Do you recall the teacher who helped Geometry make sense for you? Or the gymnastics coach who showed you how to stick that landing? Most successful people had a caring adult who inspired them and encouraged them to excel when they were growing up. For many of our kids, that person is the club’s Branch Manager, Program Coordinator, or other staff member working tirelessly to see them achieve their dreams.

For Denzel Washington, an Academy Award-winning actor, spokesperson and alumnus of the Boys & Girls Clubs, that person was Billy Thomas, a staff member at his local Boys & Girls Club. Each year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame inducts club alumni, like Denzel, who attribute much of their success to the guidance and support gained at their local Boys & Girls Club. 

The BGCMP would like to recognize the Boys & Girls Clubs of America 2006 Alumni Hall of Fame inductees:

John Antioco (Blockbuster CEO and former BGCMP board member), Larry Bossidy (former Honeywell CEO), Jim Caufield (BGCA Senior V.P.), Tony Gonzalez (Kansas City Chiefs tight end), Kool & The Gang (popular music group), Willie McGinest (former Patriots linebacker), Bernard Shaw (former CNN anchor), Kerry Washington (actress), and Dontrelle Willis (Florida Marlyns Pitcher).   

Although these inductees have moved on and achieved great things, they have credited many of the lessons that changed their lives to the Boys & Girls Club. Our spring 2006 printed newsletter Just Kidding Around will feature some success stories of our BGCMP alumni. If you would like to receive a copy of the newsletter, please send us an email with your contact information to info@bgcmp.org. 

Whether you belonged to a club in the Phoenix area or elsewhere, reconnect with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix and Come on Home! 

Let us know which club you attended and include your contact information so we can keep in touch. If you are an alumnus, send us an email at alumni@bgcmp.org and share some of your memorable experiences. 

As we celebrate the BGCMP's 60th anniversary, we'd love to hear about your milestones as well. Find out what's happening at today's clubs - and catch up with old friends. "Come on Home" to the Boys & Girls Clubs - the Positive Place for Kids!

It’s summer and the kids are out of school – so now what? Why not take advantage of the BGCMP's summer programs and make a difference in your child’s life.

The Club is not just a place where you drop kids off to play all day. In fact, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix provides innovative summer programming to help young people explore hobbies, develop new talents, and practice skills they will need for success in school.

Summer can be a challenging time for kids. At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix, kids can play sports and hang out in a safe environment where they continue to learn, while having fun! Effective summer programs engage youth in interactive activities that reinforce important skills such as reading, writing, speaking, listening, using computers, and problem solving.

Scroll down to check out a list of summer camps that are still open for enrollment, and contact your nearest club today! 

All Aboard!!! 300 youth from the BGCMP will have a unique opportunity to ride special vintage BNSF passenger railcars from 1950-1960. This special excursion will follow much of the former U.S. Route 66 as the train travels through the Northwest region of the Grand Canyon State. 

For the sixth consecutive year, as part of the BNSF Railway Special, BNSF is partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America - to provide free, round-trip train rides to children while raising funds for the local Boys & Girls Clubs. 

For many of the members, this will be their first train ride and they will do so in style. This year the BNSF Railway Special will make a 5,000-mile journey covering portions of BNSF's busy main line connecting Los Angeles to Chicago. The train's route will include stops in New Mexico, Arizona, and California.  

A big thank you to BNSF for its support of Boys & Girls Clubs and the children we serve. Thank you! 

The sun shone brightly and the smiles of our kids and guests shone even brighter during the “Be Our Guest” event held at the I.G. Homes Branch on May 11, 2006. A highlight of the evening was the sale of unique kid artwork t-shirt titled "Eyes." If you are interested in purchasing the “Eyes” t-shirt showcased during the “Be Our Guest” event please call (602) 954.8182 or email kelliott@bgcmp.org.  

The cost of a t-shirt is $20. 

Looking for an affordable and fun place for your children to visit during the summer break? The following Clubs have some availability in their summer programs for some age groups: 

The above Clubs have some space available in some age groups. Call your local Club for more information and a complete schedule.

BNSF RAILWAY SPECIAL 
Thursday, June 8, 2006
Phoenix stop of the BNSF Railway Special Along U.S. Route 66 

2006 GOLF TOURNAMENT BENEFITING THE PALOMINO BRANCH 
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Stone Creek Golf Course 

2ND ANNUAL TOMA ADVERTISING BOWLING CHALLENGE 
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Squaw Peak Lanes

AMERICA'S DAY FOR KIDS 
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Each BGCMP clubhouse will host events 

For more info, call (602) 954-8182.

Eleven-year-old Megan Faye Voss found a place where she could meet other kids and have fun. At the Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch, Megan is considered a leader among the other members. Her strong motivation and high level of confidence are qualities that the other members respect. At the Club, she is very competitive in the sports she plays but always remembers to help out other kids. Megan is a happy child and likes to share that happiness with those around her. She maintains a healthy balance between school and her extra-curricular activities. 

Megan is currently playing basketball at the cadet level and has been motivated to quickly improve her skills in the game. She has also been called upon to lead the first ever Rosenzweig Branch cheerleading team as its Captain. Her ability to learn quickly and instruct others has created a well-rounded person. Megan’s character and charisma make her a proud representative as this month’s FSN Arizona's Character Counts Kid of the Month. 

Great job, Megan!

The BGCMP is proud to recognize community leader, volunteer, and BGCMP family member, Kathleen Kempley.

Kathleen has been a volunteer with the Branch Development Board (BDB) of the BGCMP for the past seven years. Most recently she chaired the BDB's second annual "Be Our Guest" event on May 11, 2006. The event was focused around spending quality time with club members and learning about how the clubs impact kids lives and the lives of others in their neighborhoods. 

Be Our Guest was celebrated as a "friend-raiser" while at the same time raised funds for the organization. Thanks to Kathleen's time and energy, the event was a huge success as it gathered more than 150 friends. 

The Branch Development Board is a volunteer group for the BGCMP committed to providing support for the organization and the kids which it serves. The BDB participates in the organization of several kids-centered events as well as fundraisers for the organization. 

Thanks, Kathleen, for your outstanding enthusiasm, dedication and service!