A few years ago, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a local Boys & Girls Club. I was really impressed by the good works I saw going on in the program. Boys and girls of all ages came to the center after school and were able to participate in all sorts of activities from sports to computers. If it wasn’t for the Boys & Girls Club, many of these children would not have a safe, adult-supervised environment to go to once school was out. The BGCA gives kids a safe place to learn, grow and develop into productive young people.
Boys & Girls Club Tips: How To Help Children Learn To Give Back
Boys and Girls Clubs of America values giving back. The holiday season is a wonderful time to teach our children how important it is to give back to others. BGCA shares several tips to help parents teach children the value of giving:
- Talk about giving. Tell your kids which causes you’re supporting this year and why. Better yet, make the choice together. Or give each child a portion of what you plan to donate this year and allow him or her to choose the charity.
- Volunteer together. Whether serving a meal at a soup kitchen or lending a hand at an animal shelter, volunteering helps kids learn compassion – and it’s a great way for families to spend time together. Check with your child’s school, your religious institution, a local Boys & Girls Club or The Volunteer Family for project ideas.
- Encourage routine volunteering. Contributing regularly to an organization they choose can be meaningful, showing kids that they have the power to make a difference. This is especially true for teens. Support them by providing transportation or extra allowance for expenses, if needed.
- Do something fun, like cooking or an art project. Even very young children can make cards for senior center residents or help you bake a tasty treat for a neighbor. These are perfect ways to have fun while thinking about others.
- Tell family stories about philanthropy. Talk about times when your family has helped someone in need, or times when your family has received help.
Read more of these tips and ideas at Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
How You Can Give Back
It takes less than 30 seconds to play The Giving Game (it’s free). Every win earns a Club child a gift! Once you have played the game, you will be given the opportunity to make a monetary donation to the Boys & Girls Club of America.
Vote in the Kids Give Back Contest (now through 12/19)
Club kids have donated more than a million hours of service in 2012! Vote for your favorite photo in the Kids Give Back Contest. The winning photo will receive a $2500 grant from the BGCA. It only takes a second to click and vote – I was super excited to be able to vote for a group I recognized.
Let’s all take a moment to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America program, the BGCA staff, volunteers and especially the children who benefit from these opportunities. Your donations really do make a difference and can change lives!
I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.
