Two years ago, in response to alarming trends with issues concerning youth health and safety, a group of concerned community members set about providing more positive alternatives for the teens in Malibu, Calif. The result was the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Teen Center – and it’s become more popular than anyone ever imagined.

“The kids in this community have never seen anything like it,” said Scott Robinson, the Club’s director. “We’ve become the place where kids feel comfortable.”

“I’ve become a bigger person from being at the Club,” said Rosie, a 14-year-old Club member. “I’m more open about the diversity of people, and it’s a cool place for people from different social backgrounds to interact.”

Physically located on the campus of Malibu High School, the Club has forged a partnership with the school community. This is just one of more than 650 collaborations between Boys & Girls Clubs and schools across the country.

Robinson described the Club’s collaboration with the school as “fabulous” and said that developing a strong relationship has been a critical factor in the fledging organization’s success. Although the Club just opened in September of 2000, it already serves a full third of the 1,200-member student body. In fact, the Malibu Club actually conducts some programming during school hours for all students, even those who are not members of the Club.

The Club features a mentoring program in which older, high school-age members tutor younger kids. Club staff train older youth in such areas as drug/alcohol prevention and helping to mainstream more isolated kids into the general population. This technique fosters a powerful and effective peer-to-peer communication system.

“Knowing you can change [younger Club members’] lives and be a part of something positive is very rewarding,” said Kelly, 15, adding, “Also, the younger kids are sweet.”

Along with traditional Boys & Girls Club programming, the Club provides several specialty offerings, including Music Composition, Technical Solutions (Web site development), Movie Production, Drama and Hip Hop Dance. The Club hopes to develop some of these programs for use on a national basis.

“The Club is a fun place to hang out with friends, and there is always something to do,” said Jonny, 13.

“Malibu is a small town with little to do for teens,” added Melissa, 15. “At the Club, we get encouragement and they help us stay out of trouble. They help us develop ourselves and find our talents and passions.”


Next Page>>