“I’ve learned to accept other people’s differences, like cultural or religious. It’s just fun to come here and be with your friends and it’s not like in the streets. It’s positive. You’re safe here.”

CLAYTON

16 years old
Blazers Boys & Girls Club
Member since 2nd grade
Future Boys & Girls Club staff

Why do you like to come to the Boys & Girls Club?

It’s just a positive place to be. There’s multiple activities that you can get involved in. If you need help on your homework people will help you.

How has it impacted your life?

It’s kept me away from the negative things in the streets. I’ve learned to get along with others here. Sometimes you have to fight for things like games or your turn next to play a game. I’ve just learned good communication skills here.

What’s something you’re proud of?

I’m proud of the fact that I like going to school. If my teacher gives me a B I will be angry and stay after hours and hours to get the A.

So would you say the Club has impacted you?

Yes Ma’am I would say it impacted me. I’ve learned to accept other people’s differences, like cultural or religious. It’s just fun to come here and be with your friends and it’s not like in the streets. It’s positive. You’re safe here.

How would you describe the Boys & Girls Club?

I would say that it’s fun, it’ll keep you out of trouble, you can learn a lot of new things. They have a lot of programs here that you can take advantage of. Not just being inside the Club, you can get out and go into the community and maybe help garden, or recycling, or go to basketball games, and cheer on the side with posters for the Blazers.

What are some unique opportunities you’ve had here?

I remember when I was a little kid they gave me two free tickets to a Blazers game against the Spurs. And my mom took me and I was like, so happy. That was my first blazers game.

What have you learned at the Club?

I learned how to be creative.  I did a lot of projects at the Club from art to poems to tiles on the wall up there. I painted one of those. And I used to do model cars here. Paint those. I’ve been in a lot of programs here at the Boys & Girls Club.

Anything else you want to add about your experience?

I just think it’s a safe positive place. I’ve never had any negative experiences at the Club. It’s been influential in my life because I know that I have somewhere I can go and be safe, and do homework, and have fun. I can go shoot hoops or play games with little kids if I want to.

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