Author: Kelly White O'Neill

A Trip Back In Time

Railroad Club Members went on a Saturday field trip to Fort Hope in Arroyo Grande. There, they participated in many western activities such as archery, fishing, gold panning, adobe brick making and more! Many of them were excited about future opportunities to return, and also share their fun day to other members for future trips!… Read more »

Career Day at McKenzie Club

Daniel and Julia had a booth at McKenzie for career week. They talked to kids in 5th to 8th grade about the different jobs they could do at the Boys and Girls Club. They were excited to share ideas and encourage the kids to think about what they might want to do when they grow… Read more »

Peep Science

At the McKenzie Club, the students had a blast with a cool STEM activity called Peep Puff Mobile, set up by Jeanette, the Teen Services Director. Jessi led the activity and made sure it was both fun and challenging for everyone. The pictures show how excited they were to see who would win the race…. Read more »

Mindful Movement at Evans Park

The Club Members at the Evans Park Clubhouse in Santa Maria have gotten to learn yoga through our Mindful Movement partnership with The Center Yoga Studio.  Lucas the yoga instructor is very good at getting our members to participate and have fun trying something they never thought they would! He brings along some goodies for… Read more »

Dinner With A Young Professional

Our Keystone and STEAM Leadership members from the Boys & Girls Club at Railroad hosted a college and career night, “Dinner with a Young Professional.”  This informative and impactful evening focused on college and career development for our club youth through a speed networking event with young professionals who have recently graduated from their university… Read more »

Mental Health First Aid Takes Priority with our Staff

Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in Mental Health First Aid learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Boys & Girls Club staff recently had an in-service where they… Read more »

Keystone Teen Leadership Club Collaborates with the Paso Robles Housing Authority Youth Works Program

Recently, our Santa Maria Railroad Club teen leadership program, Keystone, visited the Paso Robles Housing Authority to do a Career Preparation Workshop with fellow teens in Paso Robles.  Their  two and a half hour workshop focused on the different roles of project management through an immersive hands-on activity group challenge. Each team was challenged to… Read more »

Kids Cooking Champs!

The next Gordon Ramsey might be getting his or her start at the Tom Maas Clubhouse in Paso Robles!  Our wonderful kitchen and teaching space was put to good use when Club Members got to practice their knife skills, experiment with spices and seasoning, and do some cooking of healthy vegetables for a tasty after… Read more »

Golden State Classic Car Club Provides Generous Donation

Special thanks to the  Golden State Classic Car Club for their recent donation to our kids!  Last year, their charitable giving amounted approximately $65,000 to local youth groups, service clubs and other organizations from proceeds of events. The car club tries to organize monthly social and recreational activities.  Their main fundraising activities include our GSCCC… Read more »

Girls Night In Spa Party

Club Members at our Railroad Clubhouse and invited guests enjoyed a very special evening full of pampering and relaxation as they visited different self-care stations at our Girls’ Night In Spa Social.  The night included make-up tutorials, mini manicures and DIY exfoliating sugar scrub.  Teens listened to some of their favorite music while feasting on… Read more »

Giving the Community The 411 In Partnership with 211

CommunifySB and the 211 Community Information Hotline recently held a community information fair and we were happy to have a booth promoting the programs and services of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast.  As one of 100’s of local agencies, we were able to reach hundreds of Central Coast attendees who were… Read more »

Friendly Competition Among Coaches

Wrapping up our ’23-’24 Winter basketball season, we organized our inaugural Coach’s Games! A total of 42 coaches took part in three basketball contests, with some of our young players officiating and keeping score for each game. The coaches invited their teams to support them, resulting in a fantastic turnout and a lot of enjoyment!… Read more »

Mrs. Cookie and the Creston Club

Creston Boys and Girls Club just partnered  up with the Creston Public Library. Every Wednesday our Members go on trip to the library where they get the opportunity to read books, work on homework and get to participate in activities Mrs.Cookie, the librarian, and her library friends provide for the Club.Our members our enjoying their… Read more »

