After hosting special-interest programs for several years, the staff at the North Beach Boys & Girls Club recognized the entrepreneurial spirit in members for hosting their own programs. And so the idea of “Mini Clubs” was born!

Mini Clubs are member-led interest groups that take place on Wednesdays and rotate every six weeks. Members in 3rd to 5th grades may apply to lead a Mini Club by putting together a list of their leadership skills and a proposed six-week activity plan. Each Mini Club leader then selects a counselor “mentor” to help them throughout the process. The leader will turn in a weekly shopping list and brainstorm ideas with the mentor.

With a focus on inclusion, collaboration, and communication, club leaders begin each Mini Club session by making a charter and establishing group rules with the Mini Club members based on what they all want the six weeks to look like.

Mini Club topics are selected based on the interests of the Club members. Past Mini Clubs include Yoga Club, Fall Art Club, Harry Potter Club, Sports Club, Drama Club, Relaxation Club, Outdoor Games Club, Peanut Butter Club, and Painting Club.

The Mini Club program has sparked excitement around building leadership and teamwork skills among North Beach Club members. Kindergarteners regularly talk about how they cannot wait until they’re old enough to lead their own Clubs!