Strong from the Start is a training we do with all kids and youth who participate in our programs across the Edmonton Area. This book is an introduction to get to know a little bit about Boys and Girls Clubs Big Brother Big Sisters (BGCBigs) and the programs we offer.

BGCBigs is committed to the healthy development of all children.

Thank you to all that make this work possible!

Preview audio:

storyj.mp/af57tmnwgidb

is for Active Listening

Active listening is using your whole body to listen. You can see examples of what Whole Body Listening looks like right here

is for Boundaries

A boundary is a line that forms the limits of something, like the school yard fence

People also have personal boundaries, usually called a personal bubble, and it is like an invisible bubble that surrounds us and makes us feel safe. It is very important to understand and respect each other's personal boundaries.

is for Circle of Support

People in your life who care for your safety and happiness!

PROFESSIONALS

PARTICIPANTS

FRIENDS & FAMILY

YOU

is for Deserving.

Because everyone (staff, volunteer, and club member) is deserving of love and kindness!

is for Expectations

Being a club member means that there are certain expectations that all club members need to follow. Our expectations include:

Respect

Supper Routines

cLUB cARE/cHORES

Computer Safety

is for Friends

What is a Friend to you?

The older we get the more friendships we will make. It is important to be able to realize who is a good friend and who is not.

is for

is for Healthy Relationships

We all have relationships with friends, some may even be romantic! Even though relationships can be complicated it is important to understand the differences between a healthy and unhealthy relationship. A healthy relationship should make you feel good about yourself. Because you are GREAT!

is for Inspire, Imagine, Create

BGCBIGS provides a safe space for imagination to grow and for our kids to be inspired.

is for Journey

When you become a club member you begin a new journey, with a beginning, middle and an end. This is the beginning of your journey! And staff, volunteers, and other club members want to work with you to make sure that we have a great journey, and be able to say goodbye when the journey comes to an end.

Beginning

end

MIDDLE

is for Kindness

is for Learning

Everyday is a learning experience here at BGCBIGS. We learn new experiences from all the different programs and people in our clubs. If you're not learning you're not living.

is for Manners

is for Numbers

There are tons and tons of kids that are part of BGCBIGS

1,932 kids in a club or group

1,409 kids who have an In School Mentor

809 kids who have Big Brothers and Sisters
502 kids who attend summer programs at clubs

is for

BGCBIGS believes in kids and we want to provide the opportunities all kids and youth deserve to learn and grow!

Opportunities

is for Programs

Growth, Empowermnent, Leadership, Lifestyle Skills (GELL)

BGCBIGS offers a wide range of programs through the school year and the summer months, in the following areas:

Physical Activity

Academic Support

Health & Nutrition

Arts & Culture

is for Quality

We can describe quality as being able to meet and go beyond your expectations. What are your expectations of club? We can make sure you are having a quality time at club by continuously meeting your needs and improving your experiences.

is for