The Gloucester Unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, Hayes Shopping Center, is seeking to increase its teen membership with teens-only programming.
“We have our Valentine’s dance coming up soon,” said Katelynn Binns, club staff member.
The dance will be held on Feb. 13 from 7-9 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club and will feature music, cookies, raffles, games, prizes, a photo booth and more. Students are invited to dress up for the occasion.
“Anyone from the ages of 13 to 18 are welcome to come,” said Jean Mahon, staff member.
“Bring as many friends as you want,” said unit director James Luck.
The $25 yearly membership fee for the Boys & Girls Club will be waived for non-member teens if they attend the dance.
“One of the biggest deterrents is that they’re going to be around little kids,” said Mahon about the club’s dwindling teen membership.
Elementary-aged kids are picked up by 7 p.m. and teenage members can hang out until 9.
From video games and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities to cooking lessons and basketball games, the Boys & Girls Club offers a little bit of everything to older students.
“We want more people to be able to enjoy the space,” said Mahon.
The club has newer consoles for students to use, including the PlayStation 5, the Xbox One and a virtual reality headset. There are also a 3-D printer, Bluetooth trains and other expensive equipment that are more geared towards older students.
“It needs to be used,” said Mahon. “That’s the whole point.”
Since the weather has turned, the club has had a few teens come in to use its indoor basketball courts.
“You won’t be freezing while shooting hoops,” said Mahon. “It’s a little more comfortable inside.”
The club is also looking to offer karaoke nights, line dancing lessons and cooking demonstrations for teenagers.
Getting more teens involved now means that club staff can design summer programming tailored to them. Whether students want to attend a sports game or take a field trip to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, staff members want to plan summer programs that will help teens explore their interests and reach their goals.
“The more engagement we have, the more opportunities we can have in the summer,” said Mahon. “We need to know what they’re interested in.”
