Parent Guide

&

Membership Handbook

INTRODUCTION

Welcome!

It is our privilege to welcome you and your child to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee.

It was with strong community support that The Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee (BGCL) opened its doors in Adrian on January 2001. For more than 16 years, the BGCL has provided a safe place for youth. In 2001, the club began in a tiny woodshop at Drager Middle School, with only 100 members. In a short time, we outgrew this space and relocated our program to the Adrian Piotter Center. This facility served as our home for 4 years. With membership growing, the club needed a larger facility to call its “forever home.”

After researching the possibilities, the Board of Directors undertook a $1 Million capital campaign and collaborated with Adrian Public Schools (APS) to convert an unusable middle school pool into a new, dedicated and secure facility for the Club. The new Clubhouse was dedicated on January 3, 2011.

Since moving into the new Clubhouse, our membership has continued to grow. Over 1400 members now look to the Club to meet their need for supportive relationships and to just have fun. Our staff mentors provide consistent guidance and implement dynamic programs. Together we are enabling youth to reach our organization’s three Priority Outcomes: (1) To achieve academic success; (2) To live healthy lifestyles; (3) To develop strong character and leadership

Please read this book and keep it as a reference. We hope you have a wonderful year and thank you for being a part of the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee

Leadership Team

Sara HerrimanExecutive Director

sherriman@bgclenawee.org

Chris SanchoAssistant to the Executive Director

csancho@bgclenawee.org

Ben BempongUnit Director

bbempong@ bgclenawee.org

Phoenix DuncanEducation Coordinator

pduncan@bgclenawee.org

Josh NorthRecreation Coordinatorjnorth@bgclenawee.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee

Membership Policy and Procedure

MEMBERSHIP & FEES

Boys and Girls Club Membership is open to all youth between the ages of 6 and 17 years. A membership form must be completed and signed by parent and/or guardian. A birth certificate must be shown for every 6 year old. Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee member registration is always open. We ask that every effort be made to present contact information that is both current as well as accurate. It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to notify us of any changes to their telephone numbers (Home, work, emergency, contacts, etc.) and address information. The cost of the membership is $3.00 per year. General Attendance Members must sign in once they enter the club each day. Membership attendance may be gathered by the front desk. General Attendance information will be entered into our membership tracking system daily.

CLUB HOURS

Adrian Club School Year Hours: 3:00pm - 8:00pm

Hudson Club School Year Hours: 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Adrian Club Summer Hours: 11:00am - 5:00pm Monday – Friday (Hudson Club is Closed in summer)

OUR MISSION

To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as PRODUCTIVE, CARING, RESPONSIBLE citizens.

PRIORITY VALUES

Child Safety is a priority. Respect for members, parents and staff is a must. Education and hard work are valued. Quality Programs Exist. Clean and safe facilities are a daily standard. Creativity and Innovation are rewarded. Recruitment and outreach are the norm. Club and local Community are important. Fund-raising is sustaining. Earning the public trust is a daily practice.

CORE PROGRAM OFFERINGS

Character and Leadership Development; Education and Career Development; Health and Life Skills; The Arts; Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

DINNER PROGRAM

During the school year, the club will serve dinner from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm Monday through Friday. Snack will no longer be provided.

PROGRAMMING

Members must sign into each Club program and/or Club area for targeted programming each day. Program/Activity attendance will be collected by the Youth Development Professional (YDP) leading that program. Targeted Programming that will be tracked will include funded programs, Power Hour, Triple Play, SMARTS, Passport to Manhood, additional BGCL programs. There will be exciting opportunities for scholarships to Summer Art Workshops, Croswell Camps, and many more special opportunities. Our programs our professionally designed programs that guide and support our Club five core program areas. Continual program improvements ensure that young people are guided by the best practices in the field of youth development. We want our kids to succeed.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS, LOST, STOLEN, AND DAMAGED ITEMS

All belongings brought to the Club by a member are the responsibility of that member. The Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items. Members are discouraged from bringing anything to the Club that is not completely necessary, especially money. Necessary items, such as backpacks and jackets should be clearly marked with the member’s name. Items that are not collected from the lost-and-found in a timely fashion will be donated to a local charity.

FIELD TRIP

The Club provides a number of opportunities for our members to participate in activities outside the club. We strive to give all members the opportunity to learn not only in the classroom but also outside the classroom. Members and parents are reminded that all of the club rules extend to field trips. Trips can include, Mud Hen Games, Tigers Games, Imagination Station, Toledo Zoo, 3DPC, and more. Club members must have a permission filled out by a parent and turned in prior to going on any trip.

SUPERVISION

Club staff are trained Youth Development Professionals. A staff member will oversee each of our designated program areas. Please take the time to remind your child of the need to follow Club rules and the directions of Club staff at all times.

