The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County (BGCGTC) launched the Mobile Experience Clubhouse and the Music & Youth Clubhouse last month.
“We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment where children and teens are respected and valued,” said Daphne Barlow Stigliano, CEO and president. “Thanks to our funders and supporters, both of these new programs bring added dimension to what the Boys & Girls Clubs offers in Arlington.”
The Mobile Experience Clubhouse, an RV that operates in partnership with schools, other nonprofits, apartment communities and municipalities, is staffed by a team of youth development professionals. It brings BGCGTC programs and activities to new locations in Arlington, engaging children beyond the walls of a traditional club. Outfittedwith tents, tables and other equipment, it can host programs inside or outside of the RV. Programming focuses on areas including STEM, Money Matters, and positive behaviors.
Designed for teens and pre-teens in fifth grade and above, the Music & Youth Clubhouse – renovated spaces in the Kromer Branch – introduces club members to a variety of instruments such as drums, piano and guitar and includes state-of-the-art recording hardware and software to explore musical interests. It also features a recording studio. Members will learn the valuable role music plays in understanding and expressing emotions and thoughts.
“The Music & Youth Clubhouse really resonates with teens, and that’s so important,” said Stigliano. “We anticipate that the program will have a big impact on young people in Arlington, just as it has in Fort Worth.”
Capital and operating expenses for these additions are funded by the Ladies’ Auxiliary of Arlington, a longtime supporter of local Boys & Girls Clubs and host of the annual Cinderella Ball which raises money exclusively for the Boys & Girls Clubs in Arlington.