“Round Up” Your Winnings to Help Local Kids

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mid Central Coast is thrilled to announce it is one of four nonprofits featured this year in the Chumash Casino Resort’s Everi Cares program, which gives casino guests the opportunity to donate spare change to a nonprofit group when they cash in their redemption tickets at the casino’s Everi… Read more »

Teens Learn Career Tips and Skills

Recently our Teens at the Railroad Clubhouse participated in BGCA’s “First Job Experience Career Panel” Watch Party.  With generous support from OldNavy, select teen clubs across the country had an opportunity to host a Pizza Night and Career Panel Watch Party.  As part of the event, club members competed in a Goosechase Trivia game while… Read more »

A Morning of Champions

Our Breakfast of Champions event was a delightful morning recognizing the donors, volunteers, staff and special friends who are committed to doing all they can to support youth on the Central Coast.  Held at the Madonna Inn, over 80 community members joined the celebration which was emceed by Wendy Thies Sell.  It was a wonderful… Read more »

2023 Youth of the Year Winner

As part of the national Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, our organization celebrates the extraordinary achievements of our club youth through the Youth of the Year program. As our organizational Youth of the Year, our representative serves as a role model for younger club members and shines a spotlight on our… Read more »

2023 Jr. Youth of the Year Winner

Congratulations to Brady Turri, a Member of our Creston Club, for being awarded Jr. Youth of the Year for 2023. Our Jr. Youth of the Year program offers the opportunity to recognize a club member from our organization that embodies the values of leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles This year we had many… Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the YEAR–Santa Maria Valley

Congratulations to Erica Lopez for being honored as the 2023 Youth Development Professional of the Year for our Santa Maria Valley Clubs.  She works at the Estabillo Club in Guadalupe.  Erica was lauded for her seven years serving youth at the Boys & Girls Clubs and is recognized for being the “real deal” when it… Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the YEAR–SLO County

Congratulations to Natalia Esquivel for being named the Youth Development Professional of the year for our SLO County Clubs.  She works at our Tom Maas Club.  The award was presented at the Breakfast of Champions and recognized her amazing work through all of 2023.  Natalia was lauded for her creativity and resourcefulness and for her… Read more »

Donating the Basics Helps the Shandon Club Grow

It’s amazing how sometimes the little things we take for granted, can make a huge difference!  The Shandon Club has been growing and only had a mini-fridge to store snacks and fresh foods for Club Members.  Club Diretor, Carina Ramirez, was unable to order fresh food from the SLO County Foodbank due to lack of… Read more »

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrated by Club Teens

Teens at the Railroad Clubhouse Teen Center celebrated and remembered the impact the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr has had on our society.  Throughout the Teen Room, Club Members had a chance to read and reflect on various quotes from Dr. King as well as listen to his “I have a Dream” speech. They… Read more »

Ice Cream Party Winds Up a Great Winter Camp

Club kids in Guadalupe got to spend their last day of Winter camp making and enjoying homemade ice cream.  Club Members from the McKenzie and Mary Buren Clubs joined the members of the Ron Estabillo Clubhouse for the all day Winter Camp held while school has been out of session.  They spent these weeks engaged… Read more »

Teens Helping Community Stay Healthy This Winter

With Winter Season’s arrival, this time of year also brings another round of Covid & Flu Season.  Our teen leadership group, Keystone, is dedicated now more than ever to continue to raise awareness and share information regarding health resources & vaccinations to help keep our community healthy and safe. To learn more about available vaccines,… Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the Month–Erica Lopez

Erica is our employee of the month for Santa Barbara county. Erica has stepped up so much this school year and has been nothing but AMAZING!! She’s running teen nights with our teens in Guadalupe every Friday because she saw the need for it in the community. All our teens look up to her and… Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the Month–Gisele Granados

