Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad

Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad has been serving the community for over 55 years. Its mission is to provide activities and experiences that enrich the lives of young people, inspiring and enabling them to reach their full potential.

On Saturday August 23, the Club held their largest fundraising event of the year, a Gala themed “Safari by the Sea” at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara. Honorary Chair for this years event, Bill Hoehn of Hoehn Motors, Inc was pleased to report that, “over $200,000 was raised, which is a fabulous community effort”. Providing programming for 1,000+ members (annual fee is only $25 per year), the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad plays an integral role in providing a fun, safe and constructive after school environment designed to build character and life skills. Marina Rodriguez, age 9, says, “Without the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, my life would be less fun. I would have less happiness, less friends, play less games and sports, and do less coloring.” Madison Merlo, also age 9, shares a similar view when he says, “To me, the Boys & Girls Club is just like home sweet home. If I wasn’t here, I would be doing nothing because I would be bored. The Club has taught me so many things, one of which is to be respectful.”

The Club’s original location on Roosevelt Street in the Village of Carlsbad has been renovated five times. The most recent renovation, completed in 1999, included the addition of a dedicated technology center, covered swimming pool, gymnasium, and a teen center. While La Costa has been served by a 1,440 square foot double wide trailer since 1982 (much longer than originally planned), an exciting development this year was the breaking of ground for a new 18,000 square foot Clubhouse in Bressi Ranch by Mayor Bud Lewis. This new building will replace the tiny La Costa Branch, and include a gymnasium, game room, teen center, dance/drama rooms, art studio, computer lab and much more. The Club’s Board President, Dave Kulchin, acknowledges the community support that has enabled the realization of this project. “Our current facility in south Carlsbad was bursting at the seams, and through the commitment of our Board and the community, the dream is turning into reality,” he says. “Our youth development programs are nationally acclaimed and I am proud that we can offer these programs to the youth of Carlsbad”

If you would like to be part of this very important project benefiting Carlsbad’s kids, please contact Kelly Morrison Pop at 760-729-0207 x305 or email Kelly@bgccarlsbad.org.
Cover Photo: Youth of the Year Myriam Rodriguez