BULLYING POLICY

We are committed to creating a Club setting where everyone is treated with dignity. To make this possible, we recognize that one of our most important responsibilities is to create and sustain a safe environment so our members can enjoy participating in our program. To achieve this goal we must acknowledge that bullying can occur within our Clubs.

To clarify the definition of bullying and to help prevent it from occurring, we have outlined the following information: Both boys and girls can be bullies. We, as an organization will not tolerate an attitude of “boys will be boys” or

“girls will be girls” to excuse social cruelty or physical harm. Bullying can be direct or indirect, blatant or subtle. It involves an imbalance of power and repeated and

intentional actions. Bullying is any behavior considered physical aggression, social aggression, verbal aggression, written aggression,

intimidation, sexual harassment, or racial/ethnic harassment. Bullying is cutting someone off from essential relationships. Bullying includes isolating the target by making this person feel rejected by his or her community. Bullying is malicious gossip and rumor spreading.

Bullying often occurs outside of the physical grounds of the Club, yet these actions impact the safety of our members as though they occur on Club sites. Any bullying behavior demonstrated at the Club or outside of the Club that affects our Club community will be addressed by the Club.

As an organization, we will take any report of bullying seriously. Bullying will be responded to through a variety of consequences and intervention up to and including suspension from the Club, depending on the frequency and severity of the behavior. Any member who is suspended will not be permitted to return to the Club without a parent/member reentry meeting with the Club Director.

Some situations, including less severe first offenses, may be handled by the Club through member conferences, mediation or other interventions without a phone call home. If more serious bullying behavior has occurred, possible consequences could be suspension or expulsion from participation in all Club activities. Membership is a privilege not a right. Subsequent consequences could include Club suspension. If any of these consequences become a likely outcome, we will notify you.

If your child is the target of bullying:

Notify the Club Director so that the incident can be documented. The incident will be addressed as quickly as possible, but please allow us 48 business hours to respond. If you do

not hear from us by that time, please feel free to call the Club Director to follow up.

CODE OF CONDUCT Positive attitude keeps the Club fun. We encourage Club members to: 1. Respect yourself; 2. Play fairly and be honest; 3. Applaud the efforts of others; 4. Avoid inappropriate language; 5. Dress appropriately at all times; 6. Eat and drink in designated areas; 7. Say only good things about others; 8. Bring your membership card every day; 9. Be respectful of Boys & Girls Club staff; 10. Resolve disagreements in a positive way; 11. Listen during appropriate times and assemblies; 12. Be respectful to other members and their property; 13. Tobacco, drugs, alcohol and weapons are prohibited; 14. Take care of the Boys & Girls Club facility, grounds and equipment

CLUB RULES

Members must: 1. Check in when entering the club. 2. Keep hands and feet to themselves at all times. 3. Not swear and name-call. 4. Respect one another. 5. Respect the staff. 6. Follow directions. 7. Participate in all programs & activities. 8. Not run inside the building. 9. Stay in the club building

MEDICATION The Club is NOT allowed to disperse any medication of any kind. The club may store or oversee asthma inhalers for our club members, but the club will not disperse the medicine to club members.

BIO-HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS Any and all suspected transferable infestations or transmitted contagious conditions will be addressed fully in the following manner and without exception. 1. Parents will be contacted for immediate removal of the member from the Club facilities. 2. Proof of treatment from a healthcare facility is required before the member may return to the Club.

ACCIDENTS

The Boys & Girls Club strives to maintain a safe and secure environment. There is an assumed risk in many of our core programs, including, but not limited to sports. Please feel safe in knowing that our trained staff is attentive to providing the safest environment possible. The completed membership application authorizes the Club staff to seek medical treatment for a member, if necessary, and that any associated costs for such care are the responsibility of the parent or guardian. The Club does NOT provide medical insurance for members. In the event of a serious injury, the staff will call 911 immediately and then call the parents/guardians or alternative emergency contacts. This is one more reason why updated contact information is crucial to your child’s well-being.

MEMBER PHONE USE POLICY

There is a phone accessible at the Club for staff use only. The phone may only be used by members for emergencies and with club staff permission.Member personal cell phones may be used only for contact with Parent under the supervision of Club Staff. Club member who use cell phones must use their phone in the club entrance area. Any personal cell phone is subjected to confiscation should it be deemed a distraction from the program. Member cell phones may be reclaimed pending a conference with the parent/guardian of the member and the Unit Director.

PICK UP POLICY

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee staff is honored to provide services for your child (children). I understand that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee requires every club member to check-in and out of the club. Leaving the Club building without permission is not allowed, it is our policy to call 911 if any Club member leaves without permission.

Parent/Guardian Drop off & Dismissal Policy:

Drop off: Members are allowed to be dropped off anytime during our hours of operations. Please see schedule below.