Gisel has been such a great addition to the SLO county team. In her position as Rover she was always there for us in pinch! She is now at our Flamson site and will step up and take on any task that is asked of her. She also showed her amazing artistic talents working on… Read more »

Representative Carbajal Visits Railroad Clubhouse

Congressperson Salud Carbajal of the 24th Congressional District, stopped by the Railroad Clubhouse to meet Club Members and tour the facility.  As a former Boys & Girls Club Member, himself, Representative Carbajal has a unique understanding of the value of our programs and the need we fill in our community. In advance of our plans… Read more »

The Visual Arts Are Alive at All of Our Clubs

In the heart of Santa Maria, a celebration of young talent and creativity recently unfolded at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast National Fine Arts Program Reception. This event provided a platform for budding artists to showcase their skills and express themselves through various forms of art. Club Members from all of… Read more »

Buddy the Elf Visits Santa Maria

Buddy the Elf made a surprise visit at the Railroad Clubhouse in Santa Maria to fill Club Members and staff with holiday cheer!  He spent the morning leading carols, playing games and getting everyone excited for Christmas.

Corvette Club Brings Santa to the Club

Santas Elves Make An Early Visit to Santa Maria

The annual First Responders Golf Tournament, organized by the Santa Maria Police Department, is a place for Santas elves to gather for a great cause!  First Responders from as far away as Paso Robles and Santa Barbara as well as local folks from Santa Maria and the 5 Cities, put together golf foursomes for a… Read more »

Parading Around Town This Holiday Season

Club Members from our Santa Maria AND Northern SLO County Clubs rang in the holiday season by building and riding on two amazing floats in their respective community parades!

Winter Staff Training and Team Building

Staff from all 11 club locations participated in our Quarterly All Staff Training. This Winter 2023 training was held at Fort Hope in Arroyo Grande on November 18. Santa Maria Bonita School District trainers participated by imparting their knowledge and information on Classroom Management – With a Focus on Supporting Individuals with Disabilities. Staff also participated… Read more »

MUST! Charities Makes a Holiday Visit to the Creston Club

One of our biggest supporters stoped by the Creston Club on Giving Tuesday and surprised staff with goodies.Members where  very happy to see Must! at the site. Randy Gray, with Must!, got our members very excited with his High Fives.They where all excited to take pictures and share their experience at the Club and the… Read more »

Triumph on Giving Tuesday: Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast Celebrates a Day of Generosity

In a world where compassion and giving take center stage, Giving Tuesday emerged as a global movement that encourages people to come together and support the causes they care about. This year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast experienced a wave of generosity on Giving Tuesday, as supporters rallied behind the organization’s… Read more »

Teens Get Inspired at Inspired Flight

Recently, teens from the Railroad Club’s STEAM leadership group, Full STEAM Ahead,  participated in a private tour at Inspired Flight Technologies—a drone manufacturing company located in San Luis Obispo.  While there, teens learned about some of the engineering and production processes involved in developing unmanned industrial drones as well as the career path potential to… Read more »

Seeking Enthusiastic Volunteers to Serve on Our Board of Directors

In order to be as successful as possible, the Board of Directors of Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast is seeking community leaders who are eager to be part of the growth and opportunities in front of the organization.  If you are passionate about helping local children, have a desire to help achieve… Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the Month–Vanessa Sanchez

Vanessa is a club alumni, Keystone Alumni & former Keystone President. Vanessa has always stepped up to the plate when needed & currently is helping run the Evans Park Clubhouse where she grew up. Vanessa does so much for the Evans Park community and has always been an amazing example to all of our members…. Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the Month–Natalia Esquivel

Natalia is a YDP at the Tom Maas. She currently running Youth for Unity, SMART Girls, and a performing arts program that she is implementing on her own. She is a hard worker, team player, and her dedication to working with our members shows each day. Thank you for your commitment to what we do… Read more »

