Matt’s Message:
I recently watched Netflix’s drama series “Adolescence” and found the school environment combined with the lack of parental involvement, especially involving social media at home for kids, gut-wrenching. There has been a growing crisis of kids who feel anxiety, loneliness and depression, especially after the pandemic crisis.
By coming to the Club regularly and participating in our targeted programs, we help build mental health and meet the needs of kids all the way from prevention to intervention. Boys & Girls Clubs make kids feel valued and help them develop a sense of belonging. The key to belonging is forming positive consistent relationships with adults who believe in them and peers who relate to them. A sense of connection can help overcome the negative impacts of stress. In a 2024 National Youth Outcome Measurement Study, 90% of Boys & Girls Club youth reported that they can talk to an adult if they have a problem, 89% of adults take the time to speak to them and 94% genuinely care about their well-being. Club programs like SMART Moves and SMART Girls combined with Career Launch help kids “think about their thinking” and how it impacts behavior, engage in positive self-talk and have a plan beyond high school graduation.
And that is why because of incredible people and programs, great futures always start at the Boys & Girls Club of Vista,
Matt Koumaras, President & CEO
PROGRAM UPDATES
Dear Parents & Guardians,
Summer is almost here, and we’re excited to RAMP UP for an amazing season at the Boys & Girls Club of Vista! Enroll now at www.bgcvista.org/enroll to secure your child’s spot. We’re the premier day camp program in Vista with plenty of fun field trips and recreational programs as well as academic enrichment programs to help avoid summer learning loss.
Summer Fun Awaits! This summer will be packed with exciting field trips, hands-on STEM activities, creative arts & crafts, team-building challenges, and sports galore! Your child will have the opportunity to learn, explore, and build friendships in a fun and supportive environment.
April Highlights – Earth Day & Easter!
We’ll celebrate Earth Day by teaching kids how small actions—like recycling, planting trees, and conserving water—help protect our planet. Plus, we’re planning an Easter celebration filled with egg hunts, festive crafts, and fun games for all to enjoy!
Don’t miss out on an unforgettable summer—sign up today and get ready for nonstop fun and learning! Enroll for Summer Camp TODAY!
UPCOMING EVENTS: KIDS NIGHT OUT
Get to know our Club kids! Join us for an exciting night full of Mission Impossible games and challenges on Wednesday, April 16th, from 5:30-7:30 pm! Only 10 spots are available, secure your spot today!
Sponsorship opportunities are still available! For more information, please contact Sierra Loredo, Community Engagement Director, at Sierra@bgcvista.com or 760-295-5933. Register NOW!
We Are Hiring for Summer Positions
Are you over the age of 18 and interested in a summer job while making a positive impact on the future of the community? To apply, please submit resumes to Dirk Rittinghaus, Program Director, via email to dirk@bgcvista.com Apply Today!
Join Us in the Nourishing Neighbors
Million Hour Volunteer Rally
Make a Difference and Win Big!
We are thrilled to invite you to take part in an incredible opportunity! Our organization is joining the Nourishing Neighbors Million Hour Volunteer Rally– an initiative led by the Albertsons Companies Foundation to help end hunger in our community.
From March through May 15, Nourishing Neighbors is rallying to reach one million volunteer hours. The Boys & Girls Club of Vista is proud to be part of this important mission, and we are inviting all our members to join us in making a difference.
But here’s the most important part: Don’t forget to log your hours!
When you log your volunteer hours, not only you are making an impact, but you will also be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win some amazing prizes- including groceries for a year!
Every hour you contribute brings us closer to addressing food insecurity and strengthens our ability to serve the community! So please, don’t miss out- log your hours today and make your time count!
To join the rally, simply log your hours through this link. Remember, each volunteer must log their own hours to be eligible for the sweepstakes.
Thank you for being the heart of our community. Let’s rally together and make every hour count!
LEGACY CIRCLE
Times are tough and one of the ways the Boys & Girls Club of Vista has been able to keep fulfilling its mission during volatile economic times is because of the Boys & Girls Club of Vista Foundation. Make a difference without taking money directly out of your bank account. Stock donations can be up to 20% more valuable than selling the stock & donating the proceeds, and most donors can claim a tax deduction for the stock‘s full value.
For more information or questions about various planned gift options, please Matt Koumaras, President & CEO at 760-724-6606 ext. 10 or matt@bgcvista.com. INVEST in TOMORROW, DONATE TODAY
Boys & Girls Club of Vista | 410 W. California Ave | Vista, CA 92083