Dismissal: For the safety of our members we ask that parents/guardians and or members sign out daily upon leaving the Boys & Girls Club Facilities. Members will not be allowed back into our facilities once they are signed out of our program. Exceptions will be made at the discretion of the Club Director as well as those participating in parallel programming (i.e. tutoring programs, other community collaborating operations).

Late pickup: Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee parents/guardians picking up members are expected to be on time. Call us, if you are delayed. We are happy to help in unexpected situations that cause delays. Families that are late after two occasions will be assessed a fee of $5.00 per minute per child. This must be paid before the member is allowed to return. If the problem persists a member could lose Club privileges.

**** If any Club Member is not picked up on time it is our policy to make a call to 911****

TECHNOLOGY POLICY FOR CLUB MEMBERS

TECHNOLOGY Members have access to the Club’s Technology Center each day to participate in the “My Futures” program. Members will also be allowed to use computers for homework purposes. We strictly monitor internet access and teach members the importance of online safety. Members who violate our technology policy by using it inappropriately will have their privileges revoked.

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LENAWEE

As a county, our goal is to create a safe and professional environment within our Technology Centers and Programs where all students and staff members adhere to the following procedures. We must all be consistent and model the appropriate behaviors.

COMPUTER LAB RULES 1. No food, candy, or drinks may be consumed or present in the computer lab. 2. Running and/or horseplay are not permitted. 3. Treat all equipment with respect. 4. Leave your workstation cleaner than you found it. 5. After using software, return it to its rightful place. 6. No violent games.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS 1. Follow all computer lab rules consistently. 2. Listen to, and follow staff directions. 3. Be respectful to others at all times. 4. Do not visit inappropriate websites. 5. Do not respond to unsolicited messages or websites.

ACCEPTABLE COMPUTER USE GUIDELINES The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee Computer Education Centers and Internet access are available to all members to enhance their educational experience and foster computer literacy in a high-tech world. The following guidelines apply to all users when they use a computer at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee.

UNACCEPTABLE USES Staff of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee will not tolerate the following uses.

1. No installing unapproved software. 2. No Instant Messaging 3. No Chat Rooms 4. No personal e-mails during class or other “homework only,” sessions. 5. No accessing or downloading any site that exhibits violence, sex, inappropriate language, or defamation of character, religion, race, creed, sexual preferences, or gender. If a member accidentally accesses an inappropriate site, please do the following: 1. Turn off your monitor. 2. Raise your hand and tell a staff member about the problem.

ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES No member or staff may attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee network. This includes any attempt to logon through another person’s account or any attempt to access another person’s files. These actions are illegal even if only for the purpose of “browsing.” No member or staff person shall make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system or destroy data by spreading viruses. The network may not be used to engage in any illegal act, including but not limited to engaging in criminal activity or threatening the safety of another person.

SYSTEM SECURITY Each member is responsible for his or her individual user account and should take all reasonable precautions to protect this account. Under no conditions should a member provide another person with their password or account information. If you have identified or witnessed a possible security breach, notify a staff person immediately. Do not look for security problems as this in and of itself may constitute or be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access.

INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE Restrictions concerning inappropriate language apply to public messages, private messages, games, and material posted on Web pages. Members and staff may not use unacceptable or disrespectful forms of communication. This applies to verbal, non-verbal, and written languages, diagrams, photographs, representations, videos, or any other form of media. Posting dangerous or damaging information will not be tolerated. Members and staff may not post false or defamatory information about any person or organization.

Personal, prejudicial, or discriminatory attacks are unacceptable. Harassment and sexual harassment are illegal, and strictly forbidden. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when submission to or rejection of this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual's employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. If you are told to stop sending messages to someone, you must cease and desist.

RESPECT FOR PRIVACY Please respect each individual’s right to privacy. Do not re-post private messages without permission from the sender.

INAPPROPRIATE ACCESS TO MATERIAL The computer equipment within the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee may not be used to access any profane or obscene material that advocates illegal acts or promotes violence or discrimination toward other people. This includes but is not limited to explicit song lyrics, hate literature, and pornography. An individual search will be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion that a member has knowingly violated these guidelines or the law. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS Members that violate the Acceptable Use Policy will be denied access to the technology centers and programs for a specified time period. Based upon the nature of the violation, they may also be subject to other severe disciplinary action.

PARENT COMPLAINTS Parents and/or guardians are encouraged to contact the Executive Director & Unit Director to discuss a concern or complaint relating to club operations. In most cases, these types of issues can be handled in-house between the parent and the Unit Director. The Unit Director is responsible for reporting any concern or complaint report of consequence brought to their attention to the Executive Director either by email or phone conversation.