Generous Gift from Club Alum Powers 2024 Basketball Season

Former Club Kid and Righetti High athletics hall of fame inductee John Thomas visited the Railroad Clubhouse in Santa Maria to present a generous sponsorship of the Club’s upcoming 2024 basketball season. On behalf of his business, Western Village Health Club, John contributed $12,000 to help ensure local athletics and basketball continue to thrive in… Read more »

BGCMCC Helps Celebrate Red Ribbon Week

BGCMCC had the honor of participating in Red Ribbon week at  the McKenzie Club site.   Our team set up an engaging booth to promote the Boys and Girls Club, focusing on providing an enjoyable and educational experience for the students.  Staff offered a coloring section, ensuring that the kids had a blast unleashing their creativity…. Read more »

Teens Enjoying Halloween Fun

Recently, Railroad Club teens kicked off a spooktacular fall season with interactive festivities for the Club! First they hosted a Creepy Crawler Cupcake Lab where they baked cupcakes and invited the entire Club to decorate a cupcake for a delicious afternoon treat!  In addition, Railroad teens had fun making a sticky mess as they carved… Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the Month–Andre Arciga

Andre has been an amazing Sports Youth Development Team Member.  Not only is he great at advocating for the importance of youth sports, he actively leads children and adults in these great experiences. On top of that he is flexible and willing to help at all the Clubs from Paso Robles to Guadalupe when asked. … Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the Month–Angela Zambrano

Angela has been working as the Assistant Director at the Tom Maas Clubhouse in Paso Robles for about tw months now. During that time she has picked up her duties very quickly and goes above and beyond for the team. She quickly learned the names of members and parents to start building relationships. She has… Read more »

Fall is in Full Swing at the Railroad Clubhouse

So many great programs are underway at all of our Clubs this Fall!  Our Railroad Clubhouse is a great place to see it all under one roof.  Our teens were celebrating Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month with cool decorations in the teen room and a wild game of loteria.  The Triple Play Soccer program featured skills building… Read more »

Back A Youth Night Creates Fun for Youth and Adults Alike

Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast hosted its 2nd Annual Back a Youth Night event at the Tom Maas Clubhouse in Paso Robles on Thursday, October 19. Around 45 Club Kids and 30 mentors participated in the three activities organized by the clubhouse staff, which included a fall art project, the Rain in… Read more »

New Playhouse Is a Highlight at the Tom Maas Club

We are so grateful for the partnership with Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County who recently provided an adorable playhouse for our outdoor space at our Tom Maas Clubhouse in Paso Robles.  This is a unique project led by the local Habitat for Humanity to provide custom, wooden playhouses for families and organizations in… Read more »

Club Teens Educate About Covid Safety

Recently, our Keystone Teen Program with sponsorship from the Boys & Girls Club CA Alliance, hosted a Covid Awareness Workshop with Members from our Railroad Clubhouse.   Keystone teens shared important information about staying healthy in 2023 from Covid-19 through testing, treating and vaccination.  In addition, Club Members learned about the importance of washing their hands… Read more »

Two New Community Leaders Join the Board

In order to be as successful as possible, the Board of Directors of Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast has tapped two community leaders who are eager to be part of the growth and opportunities in front of the organization.  Gary Borjan, banking executive, and Michelle Wright, Veterinary Practice Manager for PETS Hospital… Read more »

Power Hour Going Strong in Guadalupe

Our signature program, Power Hour, the first hour Club Members arrive to any Club in the Boys & Girls Club Family, where kids work on homework, prepare for the next school day, have a snack, and transition to their afterschool activities at their Clubhouse, is going strong at the Ron Estabillo Clubhouse in Guadalupe! On… Read more »

Generous Donation from CoastHills Foundation Supports Guadalupe Programs

Executives from CoastHills Credit Union and their Community Foundation Board, came to the Ron Estabillo Clubhouse in Guadalupe with a very generous check to fund the purchase and installation of a new scoreboard for the Club’s gym.  With a scoreboard befitting the newly renovated gymnasium, we can return to running our  popular sports programs.  The… Read more »

