talent. These activities focus on developing imagination, creativity, art and craft skills in children. The club staff encourages the kids to express their art through collage making, painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture making, photography, etc. They regularly organize exhibitions and various contests to motivate the kids and offer them a platform to display their art and craft. By participating in different contests, the kids strengthen their skills and learn to compete in a healthy way. The club focuses on developing digital art skills among high school children who are particularly interested in the art.

Creative Courses

The kids club often offers various creative courses such as screenplay writing, film-making and editing movies. The kids who have inclination towards music can learn to sing, play various instruments and learn to write lyrics by joining the courses, which aim at introducing the kids to the world of music. The club also offers drama classes to help the children learn theater and acting skills. The kids even get chance to take part in dramas organized by the club.

The extracurricular activities at the club are important for the overall development of the children. The fun activities are integral part of growing up and help the children become more creative, expressive and artistic. They realize their interests and start working on their skills to pursue their dreams.

Physical Activities To Keep Kids Healthy

14. July 2015 Administrator Blog, Kids Activities (0)
It is essential to involve children in physical activities for healthy growth and development. Besides the health benefits, indulging in regular physical activities helps in increasing the self-esteem of the child and boosts social skills. It gives them the opportunity to socialize, learn a new sport or skill and maintain good health.

Here are some types of activities that are organized at Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Texas for children:

  • Youth Basketball league: This is an interesting sport activity that is offered for both boys and girls. Youth Basketball league is the best endurance activity for kids in the age group of 7-14 years. A demanding sport, basketball assists in boosting health, strength, coordination and social skills.
  • Youth Football leagues: The NCAA league is for boys in the 7-8 years group and 9 years. The AFC league is available for boys aged 9 years, 10 years and 11 years. Kids can also play for NFC league, which is for boys in 11-12 years age group. The game helps kids develop team spirit, leadership skills and mutual respect. They also get to make new friends and enjoy the game besides developing good health.
  • Swimming: It makes the child learn an essential life skill, increase flexibility and develop muscle strength. The kids can register for the swimming league and take part in swim meets. All kids in the age group of 7-17 years can participate in the swimming league.
  • Cheerleading: It has enormous physical, mental and emotional benefits for the child. Cheerleading involves dance, workout, gymnastic and acting, which helps boost self-confidence, teaches teamwork, coordination and leadership and assists in maintaining good physical health.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Texas is a kids club that offers a large number of physical activities for children. The club has the bronze certification of excellence provided by the Military child Education Coalition for staff professional development. It offers a number of quality programs and services designed for particular age groups and aims at improving the skills and health of the kids.

The activities focus on the overall development of the kids and help them use their extra time in developing their interests and learning new skills. For more information about the physical activities offered at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, call at (254) 699 – 5808.

Sports And Recreational Activities For Kids In Killeen

4. June 2015 Administrator Blog, Kids Activities (0)
Sports and recreational activities are important for promoting good health and improving the quality of life for kids. Children find these activities fun and an interesting way to spend their leisure time. You can enroll you child at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas for participating in various activities, sports and games.

Benefits of sports and recreation

  • Personal and health benefits: The sports and recreational activities not only help in decreasing obesity among children but also boost self-esteem, confidence, self-respect, trust and leadership abilities. Physical activity also contributes towards improving the academic performance of the children. Sports improve concentration, attention and classroom behavior. Children become socially oriented by participating in these activities, which provide challenges as well adventure to them.
  • Another benefit of sports and recreational activities is that it helps in reducing stress and making the children happy. By indulging in different sports, kids develop character and learn time management. They interact with the children of their age group and this helps improve their communication and learning skills.
  • Benefits to community: Besides offering physical benefits, the sports and recreational activities also benefit the community, as they bring the people together. Sports help in building the value of teamwork and offer fun. The children follow their role models and try to achieve their goals like them, to win at a sport or game and benefit the community.  Thus parents should encourage their children to maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy a sport or game. Rather than playing video games, using Internet and having sedentary lifestyle, children can enjoy being physically active.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas offer various organized sports leagues. Basketball leagues for 2nd Grade, ¾ Grade, and 5/6 Grade are conducted. You can even register for cheerleading program, which is offered for youth in 7-15 age groups. The program is for students who attend or live within the KISD school district students. The club also offers the NCAA League, which is available for boys 7-9 years old. You can register for Swim League for ages 7-17 years.

Our kids club has been organizing fun-filled activities for more than a decade and also has various branches at different locations in Texas. To register, you can visit us at 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541 or call 254-699-5808  Ext:102.

Education And Career Programs In Killeen

7. May 2015 Administrator Blog, Child Care, Tutoring (0)
Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, Killeen, offers various education and career programs for kids of different age groups. All the activities organized under these programs are aimed at improving the academic and practical skills of the children. The professionally qualified tutors at the club help kids identify their weak areas and work on them to attain better grades in school.

The education and career programs offered at the club include:

  • Project Learn - Through this program, children are motivated to enhance and brush up the knowledge they have learnt at the school. The staff at the club creates opportunities for the kids, aged 6-18 years, to engage in fun yet academically beneficial activities during the after school hours. These may include writing stories, leisure reading, playing games like scrabble, holding discussions with knowledgeable adults etc.
  • Goals For Graduation - This program involves introducing children aged 6 to 15 years with the concept of ‘academic goal setting’. The staff helps kids learn how their present actions can have an effect on their future aspirations. The club members are made to set realistic goals, both short term and long term. Any success attained by the kids is recognized and supported at every step of their journey.
  • Power Hour: Making Minutes Count - The club members aged between 6 and 16 years are provided completed homework help and tutoring under this program. By regularly tracking and rewarding any progress made by kids, the mentors encourage them to become self-directed learners.
  • CareerLaunch - It encourages the kids aged 13 to 18 years to evaluate their skills and interests, explore various career options and make well-informed decisions about their life. The club members are provided with various tips and practical job-hunting advices to make them capable of joining the nations’ proficient work force.
  • Junior Staff Career Development - This is a comprehensive small group program that encourages kids aged 11-18 years to make a career in youth or human services. Through practical experience of service organization visits, field trips and helping others in the club, children are prepared for their future role as a volunteer leader in their community.
  • Skill Tech & Skill Tech II – These programs enroll kids of different age groups to teach them basic and advanced computer skills respectively. Providing children with hands-on practical experience and instructor led group activities, the program helps them become proficient in various computer operations.
To enroll your child in any of the above mentioned programs, you can contact Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas at (254) 699 – 5808.