Frequently Asked Questions

Membership & Registration

Who can join the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley?

BGC-CV serves young people throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. Programs are designed for different age groups, generally serving elementary, middle, and high school youth. Some locations and programs may have specific age requirements.

How do I register my child?

Registration can be completed online or with assistance from the Club your child will attend. Membership is complete once all required paperwork has been submitted and payment has been received.

What documents are required for registration?

Parents or guardians will need to complete the required membership and enrollment paperwork. Additional information may be required depending on your child's program, transportation needs, or other services.

How much does membership cost?

Membership fees vary by age and program. Elementary and middle school membership currently costs $65 per child for the school year. Teen membership is free.

Summer programming has a separate fee, which may vary by program or location.

Are there weekly or monthly membership fees?

No. BGCCV does not charge weekly or monthly membership fees.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept debit cards, credit cards, and money orders.

Are scholarships or financial assistance available?

Yes. Scholarships and financial assistance may be available based on need and funding availability. Applications are reviewed by a committee.

Are there discounts or programs that can cover membership costs?

Yes. Some youth may qualify for waived or reduced fees through community partnerships and assistance programs. Military families may be eligible for assistance through Mission: Youth Outreach.

Is teen membership really free?

Yes. Teens can participate in BGC-CV teen programming at no membership cost. Teen Centers provide opportunities focused on leadership, workforce readiness, education, technology, and life skills.

Club Hours & Attendance

What are the Club's hours?

Hours vary by Club and program. During the school year, Clubs operate after the school day until 7PM. Summer and break schedules may have different hours.

Please contact your child's Club for its current schedule.

Does my child have to attend every day?

No. Attendance is not required every day. However, regular attendance gives Club kids the greatest opportunity to participate in programs, build relationships, and benefit from the full Club experience.

What happens if my child misses a day?

There is generally no penalty for missing a day. Simply follow your Club's procedures for notifying staff when your child will be absent.

Are you open when school is out?

BGC-CV offers programming during many school breaks, including spring break and summer vacation. We follow the school system calendar for Club closing on holidays and long breaks.

Always check with your Club for the current calendar.

Transportation

Does BGCCV provide transportation?

Transportation is available at select Clubs and is subject to availability.

How much does transportation cost?

School-year transportation currently costs $50 per child. Transportation availability is limited and is generally provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Does the Club provide transportation home?

Transportation home is available only at select Club locations. Please check with your Club to determine whether transportation is available for your child's route.

Can my child ride the bus without being registered for transportation?

No. Transportation must be arranged through the Club, and all required transportation paperwork must be completed before a child can use Club transportation.

Meals & Nutrition

Does the Club provide meals or snacks?

Yes. Meals and snacks are provided to Club kids at no additional cost through our food service programs.

What if my child has a food allergy or dietary restriction?

Please tell Club staff about allergies, dietary restrictions, or other food-related needs during registration. Providing this information allows staff to better support your child.

Programs & Activities

What does my child do at the Club?

Club kids participate in a wide variety of activities designed around our core program areas:

• Academic Success
• Character & Leadership
• Health & Wellness
• Life & Workforce Readiness

Activities may include sports, arts, STEM, technology, literacy, leadership programs, recreation, career exploration, and special events.

Is homework help available?

Yes. Club kids receive homework assistance through Power Hour and other academic programming. Individual tutoring may be available depending on the needs of the child and the availability of staff or volunteers.

Does the Club offer sports?

Yes. Sports and athletic programs are offered throughout BGCCV. Sports opportunities vary by Club and season. Youth must be BGCCV members to participate in Club sports teams.

Does my child have to be athletic to participate?

Absolutely not. BGCCV offers much more than sports. Club kids can participate in academic programs, STEM, art, technology, leadership, workforce readiness, recreation, and many other activities.

Are programs divided by age?

Yes. Programs are designed to be age-appropriate and may be divided into different age groups.

Does my child have to participate in every activity?

No. Staff encourage Club kids to explore different opportunities, but activities may vary by Club, age group, and program.

Teen Programs

What is available for teens?

BGCCV provides dedicated teen programming focused on preparing young people for life beyond high school. Opportunities may include workforce development, leadership, career exploration, technology, creative media, college and career preparation, and dual-enrollment opportunities.

Are there dedicated Teen Centers?

Yes. BGCCV operates dedicated teen-focused facilities and programming, including The Club Teen Center and the John F. Flournoy College & Career Center.

Can teens participate in programs for free?

Yes. Teen membership is free.

Can teens earn workforce experience?

Yes. Workforce readiness is a major component of BGC-CV's teen programming. Opportunities may include career exploration, hands-on experiences, job preparation, leadership development, and connections with local employers and community partners.

Summer & School Break Programs

Does BGC-CV offer summer camp?

Yes. BGC-CV offers summer programming featuring activities such as sports, swimming, art, STEM, literacy, field trips, and enrichment activities.

Is summer camp included with school-year membership?

No. Summer programming has a separate registration and fee structure.

Do I have to register separately for summer?

Yes. Summer programming requires separate enrollment, and space may be limited.

Are field trips included?

Field trips are offered as part of some summer and special programs. Details, eligibility, and any additional requirements are announced by the Club.

Safety & Supervision

Is my child supervised while at the Club?

Yes. BGCCV staff supervise Club kids throughout Club programming and activities. Safety is a central part of our operations and programming.

What safety procedures does BGCCV have?

BGC-CV maintains safety procedures and emergency protocols designed to protect Club kids and staff. Youth participate in appropriate safety drills and are taught how to respond to emergencies.

What happens if my child gets sick or injured?

Parents or guardians will be contacted according to BGC-CV procedures if a child becomes ill or is injured while participating in Club programming. Emergency situations will be handled according to established safety protocols.

Who is allowed to pick up my child?

Only individuals authorized by the parent or guardian through the Club's required enrollment and release procedures may pick up a child. Parents and guardians should keep authorized pickup information current.

Can I update my child's emergency contact information?

Yes. Please notify your Club as soon as possible whenever contact information, emergency contacts, medical information, or authorized pickup information changes.

Parents & Families

Can parents visit the Club?

Parents and guardians are welcome to communicate with Club staff and learn more about their child's experience. For the safety of all Club kids, visitors should follow the Club's visitor procedures.

How will I know what is happening at my child's Club?

Your Club will communicate important information about schedules, activities, events, and changes. BGC-CV also shares news and updates through its website and social media channels.

Who do I contact if I have a question about my child's Club?

Start by contacting the Club your child attends. You may also contact the BGCCV administrative office at 706-596-9330.

Getting the Most From the Club

What makes Boys & Girls Clubs different from childcare?

BGC-CV is more than a place for young people to go after school. Our Clubs provide structured programming focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, leadership, personal development, and preparation for life and the workforce.

What can my child gain from being a Club kid?

Club kids have opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, improve academically, discover new interests, make positive friendships, explore careers, and prepare for their future.

How can I get involved as a parent or community member?

There are many ways to support BGCCV, including volunteering, mentoring, donating, sponsoring programs and events, providing career experiences, and becoming a community partner.

I still have a question. Who can I contact?

We're happy to help!

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley
1700 Buena Vista Road
Columbus, GA 31906
706-596-9330

If you have a question about a specific Club, program, registration, transportation, or schedule, please contact that Club directly.