Calles Vivas! Open Streets Festival Outreach

We were thrilled to be part of the 2nd annual Calles Vivas! Open Streets celebration in Santa Maria.  Open Streets is an international movement with  a common goal of promoting community wellness by creating safe and temporary car-free spaces on streets and roads, opening them up as a public park for a day. In Santa… Read more »

A Month of Cultural Learning Underway

September 15th – October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. During this time we honor the cultures and contributions of Hispanic Americans, Latinos/Latinas, and Latinx-identifying people in our society. At the Tom Maas Clubhouse, we are celebrating by exploring and honoring contributions by Hispanic artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera to activists such… Read more »

Executive Team Members Speak on Conference Panel

Michael Boyer, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast and Trish Hammond, our CFO, were part of a panel at the 2023 Pacific Region Leadership Conference for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Entitled “A Seat at the Table: Diversifying Leadership Within the Movement”, the panel had members discussing how to diversify… Read more »

Teens Explore Latino Culture and Heritage

Every Friday as part of the continued celebration of the Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month, Members of our teen program are immersing themselves in the rich cultural history, music, food, language, art and traditions of the Hisapnic-Latino communities.  Teens kicked off their Fun Fridays after with several rounds of Loteria all while listening to some favorite contemporary… Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the Month–San Luis Obispo County

VIOLET BUSH—Violet is one of our TK/K YDP’s at the Tom Maas Clubhouse. Each day, she shows up to work with a positive attitude, friendly demeanor, and enthusiasm for working with members. She is a team player and also there to lend a helping hand wherever it is needed. She is definitely one of the… Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the Month–Santa Barbara County

ANNA ESPINOZA–Anna came in a little shy when she first got hired . Throughout the months she has found her voice and a way to grab our members attention. She also advocates for them when they aren’t getting the support they need. This year is tougher academically because a lot of our youth don’t know… Read more »

4th Annual Crush it! Golf Tournament Was A Great Day on the Greens

Hunter Ranch Golf Club once again was the site of the Crush it! Golf Tournament to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast.  A total of 18 foursomes played the beautiful course along with enjoying breakfast burritos, complimentary margaritas, and a delicious taco bar after their play was done.  A 50/50 raffle and… Read more »

Local Teens Working to Educate Our Community

Our Keystone teen leadership board have been actively distributing resources on various topics to our local community at Santa Maria’s Downtown Fridays.  As part of the Fall 2023 campaign to raise community awareness on preparation for extreme heat events, water conservation as well as sharing the benefits of having a Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, community… Read more »

The Harvest Moon Was a Lovely Backdrop to Annual Winemakers Dinner

A beautiful night under the harvest moon was held at the Paso Robles Event Center to support the programs and services of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast (BGCMCC).  Our annual Winemakers Dinner was presented by Zenaida Cellars along with additional sponsors Pacific Premier Bank, John E.D. Nicholson Attorney at Law, Oak… Read more »

Fall Fun in Paso Robles

The Tom Maas Clubhouse began its fall programming and we are off to a fantastic start. Our Members got to participate in chalk obstacle courses, made rice crispy treats, played balloon tennis with decorated paper plate paddles, and made robots out of toilet paper rolls. Staff will be implementing BGCA programs such as SMART Girls,… Read more »

New TK Program Full of Amazing Activities

After a summer full of art activities, slime making, baking, and outdoor fun; the members in the TK/K program had a smooth transition into this 2023-2024 school year. They start off their day with Power Hour and have started the Kidz Smarts program. The program helps students understand and express their emotions.

