Stafford Green had an idea for Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia that involved the sky being the limit for youth. BGCNCG youth participated in the Blue-Sky Project competition over the course of the summer where youth were asked to answer one question: “In 2025, what is the world like and where will you be?” The answers were uplifting.
Ideas offered varied from a cure for COVID-19, becoming an impactful photographer, offering community landscaping, building homes for community members and much more.
“I wanted each child to think beyond the stresses of COVID to a time in the near future where the virus is under control and where they have worked hard to achieve something big and exciting,” Green shared. “Our youth members visualizing that future helps cope now, but also it defines a specific goal that they describe themselves to which they can strive and succeed.”
For first place winner of the competition Jayden Roberts, of Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club, these ideas of coping and striving for success felt very real. Jayden’s vision is to become a landscaper or as he calls it, a “doctor of the earth.”
“I wanted to take a chance on myself and use my time right now to plan my tomorrow and the Blue-Sky Project was a great opportunity,” he shared. “What surprised me was as I prepared my submission how my public speaking skills improved. I gained a lot of confidence by overcoming my fear of speaking in front of my peers. Through practice and determination, I succeeded.”
Bob Mackey, President and CEO of BGCNCG, shared his excitement with this newinitiative.
“The Blue-Sky Project competition has been a futuristic, but rigorous experience for our youth during one of our most challenging times while facing COVID-19,” Mackey offered. “Having the youth remain steadfast about their futures provides a sense of determination and focus on their studies ahead. This has been one of the most rewarding projects that I've seen.”
Second place winner Jamiya Broadus, of Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, participated in Blue Sky Project because she wants to become a philanthropist who serves her community well.
“I wanted to participate in the Blue-Sky Project because I knew it would give me a visual of what I wanted to do in my life and all the goals I wanted to accomplish,” she shared. “I realized quickly what was most impactful was having my community involved in my goals and my mother helped me realize how much that mattered to me.”
Broadus adds, “There are so many things you can do in the world, but it doesn't have to be the world, it could just be your community. The little things that you do could make it an overall better place for everyone and the things you do doesn't have too be big.”
What’s next for Blue Sky Project?
“Blue Sky Project is not over. We are dreaming up our next activities and will execute more contests to positively engage the kids in a variety of things,” Green shared. “I am hoping the contest will also excite the community to get involved to help broaden the children’s’ view of what’s possible for building a great life.”
Brad Parr, BGCNCG Director of Operations, added this new initiative helps BGCNCG connect members to career professionals who can mentor them before graduation and help their dreams become reality.
And for BGCNCG youth, reality is fostering dreams that become actualized goals.
For Broadus, she knows what to do – “if I want to reach my goals, I need to start now.”
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia visit, www.bgcncg.com.
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