The SMART Moves Program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo had a very successful project year during 2004. Approximately 300 youth ages 6 – 18 were served by the SMART Moves program. This is a 47% increase in participation from the 2003 project year. Components of the SMART Moves program were implemented at the Clubs’ Lake Street Campus (attached to Edison Environmental Science Academy) and the Woods Lake Campus (located inside Woods Lake Elementary School).

SMART Moves sessions focused on self-esteem building, self-awareness, and decision-making skills as well as the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Additionally areas of focus included personal identity, family integrity, peer pressure, refusal techniques, media literacy, short and long-term goal setting, and STD/HIV awareness. The Club feels that by repeatedly strengthening these skills and increasing knowledge, youth become better prepared to meet peer pressure towards drug and alcohol use and violent behavior.

The Boys & Girls Clubs recently hired a new SMART Moves Coordinator – Beth Koelper. Beth has been employed by the Boys & Girls Club since May 2003 and has served as both a Camp Counselor and a Youth Development Professional. At the end of April, Beth will receive her degree from Western Michigan University in Elementary Education.