Teens Enjoy A Night Under the Stars

Recently, twelver of our Keystone members had the opportunity to attend the PCPA play, “American Mariachi” at the Solvang Theaterfest. For ten of our members, this was their first ever visit to a live theater performance.  It was such an exciting evening for our members filled with  laughs and tears from experiencing such a beautiful story… Read more »

Club Members Treated to the Latest Fashions

Thanks to the generosity of Old Navy in Santa Maria along with volunteers from the Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria, Club Members from our Guadalupe locations were treated to a day of shopping for new school clothes!  Families who are hurting financially and who have more than one child enrolled in our programs were invited… Read more »

Youth Development Team Member of the Month–Andre Arciga

Andre joined our sports team in the Fall of 2022. He is a former club member of our Fairlawn Club. He is always willing to help wherever needed even if it’s not related to sports. During the Summer he was helping out at Evans Park during the day and then working the Summer Basketball League… Read more »

Youth Development Team Member of the Month–Mayra Bautista

Mayra is our Assistant Club Director at our Mary Buren site.  Mayra has been a great role model adapting to all the changes happening with our organization to her fellow staff members.  She comes to work with a positive attitude and does whatever needs to be done without being asked to.  She might be stressed… Read more »

Youth Development Team Member of the Month–Czarina Gallardo

Czarina has been working with the Shandon BGC for almost 6 months. She has shown great responsibility and leadership skills through her daily interactions with members. “Ms. Czarina is caring, patient, trusting, and respectful.” She has an easy going personality and is a great team player. We sincerely thank her for all the genuine help… Read more »

Keystone Teens Share Health Information With the Community

Keystone, our teen leadership group, shared information with the local community about water conservation and preventing heat exhaustion at the annual Family Day In the Park in Santa Maria where hundreds of families were in attendance.  Their water conservation and extreme heat awareness campaign will last through December of 2023 and is made possible through grant… Read more »

Panda Cares Foundation Really Does!

We had a lot of fun when Panda Express came by the Railroad Clubhouse and fed us some yummy food, gave us awesome books and some fun Panda swag!  Thanks to the generosity of the Panda Cares Foundation, we regularly receive support for our youth events and activities. Panda Express will be donating food for… Read more »

Dining For Charities Makes Generous Donation

  We partnered with Dining for Charities earlier this year and the generosity of local restaurants and people who like to eat out came back to us in the form of a big check!  When people purchase restaurant gift cards through Diningforcharities.com–which they get at a discount–we recieved 15% of the purchase price.  James and… Read more »

Coast Hills Federal Credit Union on Board as Golf Tournament Sponsor

A team from Coast Hills Federal Credit Union stopped by the Railroad Clubhouse to drop off their sponsorship donation for our upcoming Crush it! Golf tournament in Paso Robles. Coast Hills has been a longtime supporter and sponsor of many of our special events and we couldn’t be happier to have their support for our… Read more »

Thanks to Planet Fitness for Back to School Supplies

Thanks to members of Planet Fitness gyms in Santa Maria and Atascadero, our Club Members were treated to great, new school supplies including cool back packs, notebooks, crayons, pencils and other important gear to start the year off right. On a fun day in Santa Maria, staff from Planet Fitness put together packs for every… Read more »

A Little Friendly Competition

The Railroad Clubhouse and our Evans Park Clubhouse, both in Santa Maria, went head to head in a friendly game of capture the flag. Both clubs sent their best 15 members to face each other. Railroad ended up winning!  Love the summer fun!

