Thank you for taking the time to learn about what the Boys & Girls Club is all about. We believe that all members and their parents/guardians can benefit from the information in this section.
Core Beliefs:
- A safe place to learn and grow
- Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals
- Life-enhancing programs
- Character development experiences
- Hope & opportunity
Open Door Policy:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley have an open door policy. This policy allows members to come and go at any time during the Club's operating hours. It is the responsibility of the child and the parent/guardian to determine, understand and enforce whatever arrival and department methods they see fit. parents/guardians must come in to pick up their child. Please note that youth are not allowed on the Club's grounds during operating hours unless they are signed in and participating in the Club activities. Members should not be dropped off prior to opening of any facility, or remain after closing, as the Club cannot be held responsible for the supervision of such youth.
Supervision:
Our staff are trained Youth Development Professionals. trained volunteers often support our staff. A staff member and/or trained volunteer will oversee each of our designated program areas. Please take the time to remind your child of that they need to follow Club rules and directions at all times whether said directions are given by a staff member or a volunteer.
Personal Belongings:
All personal belongings brought into the Club by a youth are the responsibility of that youth. The Boys & Girls Clubs is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items. Please discourage your child from bringing anything to the Club that is not completely necessary. Necessary items, such as backpacks and jackets should be clearly marked with the member's name.
Discipline Policy:
The Boys & Girls Club strives to keep the consequences for unacceptable behavior clear, appropriate, and timely. The safety of all members is of utmost importance to us. Our standards, along with the expectation that all members use good common sense, exist to ensure that your child and every other child at the Club can safely enjoy the Clubs activities. Any member who disrupts programs or creates a dangerous situation will be disciplined appropriately. Members who do not follow rules can expect to lose privileges and face consequences. First time offenses are never excused as such and will be handled based on their severity. Parents will be called to remove any member who has failed to curb his or her disruptive behavior and/or is behaving in an aggressive or violent manor that creates a dangerous situation for themselves, fellow members, staff or visitors. It is the parents responsibility to request information on their child’s daily behavior at the Club. Behavior that disrupts Club activities will be recorded in a file that is accessible by all staff. A written suspension report that we will give to the member or you, should pick your child in person. Disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to the following:
Verbal Counseling
Time-Out
Suspension from program areas
Loss of Club privileges
Suspension from facility (length will be determined)
Indefinite Suspension/Expulsion