Boys & Girls Clubs of SF

I had the privilege of taking part in this year’s Boys and Girls’ Day at the BGCSF. The staff here did an outstanding job organizing a fun day for kids ages 6 – 12 and their Big Buddies. The day literally flew, going back and forth between the different games on the three floors of the BGCSF building… there’s nothing like hanging out with a kid to feel like one again! (being pushed around on a scooter helps too). I hope that more people (especially Unilocalers!) get a chance to connect with a youth next year at this event and many of the other volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Props to the Boys and Girls Club for providing a safe space, time, and resources for SF’s kids. Thanks to Mike V for bringing this to the attention of Unilocalland!
p. s. The nominal donation for this day will help to fund the wonderful programming at the BGCSF throughout the year.

I hope those that that volunteered for the Boys Nite Out/​Girls Day would consider the Boys & Girls Clubs’ other volunteer opportunities, such as tutoring or mentoring. What’s nice about this organization is that it’s still possible to make a regular commitment, even for those who work full-​time. Other after-​school programs like 826 Valencia require tutors during mid-​afternoon, which isn’t feasible for those who work the 9 – 5 grind.
Columbia Park is one of the larger, if not, the largest of the nine clubhouses throughout the city. All provide a safe-​haven and active learning/​leisure environment for youth. But this location is within prime walking distance to many bars. And that’s always a plus.
These are good kids. Sure, you have to press some of them to do their homework, and even I admit to getting stumped off of 3^rd grade math sometimes (not every Asian excels at math, mmkay?), but it’s rewarding nonetheless.

Like Steph P, I also had the opportunity to participate in «Girls Day» at Columbia Park. As this was a «one hit wonder» volunteer opportunity, my hopes were limited. Unfortunatly, it’s been my experience that when a place takes on a ton of volunteers just there for the day (80 in this case) chaos ensues.
This was most certainly not the case at Boys & Girls Club. I was impressed by how much the permanent staff knew all of the kids. The activities were well timed, leaving us enough time to play all of the games without time to kill at the end. B&GC had secured many corporate donations, and a great variety of activities. Kaitlin, my little buddy, was a blast and I felt lucky to get to spend the day with her.
B&GC offers a variety of opportunities to volunteer, from the one off available this weekend to weekly options. Please contact Erica Perez at the number above for more information.