At the Boys & Girls Club of Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County (BGCWSA), we believe every child deserves a safe place to learn, grow, and explore new opportunities. For over 25 years, we have provided dynamic programs designed to inspire, educate, and empower youth ages 5-18. Whether excelling in school, discovering a passion for the arts, or building leadership skills, BGCWSA is here to help young people thrive.

Explore Our Programs

  • Power Hour (Academic Success): Dedicated homework help and literacy support to build confidence and academic skills.

  • Youth Leadership & Development: Leadership development programs where members take part in service projects, decision-making, and community involvement.

  • Triple Play (Healthy Lifestyles & Wellness): A comprehensive program promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and social-emotional well-being.

  • Career Launch (Coming soon): A program that helps teens explore career options, develop job-readiness skills, and prepare for the future.

  • Smart Moves & Smart Girls (Healthy Decision-Making & Wellness): Programs designed to promote positive decision-making, self-esteem, and social-emotional wellness for youth.

  • Digital Citizenship: Equipping members with the knowledge and skills to navigate online spaces safely and responsibly.

  • DIY STEM: Interactive, hands-on STEM projects that encourage innovation and problem-solving.

  • Recreation & Social Engagement: Safe spaces for fun, teamwork, and personal growth through sports, games, and social interaction.

  • Team Building & Social Recreation: Activities that foster teamwork, communication, and relationship-building in a fun and engaging environment.

  • Social-Emotional Wellness Programs: Structured activities that support emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and positive coping skills.

  • Community Service Projects: Opportunities for members to engage in meaningful service and give back to their communities.

  • Family Engagement Events (Quarterly): Fun and interactive events that foster stronger connections between families and the Club.

  • Mentorship Programs: One-on-one and group mentoring opportunities to support personal and academic growth.

  • Jr. Staff: A workforce readiness program where older members gain hands-on experience and develop job skills within the Club.

  • Specialized Programs: Our Violin STRINGS Program introduces youth to the joy of music, while Bike Box of Blue Ridge promotes cycling and outdoor exploration.

  • Youth of the Year: Our premier leadership and recognition program, providing youth with opportunities for personal growth, leadership training, and scholarships.

Impact Formula

BGCWSA follows the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Formula for Impact, ensuring that all programs achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes for youth. This formula focuses on three priority outcome areas:

  • Academic Success: Helping youth graduate on time and be prepared for post-secondary education or career paths.

  • Healthy Lifestyles: Encouraging physical activity, good nutrition, and positive mental health practices.

  • Good Character & Citizenship: Developing leadership skills, community engagement, and responsible decision-making.

National Youth Outcomes Initiative (NYOI)

BGCWSA participates in BGCA’s National Youth Outcomes Initiative (NYOI), a nationwide assessment system that measures the impact of our programs. Through NYOI, we track member progress and ensure our efforts lead to tangible benefits in education, health, and leadership development.

Community Impact

As a nonprofit organization, BGCWSA directly and indirectly serves a wide range of community stakeholders. Our impact extends to three primary beneficiaries:

  • Club Members: Youth who participate in our programs benefit from academic support, leadership development, and life-enhancing experiences. Research shows that Club members are more likely to graduate from high school on time and less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as juvenile delinquency, teenage pregnancy, or substance abuse.

  • Parents: By providing a safe, structured environment after school, BGCWSA enables parents to work, pursue further education, and contribute productively to the community without worrying about their children’s safety and supervision.

  • The Community: Juvenile crime rates peak in the hours immediately following school dismissal. BGCWSA helps reduce these risks by offering constructive afterschool options that go beyond recreation, fostering education, healthy living, and good citizenship among youth.

Addressing Key Community Needs

BGCWSA goes beyond traditional youth development by addressing critical community challenges:

  • Licensed Centers: We meet rigorous standards set by the Virginia Department of Education and adhere to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) national requirements. These dual accreditations ensure we uphold unique standards in youth development, safety, and program quality, setting us apart as a provider of afterschool and summer programs in our communities in need of licensed childcare.

  • Food Insecurity: We provide daily snacks and hot dinners on school days and breakfast, lunch, and snacks on out-of-school and summer days, ensuring that no child goes hungry while participating in our programs.

  • Economic Development for Working Families: By offering affordable, accessible care, we support families by allowing parents to maintain stable employment or pursue further education.

  • Education & Workforce Development: Our programs promote academic success, career exploration, and job readiness, preparing young people for long-term success in education and the workforce.

  • Health & Wellness: We equip youth with programs that encourage physical activity, social-emotional wellness, and positive health choices.

Strong Community Partnerships

BGCWSA’s impact is amplified through strategic partnerships that enhance our programming and expand opportunities for youth. We collaborate with key organizations in several critical areas:

  • Education & Academic Support: Schools and higher education institutions that help bridge learning gaps and prepare youth for future success.

  • Health & Wellness: Healthcare providers and wellness organizations that support physical activity, nutrition, and mental health programming.

  • Arts & Culture: Community arts programs that offer creative enrichment opportunities such as music, theater, and visual arts.

  • Workforce Development: Employers and career training partners that provide job readiness, mentorship, and real-world experiences for teens.

  • Community Engagement: Local organizations that collaborate on service projects, family engagement events, and youth leadership initiatives.

These strategic partnerships strengthen our ability to serve youth and families, ensuring that every child has access to the resources, support, and encouragement they need to succeed.

BGCWSA is more than just a program—it’s a place where kids can build their future. Join us and be part of a life-changing experience!