Our Health and Wellness programming is dedicated to empowering youth and the community to embrace healthy lifestyles through physical activity, nutritious eating, and positive social behaviors. We aim to inspire self-motivation in fitness and nutrition, increase knowledge of healthy eating habits, and foster social awareness among our members. We achieve this by offering diverse programs, workshops, clinics, and educational resources, often in partnership with professionals, and by nurturing strong, healthy relationships within our community.
Sport & Fitness Classes/Clinics
Our beginner-level clinics are a great way to introduce youth to a variety of sports. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley partners with professionals to offer clinics in basketball, golf, rugby, soccer, and volleyball, as well as classes in swimming, yoga, and Zumba. If youth and their families want to further develop their skills, we can also refer them to local organizations for advanced training.
Gardening Club
In our Garden Clubs, youth gain hands-on experience learning about different fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They discover how to plant, grow, and harvest gardens, and how these foods make it to the table. When crops are ready, they are used in programs like our Cooking Club and are also sent home with families when possible.
Sport Leagues
Our sports leagues are created for members who are new to a sport and might not have the chance to join due to cost, transportation, or other challenges. We currently offer basketball, football, and soccer leagues. For those with more experience who want to advance their skills, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley can refer them to higher-level local organizations.
Cooking Club
Members in our Cooking Clubs learn valuable skills like nutrition education, kitchen and food safety, meal planning, budgeting, and more. They discover how to create healthy, affordable meals. We also host seasonal competitions where youth work together as a team to create culinary dishes, engaging mentors, families, and the community.
Hygiene Classes
In partnership with our Member Emotional and Social Health (MESH) team, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley offers hygiene classes. Youth receive basic hygiene supplies and learn about proper hygiene practices.
Ignite Wellness
Our staff wellness initiative promotes overall well-being and connection within the BGCTNV family. Each month, we feature different themes, challenges, and newsletters that encourage staff to stay active, learn about healthy eating, and boost social awareness.
Meet the Team: Chara Carey
Chara holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Tusculum University. She is the Healthy Lifestyles Specialist for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley and has been with us for 11 years. Over the years, she has served as Program Director, Club Director, Lifeguard/Swim Instructor, Aquatics Director, Yoga Instructor, and Grant Manager. Chara is also a certified Health Coach who is passionate about helping others access and understand healthy living.
Program Goals
Kindergarten-3rd Grade: Members will maintain or improve basic motor skills, learn more about healthy eating habits, and show proper social awareness.
4th Grade-8th Grade: Members will gain a better understanding of moderate and vigorous physical activity, learn more about healthy eating habits, and show proper social awareness.
9th Grade-12th Grade: Members will develop self-motivation for physical activity, deepen their knowledge of healthy eating habits, and show proper social awareness.
Thank you to Humana, a Healthy Lifestyles program partner.