Taco Bell Foundation Increases Funding

Taco Bell Foundation has been a supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs Mid Central Coast’s Career Launch program for teens since 2013 with an average donation of $10,000 annually. This year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast was granted $50,000 for Career Launch. Career Launch is an educational program specifically benefiting… Read more »

24th Annual Ag for Youth Golf Tournament Raises Important Funds for Summer Programs

For 24 years the last monday in July has been the day for the annual Ag for Youth Golf Tournament at the lovely Santa Maria Country Club.  The ag community, and other businesses and supporters come together for a fun day on the greens to help raise funds for our vital summer programs and all… Read more »

The Wet ‘n Wild Week Tradition Continues

A favorite summer tradition at the Railroad Clubhouse in Santa Maria is Wet ‘n Wild Week and this year did not disappoint.  Club Director, Patty Lopez, makes sure the Club Members get a week of water based fun and has some creative ways to play!  From the water balloon toss to the Water Bucket Race… Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the Month–Melissa Gonzalez

Mel is one of our YDP’s at the Flamson Teen Center. She has been with us for a year now and has shown us how passionate she is about her job! The bond she has with our teens is unmatched and so special. Great relationships with our members’ parents as well. She is our go… Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the Month–Efren Espinoza

Efren joined the Guadalupe team last year and has worked for the most part at our Mary Buren site.  Efren is a great male role model to our young members at Mary Buren.  Although he is a bit on the shy side, he is a hard worker and committed to our members and organization. Thank… Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the Month–Precious Subia

Precious joined our organization this May. She is very outgoing with the members and always willing to help with whatever is needed. She has been in the Games Room this Summer. She is actively making sure that there are activities for the kids like air hockey and foosball tournaments. Being engaged with the members and… Read more »

Fine Arts Programming Showcases Santa Maria Talent

The National Fine Arts  Program from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, enables Club Members to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through visual arts and design. Youth at the Railroad Clubhouse  in Santa Maria worked hard and used skills and imagination to create  artistic masterpieces in watercolor.  These art pieces will be displayed at… Read more »

Fire Department Visits for Summer Program

This summer, the Paso Robles Fire Department paid a visit to the Almond Acres Club. Members had the opportunity to learn about what being a fireman is like and how the fire engine operates. Members suited up in their fireman hats and toured the equipment on the truck, and even got to check out the… Read more »

Farmers for a Day

SEEAG (Students for Eco-Education in Agriculture) has a mission is to educate students and the greater community about the farm origins of our food and agriculture’s contribution to our nutritional well-being through hands-on classroom and outdoor experiential S.T.E.M. based learning.  They invited our Members in 2nd-6th graders to the Allan Hancock College Vineyard to learn… Read more »

Youth Helping Youth

The students from Must! Charities Youth Board, did a fantastic job volunteering and raising funds for multiple nonprofits this year. Three of the students volunteered at Tom Maas and enjoyed interacting with our staff and students. The Youth Board selected the Tom Maas Clubhouse as one of the nonprofits they wanted to support as part… Read more »

Generous Donation Supports Mindful Movement

The Center Studio, a leading wellness center dedicated to promoting holistic health and well-being, donated monthly proceeds from their community education classes to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast. The donation aims to support the implementation and expansion of the Youthful Mindfulness Movement Program for Club kids, empowering children with essential tools… Read more »

Stollmeyer Challenge Scholarships Awarded

At a festive ice cream social held at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast flagship Clubhouse in Santa Maria, six students were awarded the first round of scholarships provided by the Stollmeyer Challenge partnership for STEAM programming. Rick Stollmeyer, seeing a need to focus his philanthropy on programs and services that support… Read more »

Nature at Our Doorstep

Club Members in Guadalupe participated with our neighbor, The Dune Center. The Dune Centers art teacher  came for two weeks and taught our kids color blending. They made color by crushing the leaves from flowers and used the natural pigment to paint. They also took a field trip out to Oso Flaco and got to… Read more »

Youth Development Professionals of the Month–Miguel Torres Frausto & Josue Rojo

Josue and Miguel are our two Assistant Area Directors based in Santa Maria. They both have experience in being Club Directors and this year they stepped into a new role. They did an amazing job during the school year helping their Club Directors and offering support. They work well as a team and model collaboration… Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the Month–Justino Flores

Justino has been at our Mary Buren site since January.  He has been doing a great job with our members and takes the extra time to plan fun activities with them.  He has successfully gotten our 4th graders to participate in Drama/acting.  He also went out of his way to plan a fun field day… Read more »

Youth Development Professional of the Month–Jacob Stanko

Jacob is a YDP at the Almond Acres Club, and he is an integral part of the team. He plans great activities for the kids that get them excited to participate. He’s very responsible, reliable, and ready to step up when needed. We appreciate you for everything you do!

