About Us

SERVING YOUTH FOR OVER 110 YEARS

OUR MISSION

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


Each day, we provide services for up to 1,000 youth at 12 different sites in our community. Our programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys & girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness & belonging.


We are extremely fortunate to have a strong senior management team, dedicated professional program staff, a committed board of directors and wide spread community collaborations to support our members in achieving their dreams.


Our organization's motto, "Great Futures Start Here" reflects our commitment to assuring that all children have the opportunity to create dreams and that they develop the skills to achieve those dreams.


In 1908, Jennie Peck, one of Bristol’s strongest community leaders at that time, recognized that youth needed a place to engage in physical activity, to learn the responsibilities needed to become responsible young men and to enjoy the true pleasure of friendship. Jennie and her friends took it upon themselves to ensure that the community understood, and supported, the creation of an organization that would build the future leaders of our community. 


Today, thanks to our early pioneers, our organization provides children and teens with a safe, positive environment with supportive relationships. We provide recognition for our members achievements in order to foster confidence and self-esteem.


The strength and success of our programs is directly linked to the quality and commitment of the people that selflessly give of their time, their skills and their genuine love for children. We are extremely fortunate to have a strong senior management team, dedicated professional staff, a committed Board of Directors and Development Committee, extensive community collaborations and exceptional volunteers. 
drawing by children

Birthday Sparks

Photo By: John Doe
Button
fousing to picture

City skyline

Photo By: John Doe
Button
creating new things

Blurred Lines

Photo by: John Doe
Button
children club

Fashion Magazine

Photo By: John Doe
Button

OUR VISION

Provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.

The Five Key Elements For Positive Youth Development

We have learned that the level of impact a Club has on young people depends on how often and how long members participate, as well as how well our Club's Youth Development Professionals implement the following five key elements:

Safe, Positive Environment: Club staff, facilities, program and age-appropriate settings create stability, consistency and a sense of physical and emotional safety for members. Staff members provide structure and clearly define acceptable behaviors.

Fun: Club generates fun for members. Members develop a strong sense of belonging through connections they establish with staff and peers. Staff members make the Club feel like home, fostering a family atmosphere and creating a sense of ownership for members.

Supportive Relationships: Club youth develop meaningful relationships with peers and adults. Staff members actively cultivate such relationships to ensure that every member feels connected to one or more adults and peers. Staff members demonstrate warmth, caring, appreciation, acceptance and proper guidance in their connections with members.

Opportunities and Expectations: Club youth acquire physical, social, technological, artistic and life skills. Clubs encourage members to develop a moral character and behave ethically. Staff members establish and reinforce high expectations and help young people do well in school and pursue a post-secondary education.

Recognition: Clubs recognize and support young people’s self-worth and accomplishments. Staff members encourage youth and provide positive reinforcement as they make improvements and experience successes. The Club showcases young people’s achievements.