Great Futures Start Here

Educational Activities For Kids In Central Texas

12. August 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Enrolling your kids in educational programs can not only sharpen their cognitive abilities but also develop their interest in academics. These activities instill a sense of self-actualization and help them become better learners.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas organizes various educational activities for kids of different age groups. These activities aim at improving their academic and practical skills. The staff at the club identifies the kids’ strengths as well as weaknesses and suggest ways to work upon the weak areas.

Listed below are various educational activities organized by the kids club in Texas:

  • Project Learn: This program aims at boosting the academic performance of kids aged between 6 and 18 years. It includes activities such as leisure reading, writing, homework help etc.  Kids can also discuss all their doubts and queries with the staff. Stimulating games such as scrabble are also organized to improve cognitive abilities of kids.   
  • Goals For Graduation: Kids of age group 6-15 years are taught to set achievable goals. Their daily action plans are linked to their future aspirations. The staff creates specific strategies to help the kids achieve their short and long term goals.     
  • Power Hour: Kids aged between 6 and 16 years can participate in this program. The staff provides complete tutoring and homework help to improve their academic grades. They also motivate the kids to keep a track of their progress so that they become self-directed learners.
  • Career Launch: The club encourages kids aged between 13 and 18 years of age to explore their hidden skills. This can help them make an informed decision regarding their career. The staff also provides practical job hunting advice to kids.
  • Junior Staff Career Development: In this program, various activities are organized to help the kids of age group 11-18 years explore the career options in youth and human services. Field trips to other service organizations prepare the youth to become a volunteer leader.  
  • Skill Tech: This program helps the kids aged between 6 and 18 years to learn practical computer skills. The staff uses innovative and animated tutorials to enhance networking skills. They help the kids become well-acquainted with word processing, spread sheets and other productivity software.
  • Money Matters: The club aims at developing basic money management skills among children of age group 13-18 years. The staff members provide effective tips to manage a checking account, create a budget as well as save and invest for college.  They also help the kids learn about starting a small business.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas is a renowned child care center in Killeen, TX organizing a wide range of educational activities for kids. For more information, you can call at (254) 699 - 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Why Enroll Your Kids In Art Activities

5. August 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Art activities play an important role in developing the cognitive skills and creative abilities of kids. School education mainly focuses on improving academic grades but it is equally essential to let the kids explore their artistic side and develop their personality. There are numerous kids clubs in Texas that offer engaging art classes for kids in different age groups.

Given below are some benefits of enrolling your kids in art activities:

  • Develops motor skills: Painting and drawing promote the development of fine motor skills in children. Motor skills are crucial for daily activities such as reading, writing, tying shoelaces, buttoning or unbuttoning the shirt, etc. Therefore, engaging your child in art activities will polish his motor skills which will help him in various other activities as well.
  • Enhances Math skills: When children are involved in art activities, they get introduced to new concepts such as sizes, shapes and angles. Learning about these is helpful in improving mathematics skills. Children discover how to make comparisons between various objects, memorize numbers and even learn the basics of spatial reasoning.
  • Improves problem-solving abilities: Art activities help children develop problem-solving abilities. They also promote the improvement of sensory awareness and manual agility. This is because different art activities involve observing certain things and then recreating them. Combining imagination with reality encourages out-of-the-box thinking which is essential for overall development of the child.
  • Relieves stress: The pressure of academics in school can sometimes become overbearing for kids and it is important to give them a break from the monotony of books. Indulging in art activities frees their mind from the burden of studies. They get to experience creative freedom in an art class which may not be possible when they are at school.
  • Perfect way to utilize free time: It is best to get kids enrolled in art activities in a kids club if you want to channelize their energy in a positive direction. This is one of the best ways to put their free time to use and contribute to their overall personality development. Various art programs are offered by kids clubs in Texas and you can choose the one according to your child’s interest.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas organizes various art programs for kids aged between 6 and 18 years. For details about enrollment, you can call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit the club at 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Camping Safety Tips For Kids In Texas

21. July 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Camping is a great outdoor activity that every child must be exposed to. However, being outdoors also comes with several risks that should be taken care to ensure the safety of the children. A little bit of planning and carefulness can go a long way in making sure that kids have a wonderful camping experience. .

