OUR MISSION:
To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

Local History

In January 1943, a riot involving more than 100 teens broke out on the corner of 85th and Greenwood in Seattle.

Police responded to the incident and looked for an answer to the overall issue of juvenile crime and vandalism, a growing problem in the community.

In response, Deputy Joe Woelfert opened the first Boys & Girls Club (originally called the Boys Club) in Washington state—the North Seattle Boys & Girls Club. The Club was a great success, and within two years, eight Clubs sprouted up in the area. Today there are 13 Clubs around King County, each one focused on enriching the lives of kids every day. 

National History

Boys & Girls Clubs of America had its beginnings in 1860 with several women in Hartford, Connecticut. Believing that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative, they organized the first Club. A cause was born. In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 member organizations, marking the start of a nationwide movement.

In 1931, the Boys Club Federation of America became Boys Clubs of America.
To recognize the fact that girls have long been a part of our cause, the national organization's name was officially changed to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1990.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America marked its centennial year in 2006, celebrating 100 years of providing hope and opportunity to young people across the country.

Impact 2012

In 2007, Boys & Girls Clubs of America introduced “Impact 2012,” an effort to reach deeper into the lives of those we serve, impacting them in a lasting, comprehensive way.  The campaign revolves around three core impact areas: academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. 

Our Board

Our board is essential to our success. The leadership and support provided by these individuals enable us to fulfill our mission each year. The board serves as the governing body for the organization, offering guidance in policy adoption, finance, legal and insurance, building and property, human resources, marketing, operating fundraising, and capital fundraising.
Thank you to members of our local Club advisory boards, who make it possible for our individual branches to thrive.

Staff

Click here to get to know our Staff.

Programs

Kids may walk through our doors for the fun we offer, but we do far more than entertain these youngsters. Our nationally recognized programs and activities impact children in three essential ways:

• Academic success—Improving grades, reducing high school drop-out rates, and teaching kids to see themselves as learners.
• Good character and citizenship—Encouraging community service, reducing juvenile crime rates, and instilling an attitude of engagement.
• Healthy lifestyles—Teaching healthy behaviors, reducing drug use and childhood obesity, and fostering a positive self-image.

Our programs vary from Club to Club, allowing each Club to create programs that are tailored to their specific communities and member demographics. From Power Hour, Keystone Club, and SMART Girls to ClubTech and MicroSociety, our Clubs offer a wide range of opportunities for youth. Please call a Club near you to find out more about the programs offered there.

Summer Camps

We offer weekly programs for youth ages 3–18. Our camps are as diverse as our children’s needs and interests.Choose from sports, adventure, enrichment, science and technology, youth with special needs, or teen camps. We offer a dependable and affordable way to fill a child’s summer with fun. Contact a Club near you to learn more and register for camps.

Financials

Download our 2010 Annual Report. In the spirit of complete transparency, our organization’s financials and the salary of our CEO/President ($166,250) are fully available to the public.

Job Opportunities

From Club to Club and throughout the Club Service Center, dedicated and fully trained staff work in support of developing the young people of our community. Each member of our diverse and respected team is encouraged to advance professionally in their respective arena of influence. Guidance is provided through orientations, development trainings, quarterly all-staff gatherings, and direct peer-to-peer mentoring/coaching. Competitive compensation and benefits are provided to full and part-time staff.

Current Openings:

Teen Director

 

Youth Force University Coordinator- AmeriCorps Vista

Those interested in an open position are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter to:

Boys & Girls Clubs of King County
Attn: HR Department
603 Stewart Street, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98101

Please direct employment inquires to Human Resources at hr2@positiveplace.org.

Boys & Girls Clubs of King County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Club Alumni

Once a Boys & Girls Club kid—always a Boys & Girls Club kid!

If you’re a former Boys & Girls Club member, you’re in good company…Denzel Washington, Howard Schultz, Bill Cosby, Michael Jordan, Brad Pitt, President Clinton, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Neil Diamond are among the ranks of Club alumni that credit the Club with helping to shape their lives. We’d love to hear your stories from the Club.

Please contact us at 206.436.1800 or bgckc@positiveplace.org and let her know you’re a former Club kid.