Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of America recently honored the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme with a national merit award for program excellence. The Club also received $2,500. BGCOP won an award in the Education and Career Development category for its SeaPerch Program.
The award was presented during Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 112th National Conference in San Diego. Merit Awards for Program Excellence, are sponsored by MetLife Foundation and presented annually for outstanding programs developed and implemented to lead youth to great futures at Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.
“Every day our staff works hard and is passionate about what they do. This kind of recognition shows us we’re on the right path and encourages us to continue building community partnerships and strengthen them as we provide the right kind of opportunities for our youth,” said Erin Antrim, chief executive officer, BGCOP.
SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips Club staff and members with the resources they need to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in an in-school or out-of-school setting. In partnership with the United States Navy, BGCOP members build the ROV from a kit comprised of low-cost, easily accessible parts, following a curriculum that teaches basic engineering and science concepts with a marine engineering theme. The SeaPerch Program provides members with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics (STEM) while building an underwater ROV as part of a science and engineering technology curriculum. Throughout the project, members will learn engineering concepts, problem solving, teamwork, and technical applications.
Building a SeaPerch ROV teaches basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages members to explore naval architecture and marine and ocean engineering principles. Members learn important engineering and design skills and are exposed to all the exciting careers that are possible in naval architecture and naval, ocean, and marine engineering.
Each year, before the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national conference, hundreds of award entries are submitted in five core program areas: character and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills; the arts; and sports, fitness and recreation; as well as in the three overall program areas: Best Overall Program by organizational Budget (as it pertains to your Club’s annual budget amount) – less than $500,000 or more than $500,000; Best Overall Participation and Regular Attendance; and Innovations in Safety.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP) is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) youth service organization. BGCOP’s mission is “to inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential, as productive, responsible and caring citizens.” Services are provided in three freestanding clubhouses in Oxnard and Port Hueneme which include a dedicated Teen Center, 12 public school program sites, one club site in Nyeland Acres, one site at a Squires Public Housing, and the first Boys & Girls Club in a juvenile hall in the State of California. The purpose of BGCOP is to provide social, educational and recreational programs to all youth ages 6-18 years old, with an emphasis on those in underserved areas. Annual member dues is $20.00 however, no one is turned away regardless of ability to pay. Over 10,400 youth and teens are served annually. For more information, to get involved or to donate, please visit www.BGCOP.org