Following are some safety tips if your kids are going camping in Texas:

  • Keep safe drinking water: Unsafe water is the most common cause of diseases like Diarrhea, stomach infection or bloating. Make sure your child carries bottled drinking water or iodine tablets to purify water. Kids must also be taught not to waste water.
  • Keep ample food supplies: Considering the age group of the fellow campers, let your child carry enough supplies of food along. Bread, fruits, nutrition bars, candies etc. are portable stuff which can be kept in extra quantities. Easy to cook/prepare food items are good options while camping as kids may feel hungry in short time spells due to all the playing and adventure activities.
  • Appropriate clothing and footwear: Instruct the kids to carry sufficient clothes along as they tend to get dirty, wet or soiled during camping. Keep an eye on the weather forecast so you can instruct them to carry extra layers, caps, gloves etc. Shoes must also be suitable to walk on rough terrains as uncomfortable footwear will ruin their experience.
  • Plan for natural conditions: Kids should not go camping without the proper gear to tackle unexpected rains, heat or storms. Enough raincoats, caps, umbrellas, sleeping bags, water proof tents must be kept so that kids are not left out in the open in case of any emergency.
  • Lay down rules: The rules at the camp site must be laid down well in advance. The kids must be told that they must never leave the group’s site or enter anyone else’s. A whistle may be provided to them so they can use it whenever required. First aid tips must also be handed out in advance.
  • Education about surroundings: Another way to keep kids safe is to let them know where they are going. Teach them about poisonous plants or dangerous animals that may be present in the surroundings. Also tell them about the significance of keeping their natural surroundings clean by not littering anywhere.
Keep the above tips in mind to ensure a memorable camping experience for children. Too much stress on the negatives will deflate their spirits. Prepare them mentally to face challenges while also taking necessary precautions to have a good time.

We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, organize camping and other recreational activities for kids. For details, you can call at (254) 699-5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.  

Importance Of Extracurricular Activities For Kids

14. July 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Extracurricular activities have always played a major role in the overall development of children of all age groups. Whether it is a sports program, art classes, music lessons or any other interesting activity, the child gets an opportunity to learn something new and interesting. Though many people think the activities are a distraction from studies, participation in these can actually enhance academic achievement. Moreover, the children are also able to learn many essential life skills that help them throughout their lives.

Given below are a few reasons you should consider enrolling your kid in extracurricular activities:

  • Explore Hidden Talent: Every child has some in-built talent that needs to be explored and honed. When a child participates in an extracurricular activity, he is able to identify his forte and work towards improving his skills in that niche. It can also help them discover different career options and decide if they want to pursue their passion for long term.
  • Learn Time Management: Another benefit of being involved in extracurricular activities is that the kids learn to manage their time more efficiently. A child who has to complete school assignments and attend activity classes is more likely to plan ahead so that he is able to perform both tasks easily. Learning the skill of time management in school allows them to competently prioritize things later in life.
  • Improve Creativity: Out-of-the-box thinking is essential to be successful in today’s world. However, creativity is not always innate. It needs to be nurtured in the right way at the right time. Extracurricular activities, whether it is a debate club, writing class or art program, allow children to think differently and innovatively. Thus, children tend to develop qualities that most employers look for.
  • Build Social Skills: Extracurricular activities give your kids a chance to meet other children having similar interests. Thus, besides leading a new skill, they are able to make many new friends. Meeting them regularly and participating in group activities further fosters this bonding as well as develops a sense of belongingness.
  • Physical And Mental Fitness: Your child can improve his physical and cognitive development by being a part of extracurricular activities. Playing endurance sports teach them to be resilient and handle difficult situations with patience. They also boost metabolism and blood circulation. Other activities improve strategic thinking, problem solving and reasoning skills.  
If you are looking for extracurricular activities for kids in Texas, consider Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas. We organize a wide range of programs for kids aged 6 – 18 years old. For more information, you can call us at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Reasons To Enroll Your Child In Music Lessons

7. July 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Encouraging children to develop interest in music provides numerous benefits for their overall development. Although they can choose to enroll in various sports and recreational activities after school, music lessons are also a good option that can be added to the list. There are many kids clubs in Texas that offer music classes for children of all age groups.

Listed below are some ways music lessons can be beneficial for kids:

  • Improves academic performance: Music lessons can help your child improve his mathematical skills. Knowledge of beat, rhythm and scales hone their ability to divide as well as calculate fractions. He also gets introduced to the scientific principles of physics such as harmonic and sympathetic vibrations when playing certain musical instruments.
  • Augments motor skills: Music helps in enhancing the motor skills in children. These skills are crucial for them to carry out a number of daily activities such as catching a ball while playing, reading, drawing, tying shoelaces, writing etc. The motor skills continue to develop if the child continues playing a musical instrument as he keeps on growing.
  • Encourages kids to achieve goals: Having perfection in playing a musical instrument is a long-term achievement that requires systematic goal-setting. Therefore, taking music lessons helps children in setting goals for themselves and work relentlessly to achieve them.
  • Instills a sense of teamwork: When a child joins music classes in a kids club, he gets to communicate and interact with his peers. The instructor may create small groups of children and ask them to create a melody collectively. This makes students work as a team and helps in instilling social skills in them. They realize the value of contributing as an individual for the success of the entire team.
  • Inculcates patience: Learning to play a musical instrument requires a great deal of patience and perseverance. The child needs to master the art of holding the instrument properly and positioning his body perfectly. When kids start playing an instrument, they have to go through months of rigorous practice sessions before they can become a pro at it. This, in turn, helps the child develop patience and self-discipline.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas organize summer music camp for teens aged 13 to 18 years. For details about enrollment, you can call us at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit the club at 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Learning Activities For Kids In Texas