OPEN DOOR POLICY

The Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee has an OPEN DOOR POLICY. The policy allows members to come and go at any time during the Club’s operating hours. Members are required to be signed out by a staff member, and staff members are not allowed to prohibit a member from leaving the facility. Staff members are also not allowed to drive a club member home. It is the responsibility of the child AND parent/guardian to determine, understand and enforce whatever arrival and departure methods they see fit. Please note that youth are not allowed on the Club’s grounds during operating hours unless they are signed in as a member or visitor or participating in Club activities. Members should NOT be dropped off prior to the opening of any Club facility, as the Club cannot be held responsible for the supervision of such youth. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF LENAWEE IS NOT A DAYCARE.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee

Program Descriptions

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee offers tested, proven and nationally recognized programs in five core program areas – Character and Leadership Development , Education and Career Development , Health and Life Skills, The Arts and Sports, Fitness and Recreation – and Specialized Initiatives.

The following programs will be provided throughout our clubs for our members during afterschool, as well as during the summer months. They are designed to meet identified needs and interests of our club members.

Program Descriptions:

Learning Lab: High Yield Learning Activities: High Yield Learning Activities are fun Club activities that help young people to apply what they have learned in the classroom, in a practical way. Examples of HYLAs are fun learning games, scavenger hunts, word puzzles, science projects, and virtual and/or web-based learning opportunities. HYLAs are the core of Project Learn, and occur throughout the entire Club. HYLAs are how the Clubs make learning fun!

Power Hour: A support program designed to help club members to develop academic, behavioral and social skills through daily homework completion, high-yield learning activities and tutoring. This program provides homework assistance for all club members for at least one hour by implementing one-on-one or small group learning support sessions.

Diplomas 2 Degrees (D2D): D2D is a college and career readiness program geared toward encouraging Club members toward academic success, high school graduation, and goal setting. The program is designed to guide youth and prepare them for post-secondary education so they can gain the knowledge and skills needed to develop and maintain successful careers. Triple Play: Club members are challenged to become healthy and active by learning new ways to eat more nutritionally, manage stress, maintain physical fitness, and form positive relationships with peers. The (3) focus areas for impacting the health and wellness of club members through Triple Play are: Healthy Habits (MIND): The Healthy Habits program is a curriculum-based program, designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning in every part of the Club experience, from the gym to the learning center to the arts and crafts room. The central themes of good nutrition, regular physical activity and improving overall wellbeing are highly emphasized throughout the program.

Daily Challenges (BODY): This component boosts Clubs’ physical activities to a higher level by providing sports and fitness programs, activities and sports competitions for all boys and girls, whether they are athletically inclined or not. Club youth of every age have the chance to have fun playing longer and harder at a variety of games.

Daily Tournaments (SOUL): By participating in a comprehensive social recreation program, Club youth are able to develop and sustain positive relationships with others, acquire a healthy self-concept and a strong belief in their self-worth, and to cope well with positive and adverse situations.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lenawee

Program Descriptions (Continued)

SMART Girls: SMART Girls is a health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program for girls’ ages 8-12 years and 13-17 years. The program is designed to encourage healthy attitudes and lifestyles that will enable adolescent/teen girls to develop to their full potential. Sessions incorporate learning experiences that include mentors, guest speakers, hands-on activities and field trips.

Passport to Manhood (Passport): Passport addresses critical issues that young men face during adolescence, such as ethics, decision making, wellness, fatherhood, employment and careers, cooperation and conflict, diversity, relationships and self-esteem. Passport is a 14-session program that concentrates on specific aspects of manhood through highly interactive activities. Each Club participant is issued his own “passport” to track his personal journey of maturation and growth.

SMART Moves: Club members will be exposed to various activities designed to hone their decision-making and critical- thinking skills, as well as learn how to avoid and/or resist negative peer pressure, alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and premature sexual activity. Participants grow in their confidence to make healthy decisions, and model positive behavior in their various environments. SMART= Skills Mastery and Resistance Training and has specific, age-appropriate components for members ages 6-9, 10-12, and 13-17.

Keystone Clubs: “Keystone” is the premiere leadership opportunity for all teen Club members. Teens are challenged to make strong leadership decisions, engage in academic and career experiences, and participate in service opportunities that impact their communities. Keystone Clubs are designed to provide hands-on learning experiences for each of our teens by offering them opportunities to plan and promote activities for their clubs and surrounding neighborhoods.

Money Matters: Make it Count: Money Matters helps teens gain useful knowledge and skills on various aspects of financial literacy, including budgeting, saving & investing, credit & debt, entrepreneurship and planning for college. Teens are given practical tips and activities to learn important life skills such as balancing a checkbook, creating a budget, and making sound financial investments.

Sports Leagues: As an extension of the Triple Play: Body component, each club member has an opportunity to participate in a number of co-ed sports leagues including: Basketball; Football; Baseball; Soccer. The sports leagues are designed to promote regular physical activity, skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork and cooperative learning amongst club members. All club members participating in sports leagues are strongly encouraged to participate in other character building and academic success programs as reinforcement to the development activities emphasized.