Family Fun Day at Avila Beach

BGCMCC and their families were treated to a beautiful day of camaraderie, team building and fun at our annual Family Fun Day at the beach.  Meeting in Avila Beach–a good half way point between staff coming from the Paso Robles or Santa Maria areas–we gathered throughout the day for food, games, and general relaxation.  The… Read more »

Shade Structures Keeping Members Cool in Paso

Thanks to our generous partner, the Rotary Club of Paso Robles, children enrolled in the summer program at the Tom Maas Clubhouse are able to get a respite from the heat! Funds provided by the Paso Robles Rotary Club the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast were able to purchase tables, chairs and… Read more »

Fun During Laguna’s Last Days of School

Last Fun Friday, our members went on a foraging adventure and made flower crowns with their findings! We used plants from the school garden to create beautiful wreaths, and wove our flowers in with raffia straw. All in all, a refreshing afternoon in the outdoors! At our End of School Party, our members are gearing… Read more »

Member Monday–Jorge!

Meet Jorge a long time Club Member who has re-joined the program now that the Ron Estabillo Club has re-opened in Guadalupe.  Jorge started coming to the original Club when he was 6 years old.  When the clubhouse had to close for renovations and retrofitting, Jorge had nowhere to go after school.  Now that the… Read more »

Member Monday–Abraham!

Meet Teen of the Month for May,  Abraham Carrillo-Galindo, an 11th grader from Santa Maria High.  Abraham recently was voted in as Keystone President for the 2023-2024 school year at the Railroad Club site.  Even though he’s a new member of the Boys and Girls Club, he’s been instrumental in building our Keystone Club from… Read more »

We’re Safety Superstars!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast was recognized by our national organization, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), as a 2023 Safety Super Star during BGCA’s 117 th National Conference in Orlando, Florida in May. This award is presented to Boys & Girls Club organizations that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to safety… Read more »

Building Bridges in Guadalupe

Teen Services Director, Jeanette Blanco recently visited the McKenzie Club to conduct a captivating STEAM activity that involved building bridges capable of withstanding pressure. The students, organized into groups of three, eagerly awaited the challenge. Within the given time frame of two minutes, the teams had to sketch out their bridge designs, followed by 15… Read more »

Spring is Blooming but Summer is on its way!

Laguna Club ended May with a beautiful picnic at the gorgeous Cal Poly Leaning Pine Arboretum. We enjoyed great company, good food , explored the luscious garden and learned about respecting our environment. Another successful visit from our Teen Specialist Jeanette Blanco.  The kids made candy bridges along side  Engineer, Esau Blanco. They challenged each… Read more »

BGCMCC Honored by Community Foundation of SLO

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is celebrating their 25th Anniversary by hosting events throughout the county. They are awarding a total of $25,000 at each event to nonprofits who have made an exceptional difference in our community. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast was awarded $5,000 in unrestricted funds at their… Read more »

We’re Among Best Places to Work According to Pacific Business Times

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast is thrilled to announce that it has been voted one of the “Best Place to Work” in the Tri-Counties by the prestigious Pacific Business Times. This recognition is a testament to the organization’s commitment to fostering a supportive and fulfilling work environment for its dedicated employees…. Read more »

Friday Fun Day as Summer Approaches

Last Friday at the Almond Acres Club–one of the new Clubs opened in 2023–members faced off in an obstacle course relay race. Members had to jump through hula hoops, weave through cones, and make a basket before running back to their teams. The groups cheered on their teammates and congratulated the other team after the… Read more »