23. June 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
Activities that promote active learning are essential to improve the cognitive abilities in kids. As parents, you can consider making a schedule for your child in which you can incorporate fun learning activities that will help to enhance his cognitive skills. It is important to encourage your child not to spend too much time with electronic gadgets. Instead, you can enroll him in some learning/education program at a kids club in Texas.

Below is a list of some wonderful learning activities for your kids:

  • Leisure reading: Reading is a crucial part of learning and considered one of the important foundations for success in school. Therefore, it becomes all the more important to inculcate reading habits in your child. Provide varied reading material to your child so that he views it as a pleasurable activity. Set aside specific time for reading daily and make sure the subject interests your kid. You can even encourage activities that require reading such as planting a sapling (reading instructions) or treasure hunt.
  • Writing activities: Introducing writing activities in your child’s schedule is a great way to develop cognitive skills. It will help in school assignments and also explore his creativity. Writing is a great form of expression and kids can pen down their random thoughts. You can also encourage your child to draw a picture and then ask him to write a story on it. Games such as crossword puzzles and word games can be a fun way to develop the vocabulary that can be useful while writing.
  • Group discussions: Development of group discussion skills can help your child put forward his thoughts. You can encourage him to share opinions about any particular topic of his choice. Keep the topics simple, such as: what is the best way to organize a birthday party or how do you want to spend your next vacation. Informal group discussions are the best way for kids to imbibe communication skills.
  • Scrabble: Scrabble helps to build a strong vocabulary and encourages a child to create new words with the letters provided. Children find scrabble very exciting when they start to move up the scoreboard. Along with an improvement in spellings, scrabble helps a child to think faster and improve his analytical capabilities as well.
Get your child enrolled in the learning activities organized by Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas. For details, you can call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit the club at 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Engaging Outdoor Activities For Kids In Texas

20. May 2016 Administrator Blog, Kids Activities (0)
Outdoor activities should be an intrinsic part of kids’ daily routine to keep them physically active. Apart from physical fitness, playing outdoors also improves brain functioning and strengthens the immunity of kids. The activities imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and make them learn the importance of teamwork. Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, a renowned kids club in Killeen, TX organizes a wide range of engaging outdoor activities for its members.

Below is a list of some outdoor activities organized by the club:

  • Football: The club offers various football leagues for kids of different age groups. The game helps children improve their agility and strength. It also boosts their cardiovascular health and hand-eye co-ordination.
  • Basketball: The club offers three basketball leagues for kids in 2nd grade, 3/4 grade and 5/6 grade. Basketball is a high-intensity workout that helps children improve metabolism and ankle stability. The sport increases their co-ordination, concentration and mental agility to dribble, pass and shoot the ball.
  • Swimming: This activity is beneficial in maintaining physical and mental fitness. Learning to swim can protect your child in case of any water related emergencies. In addition, swimming is a low impact activity that promotes cardiovascular health and improves stamina, joint flexibility, strength, balance as well as posture. You can get in touch with the kids club in Texas to get your child enrolled in a swimming program.
  • Cheerleading: This activity inculcates team spirit and coordination skills. The club organizes various cheerleading programs for kids of age 7-12 years. The sport increase physical endurance, boosts self-confidence and inculcates leadership qualities in the children.
  • Baseball: Enroll your child in a kids club where he is taught and encouraged to play baseball. Apart from learning teamwork as well as discipline, your child will also enhance physical strength and develop a better hand-eye co-ordination by playing baseball.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, offer as wide range of outdoor activities for kids aged 7 to 12 years. Our club has experienced coaches to provide the best training to the kids and help them hone their skills in the specific sport. To know more about the procedure to enroll your kids in any of the activities, you can call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit the club at 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Ways To Encourage Kids To Play Outdoors

13. May 2016 Administrator Kids Activities (0)
In this electronic era, it is imperative that kids indulge in outdoor activities to improve their physical as well as mental fitness. One of the best ways is to get your child enrolled in a kids club so that he can join his favorite outdoor activity and become a pro at it. There are various other tactics that can help you motivate your kids to play outdoors. Some of these are:

