Boys & Girls Clubs in Georgia are recognized for excellence each year during the State Awards competition held by the Georgia Area Council. Winners are announced annually at the October meeting in Atlanta. During this year’s meeting, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley (BGCCV) was recognized for excellence in two categories: Health & Life Skills and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. In order to be considered as a candidate for the awards, the Clubs had to meet the following criteria: a needs assessment, program description, program impact and overall presentation. 

The North Columbus Club was selected as the State winner in the Health & Life Skills category for its “Gardening for Healthy” program. The program is designed to teach members how to not only take better care of their environment, but also how to build a better future for themselves and their families through organic gardening. The Gardening Club met twice a week throughout the summer months and had 40 members participate in the program. Overall, 68 hours were spent cultivating the garden which included green beans, watermelon, cucumbers and corn. 

As a result of the Program, Members learned how to grow the crops as well as how to prepare them for a nutritious meal. Members have started making changes in their daily nutrition and have asked their parents to also make some adjustments to the way they eat with a few creating their own gardens at home. 

At the conclusion of the summer, data showed 49 % of members were eating three or more vegetables daily while 56% reported eating two or more fruits per day showing improvements in making the right decisions concerning nutrition and healthy eating. 

The Sports, Fitness & Recreation Award of Excellence was won by the East Columbus Club for its “Keep them Playing, Keep them Moving” program. This program was designed to address the childhood obesity concerns in the East Club’s community where the rate is currently 21-31%. 

Incorporating programming and activities designed to teach healthy eating and exercise habits was the goal. 

With 460 Club members ages 6-12 years old participating for five hours a week, the Healthy Lifestyles Program at the East Club focuses on all facets of creating healthy and lasting choices relating to health and wellness. Teamwork, constant movement and fun were the three key components. The program also provided staff members the opportunity to educate members on the importance of good character, proper nutrition, and having opportunities to experience leadership roles. This program in its entirety motivates members to get involved and stay involved. 

Directors from the East and North Columbus Clubs’ were presented with their awards at the BGCCV Fall Board of Directors meeting on October 23rd. Accepting the award for the East Club was Jonathan Hall, Healthy Lifestyles Director, and for the North Club, Senior Unit Director, Ronnie Bell accepted the Health & Life Skills award. 

Over 150 Boys & Girls Clubs around the state of Georgia participated in the Georgia Area Council & Alliance programming this year. A total of six winners were announced for various programming categories. In addition to the two categories won by BGCCV, awards were presented for The Arts, Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership as well as the Georgia Program of the Year.