  • Take out time for your kids: It is important that parents spare some time to engage in outdoor activities with their kids. You can take your kids to a nearby park, go swimming with them or even go for a walk. You should present yourself as a good role model who enjoys outdoor activities. This will encourage your children to go out more often and enjoy playing.
  • Utilize the outdoor spaces in your home: If you have a big home then you can use the outdoor space as an extension to the indoor area. This will provide your children a great environment when they cannot go outside to play. You can also encourage your kids to take their favorite toys in the porch or balcony so that they get a feeling of playing outdoors.
  • Involve children in outdoor water activities: Most of the kids love to play with water and this is one good way to persuade them to go outdoors and play. You can enroll your kid in swimming classes as it is a fun outdoor activity that also promotes fitness. 
  • Develop a routine: It is essential to set a schedule so that it becomes a daily habit for your kids to play outdoors. Take your children to parks and play areas so that they can explore their surroundings and enjoy spending time outdoors. Camping tours can also be a fun way for your child to go out and benefit from new experiences.
  • Assign a task to your kids: You can assign simple outdoor tasks such as picking up dead leaves from the garden, watering the plants or making a small bed in the family garden etc. to make outdoor time exciting for children. You should let them unleash their creativity and show it in making a mini garden of their own.
If you are looking for some fun outdoor activities in Killeen, TX, enroll your children at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas. We offer various sports and recreational programs for kids of different age groups. For more information, you can call us at (254) 699 – 5808.

Outdoor Activities For Kids This Summer

8. April 2016 Administrator Kids Activities, Youth Football (0)
Summer breaks are exciting times for kids. For parents, this break means looking for engaging ways to keep the kids occupied. Children enjoy a great deal outdoors. It is best to not restrict them indoors all the time and encourage them to take up activities that involve physical exercise as well as some learning along with their peers.

Following are some outdoor activity ideas for kids this summer:

  • Swimming: Swimming tops the list of activities that the kids can enjoy during hot summer days. It is a great exercise for the mind as well as body, Make sure you choose a swimming program appropriate to your kid’s age and abilities.
  • Sports: Sports like volleyball, basketball, roller skating and tennis are games kids can participate in and enjoy. Sports is good way of teaching kids team spirit and discipline. Based on their interests parents may enroll the kids in one or more sports.
  • Cycling: Another great activity that will keep the kids engaged is cycling. You can teach them to cycle around the neighborhood and on even grounds. Make sure the cycle you buy is according to their age so they are always safe.
  • Camping: Many child care clubs conduct day as well as night camps for children of all ages. These camps could be sports, educational, nature, recreational etc. and kids enjoy a great deal with peers, exploring new ways to learn things.
  • Nature walks: Sending kids on nature walks is a good way to educate them about the diversity that exists in flora and fauna. Kids can learn a lot about their surroundings and learning while having fun is the best way to keep them busy.
  • Visit key places: Visit to museums, zoos, national parks and monuments can help kids acquire important information on diverse topics. You may explore other places of their interest like science museums etc. so kids have a memorable summer break.
Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas is a renowned child care club in Killeen, TX. We offer a wide range of educational and sports activities for kids aged between 6 and 18 years. For more information, feel free to call us at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit the club at 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.

Tips To Find The Right Summer Camp For Your Child

21. March 2016 Administrator Blog, Kids Activities (0)
Summer camps help kids learn new skills, become independent and make new friends. They also offer an opportunity to experience memorable moments that they can cherish lifelong. The camps can build their overall personality and is the best utilization of their free time during the summer break. After weighing all the options, parents must encourage their children to make the best of their time at the camp.

Following are some tips that may help the parents to choose the right summer camp for their kids:

  • Consider the interests of the child: It is best to sit down with the child and know what kind of activities he is looking forward to in his summer break. Depending on his interests and expectations, you should shortlist from the many options available. A camp that offers what a child will enjoy will help him learn faster.
  • Is the camp accredited by American Camp Association (ACA): ACA approves camps on the basis of over 300 must-comply factors related with safety, hygiene, staff to kids’ ratio etc. If the camp is accredited, you can rest assured about the safety and benefit of your child.
  • Type of camps: There are day camps and overnight stay-away camps. You should discuss with the child what he/she is comfortable in. Some camps focus on a single activity and others offer a variety of programs. 
  • Cost of the camp: The duration, activities and facilities are some such factors which parents must evaluate before making up your mind. The cost may vary according to the activities offered in the camp. You may also look for discounts offered like early bird reservations, referral or sibling discounts.
  • Location: Decide if you would like to keep kids closer to home or you are fine with sending them far away. For overnight camps, the location becomes an even important factor as the beauty of the place and comfort levels of the terrain may affect one’s choice.
  • Make all inquiries: You must not hesitate in making all the inquiries over a phone call before making any decision. It is recommended to ask the camp organizer about the composition of other students attending (age group, gender ratio etc.), the experience of the staff, activities planned for the camp, etc.
If you are looking for a fun and exciting summer camp for your kids, consider Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas. We organize residential summer break camp for middle school students. For details about registration, feel free to call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.